Creative Ways To Upcycle Old Kitchen Items To Create Decor

When the sun is shining and the weather is warm, yard sales just seem to pop up on every block in my area.

The weekends are full of them.


Of course, I have no willpower when it comes to second hand treasures, so I basically stop at every one.

And head straight to the table with the kitchen supplies.

No, no, I'm no chef, I just find that kitchen items make the best upcycles.

Yup. Some of my most creative and treasured decor pieces are made from old rusty pans and scratched plates.

Over the years, I transformed too many to count, but here are some of my favorites.

Enjoy!

1. Bundt Pans

I've seen so many creative bundt pan upcycles, it makes me wish I baked a lot more. Alas, that's not my strong suit, so I have to rely on finding them at thrift stores.

Like this one I spotted for a $1.50. It was already white, so I didn't need to paint it. I just added a small chain and turned it into a hanging bird feeder. 

Not a fan of plain white paint? No worries, to doll those bundt pans up even more try adding a stencil or transfer. Just make sure to use an outdoor paint and sealer.

Other ideas? Well, I could make a hanging or tabletop planter. Or one that wraps around an umbrella pole on my patio table. In fall, I'd paint them orange to make pumpkins and in December, I'd turn them upside down to create a small Christmas tree base.

Looks like I need to start hunting a few more down.

2. Cookie Sheets

Cookie sheets tend to get pretty icky, pretty quickly. I do clean my regularly with either a baking soda/ vinegar paste or Cerama Bryte.

However, when they're done, I get crafty and turn them into decor...like this simple metal tray.


Quick, easy and useful.

If that's too boring for you, I've also added rice paper prints with decoupage to create charming cookie sheet holiday decor.


With or without the tray handles, metal cookie sheets make great vintage style artwork...especially if a little of that rusty patina shines through.

3. Glass Cutting Boards

I'll admit it, I'm slightly addicted to glass cutting boards makeovers. I honestly can't count how many I have on hand, waiting for their turn to be transformed.

And it all started back in 2018 with this thrifted glass cutting board makeover for fall.


Since then, I've added napkins to create a floral cutting board for spring/ summer and I used a smaller board to create a glass trivet for my harvest table.


And with a huge pile of these in my stash, you can bet they'll be more. 

4. Metal Spoons 

Old flatware is another frequent find and metal spoons are always cheap, cheap, cheap.

Now, don't tell the others, but this may be my favorite kitchen upcycle of all time.

These crafty Christmas ornament spoons were so easy to make and look so sweet on my tree, sometimes I just find myself staring at their delicate designs.


When I can bear to give a few away, I find they also make great hostess gifts, personalized table place cards and package decorations.

Best of all, they blend with any decor, since the napkins you choose will dictate their style for the most wonderful time of the year.

Spoons can also dress up your summer with some imagination. My spoon garden art is one example.


I have to admit, this one garnered a bit of negative attention when I first published it. Some people just didn't get it, but I stand by my design.

And if you're a junk style decorator, then you'll get it, too. They add a little sparkle to your pots and a hint of color before and after the flowers bloom...and what could be wrong with that?

5. Wooden Cutting Boards

I think wooden cutting boards are tied with metal trays when it comes to making easy bases for custom signs. You can paint, decoupage or stencil them.

Like I did with this farmhouse cutting board makeover.


What's even better is that wooden boards often come in neat shapes and lots of different sizes for a more interesting collection of wall art and decor.

Like these:

• Decoupage Rooster Cutting Board Makeover
• Cutting Board Makeover With Transfer
• Cutting Board To Raised Charcuterie Board
• Apple Shape Stenciled Cutting Board Sign 
  
• Wooden Cutting Board Upcycles For Fall

6. Dishes

Oh dishes, how I love you. Let me count the ways.

First and foremost, I love to repurpose them as simple artwork. Hang them up on a wall, as is and let their beauty shine. No crafty makeovers necessary.

Second, I can upcycle them in a million different ways for every holiday, celebration, season, room in my house and my yard. Clear glass dishes are especially fun to play with, since you can decoupage the back of them and actually use them on your table. 

Like this lovely lace doily plate DIY.


It literally makes me swoon.

Naturally, I have more.

• Vintage Easter Bunny Dish DIY (I LOVE this one!)
• Rustic Stenciled Chicken Plate
• Napkin Spring Bunny Plates
  
• Red Truck Christmas Decoupage Plate
• Merry Christmas Platter

7. Glasses 

Glass cups are another versatile group of throw aways that I collect.

They're cheap, readily available and easy to decorate for holidays or special occasions with decals...like the stemless wine glasses I made for Halloween.


I liked them so much I used the same process to make some for Valentine's Day and Thanksgiving. 

8. Ceramic or Glass Jars

Mason jars make great vases for summer floral arrangements on their own, but I can also get crafty and decorate them for my holiday tables. 

I actually used custom DIY stickers on mason jars and small glass milk jars for my Thanksgiving table one year.

Stunning.

I liked it so much I created another sticker covered mason jar for Easter. 

Here are a few more ways to use those old jars.

• Mason Jar Sugar Scrub
• Italian Prosperity Jar
• Tiny Milk Bottle Vases

9. Tea Cups 

Tea cups are very versatile. I'm sure you've seen them repurposed in so many ways.

They make great candle holders, whether you pop a battery operated votive or a DIY wax candle inside.

They also make creative party favors, pretty pin cushions, bird feeders, sewing supply or jewelry organizers. 

Or my favorite - tea cup planters. Like this tiny, delicate vintage one.


I've also made larger cup planters with transfers to decorate plain, less stylish ones.

Either way, I never met a tea cup I didn't like. 

10. Muffin Tins

I have to be honest, I really had to put my thinking cap on for this one, but oh boy, when it was done, I was blown away.


This junk styled votive holder muffin tin has since become one of my most treasured decor pieces.  

However, if candles aren't your gig, they also make creative succulent planters, floating flower holders, bird feeders, seed starters and more.

And if I sit here a little longer, I'm sure that list would grow.

Hmmm. But I think that's about it.

For now. 

However.

There are several yard sales in my neighborhood this weekend and chances are good that I'll find something else to add to the list.

And if I can't there's always my own kitchen cabinets to raid.

😉

How about you. Are you a kitchen upcycler? 

Happy Crafting, Friends!