Blue Jean Planter

 

Photo source:  Birdz of a Feather

This is the best version of this type of a jeans planter I have seen.  Most of us won't be able to duplicate their process (because of not having the equipment), but perhaps we could use our creativity to come up with another process.  This project can generate endless inspiration for many different projects.

This project is genius from Birdz of a Feather . . . check out the video to see how they created it and go to their website for more creative projects that will inspire you.

Thank you Birdz of a Feather for the inspiration!

How to Cut Up Old Jeans for Sewing & Upcycling Projects

 

Photo source:  Upcycle My Stuff

"Because I often repurpose my old jeans as handbags and quilts, people often ask me what the best way is to cut up old jeans. If you want to make sure you get the most useable denim out of your jeans for sewing and upcycling projects then this is the post for you!'  Comment from Upcycle My Stuff

I've never paid attention to how I cut up my jeans!  It is always good to have a plan to make the most of what up have.

Click here to go to the Upcycle My Stuff article.

Rag Rug Weaving Tutorial and Tips

 

Photo source:  The Country Farm Home

Denim rag rugs are so awesome, in my opinion.  I've wanted to make one for a long time, but never did.  It is something I really want to do in the future.

This pattern looks time consuming but easy enough if you follow the excellent instructions.

Click here to go to The Country Farm Home tutorial.

How To Make A Blue Jean Rug

 

Photo source:  https://www.notjustahousewife.net

"My finished rug measured approximately 6' x 7.5'. It took around 55 pairs of jeans to make! I cut the jeans into 2" strips, then ironed them like seam binding so that no raw edges would show (makes for a cleaner look) and I didn't want to sew them all and pull them right side out....that would take a lifetime!!) I then sewed them into fairly long strips (end to end) and started braiding then adding more strips as I went. I started to coil the rug and used outdoor upholstery thread (thought it would last longer and is very strong) to sew it all together. This was a huge project especially because of the finished size of the project...I would estimate that nearly 300 hours went into it...I hope it lasts a long long time!!"  Comment from Not Just A Housewife

For the longest time I have wanted to make this kind of jeans rug.  I don't think I have enough for that big one, but smaller is really what I want.

Click here to go to the Not Just A Housewife article.

DIY Denim Curtains

Denim recycling projects are among my favorites!  Love this concept, especially using waist bands for the curtain tabs.

Click here for the tutorial!  While you are there, check out all the other denim recycling projects . . . awesome website, Vicky Myers Creations, that I highly recommend.

DIY Denim Journal

Here is another DIY project featuring denim recycling!

Are you into journaling or love little notebooks for lists and ideas?  This is the perfect project for you, especially if you have an abundance of jeans in need of recycling projects like me.

Click here to go to the tutorial to make this cute journal from Life Made Creations.

DIY Maternity Jeans

Love the idea of converting an old pair of jeans into maternity jeans!

Use this tutorial as a guide . . .

DIY Woven Jeans Coaster

I love this idea, not only for this project, but as a way to make your own fabric for other projects (such as purses).

This project uses jeans seams that you probably have left over in your scrap stash from other denim jeans projects.  How cool is this concept?

Click here to go to the tutorial from Creating My Way to Success, a new discovery that has awesome projects!  Check it out . . .

DIY Shag Rag Rug

A simple yet tedious project with gorgeous results!  I think it would be worth the time and effort put into it.

This is one of those DIY projects I love that can utilize recycled items.  As usual, my thoughts immediate go to making one of these rugs out of denim. Also, I have seen curtains made out of open weave fabric that would work as the base.

Click here to go to the tutorial.  Check out the rest of Jessica's blog, My Love of Style, for more awesome and unique projects like this one!

DIY Printed Jeans

Fabric embellishment . . . one of my favorite things!

You would not believe how simple it is to create your own printed jeans.  

What awesome inspiration!  This method is not just for jeans . . . you can embellish t-shirts, fabric for purses, notebooks, canvas or tennis shoes . . . there are unlimited projects this technique can be used for.  

Click here for the tutorial.

Denim Jeans Mini Purse

What a cute little mini purse or belt pouch made from denim jeans legs!

Click on the link at the end of this post to go to the tutorial, which can be used as a guide.  I love the techniques used in the construction of the purse. 

The purse itself can be made fancier by using fabric embellishments, jewelry and buttons.

Let your imagination be your guide :)

Click here to go to the tutorial!

