As you know, some thrift stores are absolutely overrun with clothing. But the same can be said for accessories, such as bags, shoes, scarves, and yes- belts. Leather belts, woven belts, the silky ribbon kind- men’s and women’s. And I don’t know about you, but I just don’t wear that many belts these days! But I love them for various craft projects- there’s a surprising number of ways to upcycle them. Let me show you a few of my favorite repurposed projects with them, in case you’d like some inspiration.
Plant Hanger
Image credit: Beyond the Picket Fence.
Leather belts are one of my favorite things to find at thrift stores. They’re such a cheap source of leather for any number of craft projects, but this plant hanger might be my new favorite. Isn’t it so fabulous with its cool, boho style?
Decanter Tags from Leather Belts
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Perfect for a home bar or bar cart, these leather decanter tags started out as a leather belt. But with some alphabet stamps, a leather punch, and some metal fittings, it’s easy to make an entire set of tags for your bar.
Decorative Handles
Image credit: Petticoat Junktion.
Trays and crates are an essential home accent for many of us, especially on coffee tables and such. But adding decorative handles from leather belts really puts them in a class by themselves.
Cool Cuffs
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Find an embellished leather belt at the thrift store or have one you adore but can no longer wear? DIY leather cuffs from belts is such a fabulous way to extend their life in a new, stylish way. Easy to make with a few leather crafting tools, you can showcase the prettiest parts of the belt and custom-make them to size.
When I had an active Etsy shop, I made a LOT of these leather cuffs and sold them all. But I never published a tutorial on my blog; should I do that soon?
Organizing Scarves
Image credit: Beyond the Picket Fence.
There’s something poetic about creating an accessory organizer from another accessory. Which is probably why I love this DIY scarf hanger made from leather belts so much. And I could really use something like this in my own closet, too!
Fresh Embellishments
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Speaking of accessories with accessories…
Creating new accessories from old accessories sounds a little crazy, but trust me when I tell you it’s brilliant. Ribbon belts often come with a pair of shorts from the store, but most of them end up in clothing donation piles. But look how fun they are as embellishments on otherwise plain accessories like tote bags and hats!
Dresser Mat
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Looking to protect the top of your dresser from things that scratch and scuff? Stringing together a series of leather belts from the thrift store is a great way to create a durable and stylish dresser mat.
This is an old project of mine from the earliest blogging days and I took down the tutorial ages ago. But my husband still uses this on top of his dresser!
Cuffs with Pizazz
Image credit: Hunt & Host/Salvaged Living.
First, I showed you how pretty a tooled leather belt can be as a cuff. But what about smooth and plain leather belts as cuffs? For those, adding a vintage brooch is a game changer and so easy to do!
Belts as Wreath Hangers
Image credit: Petticoat Junktion.
Upcyclers- myself included- love turning unusual things into wreaths and door decor. But hanging those quirky pieces can sometimes be a challenge. However, I need to file this idea away, because belts are a fantastic idea when upcycled into a hanging mechanism like this!
Mason Jar Lantern
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
There are loads of craft projects to make with mason jars, and there are quite a few you can make with leather belts. So, why not combine the two into a DIY lantern project like this? And while it’s not a hangable lantern and should instead sit on a table, it’s still a fun upcycling project that is easier to make than you may think.
Wrapped Candles
Image credit: Jennifer Rizzo Home & Studio.
Just in time for Fall crafting, these wrapped candles blend two different textures seamlessly. The combination of burlap and leather belts (using the hardware!) is just gorgeous for cozy, rustic autumn decor.
Rustic Crate
Image credit: My Repurposed Life.
Here’s a fun way to jazz up a storage crate. And it’s a great way to upcycle numerous leather belts in one project! I love how clean the lines are, giving this crate a rustic but elegant look.
Straps from Belts
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
You know those woven belts that often come free with cargo or casual shorts? They’re not all that special, as-is, but that makes them ideal for craft projects. In this case, I thrifted one to attach to this vintage canteen as a makeshift strap. And it worked out perfectly, and really completed the look I was going for.
Basket Decor
Image credit: My Repurposed Life.
A plain basket is ideal for embellishing with a leather belt– either decoratively or functionally by using it as a handle.
Hanging Memo Board
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
This quirky little memo board upcycles three things: wine corks, a vintage pie tin, and yes- a leather belt. Because beat-up belts really are perfect when upcycled into hangers for all sorts of things.
Plant Tags
Image credit: Salvaged Living/Kim Pepper Blog.
Here’s a fun way to upcycle an old belt or two and pair it with your flower pots. Whether you turn them into plant labels to help you remember which is which, or just add inspiring tags, leather belts add great texture against a terracotta pot.
Wall Sconces with Belts
Image credit: Beyond the Picket Fence.
For all the mason jar lovers out there- and I know there are lots of you- this project is right up your alley. From the reclaimed wood to the jar of flowers to the leather belt brace, this upcycle project brings a LOT to the table.
Vase Decorations
Image credit: Petticoat Junktion.
Last but not least, a fun and easy upcycle idea for all the fabric belts and skinny belts you find at thrift stores. Aren’t they a fun way to add whimsy to an otherwise plain glass vase?
Upcycling and Crafting with Belts
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods, Beyond the Picket Fence, and Petticoat Junktion.
What did I tell you? Belts are SO versatile when it comes to upcycling, and there are some marvelous ways to repurpose them. From creating new accessories to organizers, home accents and gifts, belts are full of potential. Whether they come from your own closet or the thrift store, I hope this collection has given you all sorts of creative inspiration.
Craft on!
S
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Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
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