Upcycled Crafts for Teens: 20 Fun Projects!

This post is all about the best upcycled crafts for teens – fun, creative projects that turn everyday junk into something totally cool.

If your teen loves DIY, loves crafting, or just needs something to do when bored, these ideas are perfect. From turning old t-shirts into trendy tote bags to transforming scrap fabric into colourful accessories, upcycling crafts are not only budget-friendly but also a great way to get creative and reduce waste.

We’ve rounded up the most inspiring, easy-to-follow crafts and projects that teens can do at home, with minimal mess and maximum fun.

Denim Bedside Organizer

This super easy sewing project is ideal for beginners! This tutorial will show you how to create a bedside organizer from some old jeans, perfect for storing all your bits and pieces in, and upcycling some old denim pockets.

Fabric Wrapped Bracelets

This is a quick and sweet little upcycle project to create some boho style fabric wrapped bracelets. Get some scrap fabric, get some friends round and get crafting! This is a great sleepover activity – who doesn’t like making bracelets?

Easy Knot Pillow

This gorgeous knot pillow is so easy to make! You will not believe how simple it is to make this trendy pillow knot design. This knot pillow DIY version costs a whole lot less than a store bought pillow knot and only takes about an hour to make, using some old tights and stuffing.

Cute Macrame Headband

You can craft this cute headband in less than an hour, making it a perfect gift for a friend or an accessory for yourself if you fancy wearing a unique piece. This step by step tutorial will show you how!

T Shirt Yarn Pencil Holder

This is a beginner-friendly crochet project which uses t-shirt yarn made from old t-shirts to make a pencil holder (or make up brush holder, small basket, or trinket holder). This step by step craft tutorial will show you how!

Tin Can Decoupage Project

You’ll never look at a tin can the same way again. It’s fun to repurpose something that usually gets thrown out as trash! Personalize them to match your decor – this is such an easy project!

DIY Coastal Mirror

Create a unique mirror for your home with this easy tutorial! You can use found objects and upcycled items to make this a virtually no-cost project (if you have some basic craft supplies to hand already that is!) or you can source the items you need from the dollar store or a local thrift store.

10 Minute Sock Pumpkins

Learn how to make these easy 10-Minute DIY sock pumpkins! All you need to make this cute fall craft is a sock, a needle & thread, doll needle, stuffing, and yarn. These sweet pumpkins are a quick craft that is great for making at sleepovers, parties or just for some seasonal fall decor on a budget!

You might also like DIY Fall Decor: 16 Recycled Projects

Easy Beaded Keychain

This is such an easy fun craft for teens to make! Using some old beads and macrame twine you can create unique keychains you and your friends will love.

DIY Mason Jar Craft

Make a super easy mason jar vase with this step by step decoupage tutorial. Mason jars are a wonderful blank canvas for all kinds of crafts and home décor ideas. Decorating a mason jar to use as a storage canister, vase, or centerpiece is easy and fun.

DIY Painted Mug

Painting your own mug is a fun and creative activity that teens will LOVE. This step by step tutorial will show you how to paint your own ceramic mug, ideal for gifting or for having your own personalized mug!

DIY Sweater Candle Cozy

You can jazz up an old jar or vase with a sweater sleeve or sock, adding cute embellishments to personalize your DIY candle sweater cozy however you wish. You’ll love how easy these little candle holders are to make! In just a few minutes, you can create something beautiful that looks amazing with a tea light glowing inside.

Easy Heart Cushion from Leftover Fleece

This quick and easy tutorial will show you how to make cute hearts from leftover fleece (or any other scrap fabric!). The basic principle is the same whether you want to make a cushion or a Christmas decoration!

Easy Sock Snowmen

Find out how to create adorable sock snowmen in minutes with this simple craft guide. They’re perfect for holiday decor or gift-giving and super-cute! This snowman activity is perfect for a December girly afternoon or a sleepover.

Check out 30+ Easy DIY Christmas Decor Ideas or DIY Christmas Ornaments: 24 Festive Projects to Try for more easy upcycled Christmas decorations.

Slouchy Hat From an Old Sweater

This is a really fun tutorial which will show you how to make a slouchy hat and some legwarmers from an old sweater. There are step by step instructions to show you how! Use thrift store sweaters, or old sweaters you already have, and you’ll have a cool new hat in no time!

Painted Glass Tumblers

These painted glass cups are a fun way to ring in the holiday season. Use them for Christmas or gift them to friends and family – either way, your creativity can shine. This easy tutorial will show you what materials you need and how to create your own painted glass tumblers.

Christmas Snowy Oui Jars

Make beautiful and elegant Christmas snowy Oui jars using this easy tutorial. You’ll learn the best adhesive, tips, and walk away with gorgeous, glistening jars for candles, treats, and more.

DIY Marble Mug

This is a super easy craft to use up all those old nail polishes you have lying around! Learn how to make a marble mug (and use the techniques to create other unique items!).

DIY Snowglobe

Make beautiful snow globes using the glass Oui jars (or any other kind of old jar) and add any miniatures to customize them. This easy holiday recycling DIY idea makes for a perfect craft activity for teens!

Easy Christmas Tin Can Planters

A fun festive way to use upcycle tin cans! This easy tutorial also uses a spare Christmas sock and shows you how to create a beautiful Christmas tin can planter, perfect for gifting.