Denim Flip Flops

How cute are these denim flip flops to wear around the house?

The construction of these flip flops do not use shoe soles as a base, but it should not be too difficult to use an old pair of flip flops as a base.  You can use some of the other tutorials I have listed on this blog to see how to use recycle old flip flops.

Love this idea!  It has given me inspiration for many designs :)

Click here to go to the tutorial.

Potholder/Oven mitt

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Pot holders and oven mitts are one of the best projects for using up fabric scraps.  I don't know about you, but I can never have enough pot holders . . . they seem to disappear.

They also make great gifts when matched with coordinating napkins and placemats.

Don't you know I love using denim for these projects . . . so durable and strong!

I love the website About.com for learning how to do just about anything . . . click here for their tutorial!

DIY Denim Hair Accessories

Kara's creation shows what you can do with a dollar store item

Click here for tutorial

Always save the scraps left over from a denim project . . . you never know when you will be inspired to use the little pieces like buttons, snaps, labels, belt loops, seams for accessories to match those other projects.  I've also seen some awesome jewelry accessories made of denim scraps . . . that blog post is coming soon!

Click here for tutorial

Kasey glues belt loops to bobbie pins and clippies

Click here to go to her blog

The following photos are for inspiration only . . . they are denim hair accessories that are being sold and were listed to be sold at one time.  Click on the photo to go to the original website where they came from should you desire more information.

Great use of seams!

Look what else you can do with seams!

Hope these creations have given you some

 inspiration for your next denim project!

Denim organizer

What an awesome concept!  

This denim organizer was originally made to organize belts,

 but I'm thinking of all types of ideas, like a lingerie or

 jewelry organizer.  

The pockets can be designed using the denim waistband part

 that has the button closure or secure a specially designed

 denim flap with velcro.

How about using denim pockets for

 the various sections? 

So many ideas!  

Roll it up and store in your luggage for organizing all

 those little things you take on a trip.

Click here to go to the original blog post.

Follow Hong Kong Chic for an

 awesome array of inspiration!

Love this blog . . . and she participates in
 numerous linky parties too.

Denim Placemat

Denim refashioning and recycling 

is one of my favorite things!

Check out my latest find . . . a cute denim placemat . . . I just love the little pocket for silverware! Would be very cute to make denim napkins to match. 

Sorry, I have been unable to find a tutorial on how to make it, but if you are an experienced sewer, it doesn't seem to be very difficult.

Here is where I found the photo for some inspiration.  The article has many ideas for denim refashioning and recycling!

Crazy Quilt Denim Jacket

Recycling jeans is the favorite of my sewing/craft projects!

I did not make the jacket in the photo, but it sure did give me a ton of ideas for a future project!  I'm not a big fan of the crazy quilt technique since I like things to match, however, I was thinking of using the technique using scraps from the same pair of jeans.  Photo source

Another idea . . . make the jacket and run it through the washer a couple of times with bleach.  This will give you a blank canvas to do all sorts of artwork on.  

One of my favorite tricks . . . water down acrylic paint in a spray bottle . . . doesn't even need to be fabric paint.  Back when I was doing a lot of painting with fabric paints, I would use up the little bit of paint that is always left in the bottle for this method.  Crazy as it may seem, I would utilize the water I used to clean my brushes while I was painting for this method too.  Nothing goes to waste . . . I'm really frugal when it comes to using every little bit of craft supplies!

With fabric embellishment, you are only limited by your imagination!  If you love glitz like I do, you can use beads, sequins, rhinestones, studs, fringes . . . any type of trim.

Another thing I love to do is mix denim and lace!

Now that I have given you some inspiration, start cutting up those old jeans and create something fabulous!

Crocheted Denim Rag Bag

I love the idea of crocheting strips of denim, not only for this project, but for so many other projects.

Back in the day when I had a boutique, I would barter merchandise with my customers for their old jeans because of their versatility.  Being the pack rat that I am, I still have tubs and tubs of denim in my storage room waiting for me to be creative again.  So I am always looking for cool and unusual projects to keep in mind for the future when I finally get my craft room organized.

My idea would be to make the strips of denim crocheted into "fabric" so they are ready for future projects.

Several projects come to mind . . . rugs, pillows, applique for clothing, fabric for a jacket, blankets, hats . . . as well as purses . . . I could continue thinking and coming up with more and more projects!

Click here for the tutorial to make the purse or get the technique for how to crochet the denim strips together.