Yeah.  That’s what I just said.  Upcycling is basically a fancy term for taking old things such as shirts, milk cartons, tables, chairs, or anything you can think of and turning them into something else.  Just when I thought I found a brand new word google had to go and knock me back down to reality.  Upcycling even has its own wiki page (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upcycle)!  It really got me thinking about all of the old crap I have lying around the house and what I could do with it.  I found some great tutorials with some interesting ideas for this concept.  Below are my favorites so far.

 

Cups from recycled water bottles.  This one sort of freaked me out at first but it does make sense.  I don’t suggest going dumpster diving for this one but it is a different idea to say the least.  http://www.instructables.com/id/High_Quality_Cups_from_Recycled_Water_Bottles/

Milk carton CD case.  Are you kidding me?  This is absolutely awesome.  I tried to make one earlier today but mine was not near as fancy.

https://www.andrew.cmu.edu/user/tetani/upcycleart/htmls/cdcase.html 

Milk Carton Wallet.  I have a feeling I might be toting one of these around pretty soon.  This has “will play for food” written all over it.  

https://www.andrew.cmu.edu/user/tetani/upcycleart/htmls/wallet.html

Glowing toilet plunger lamp.  I can say without a doubt I will never have one of these in my house but the creativity behind this is pretty interesting and umm, gross.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Upcycled_glowing_Toilet_plunger_Lamp/

Guitar and music stand from old crutches.  I am seriously tempted to start using something like this at my shows.  Besides.  If someone sprains an ankle it is always good to be prepared.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Music_and_Guitar_Stand_Upcycled_from_old_wooden_Cr/

This inspires me to go make a milk carton lunch box.  I need something to carry cds around in and I think I found the solution!