Most thrift stores have an impressive, if not overwhelming, selection of all things kitchen. Pots and pans, dishes, small appliances, and plenty of kitchen tools can be found cluttering the shelves. And while many can certainly be used just as they are, there are lots of upcycling opportunities for all those cooking implements. From garden decor to seasonal crafts and everything in between, these repurposed projects will have you hunting the thrifts for all the kitchen goodies.
Upcycled Whisks
Image credit: Color Me Thrifty.
I’ve only lived in one house that had a wooden fence, but I certainly decorated it while I had the chance. And boy, oh, boy- I wish I’d known about these garden butterflies that were made from whisks. Because I would have covered my fence with them!
Quirky Planters
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
As much as I love real houseplants, I don’t exactly have a great record at keeping them alive. So, “faux” is the way to go in our house. And look how cute a vintage sifter is as a “planter” for these felt succulents. See, that’s the great thing about fake plants- they can be potted in anything, including any number of cooking tools.
Stitching on Strainers
Image credit: House of Hawthornes.
The metal mesh on kitchen strainers (especially vintage ones) is an unusual but ideal surface for cross stitch like this. Plus, using a strainer gives your fiber craft dimension and an unexpected frame that is easy to hang.
Handy Note Holder
Image credit: Homeroad.
Maybe it’s my age, but I still make and use a lot of paper lists, notes, and appointment reminder cards on my desk. And if you’re the same way, then an upcycled note holder like this might be perfect for your desk or work space. Made from an old pastry blender, no less…
Molded Shower Melts
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
If you have sinus issues or chronic allergies, then you know how frustrating all that congestion can be. A hot shower combined with these all-natural shower melts truly makes a difference; between the steam and the essential oils, you’ll be breathing freely in no time at all. And they’re such a fantastic way to repurpose old food molds.
Cookie Spritz Ornaments
Image credit: Color Me Thrifty.
I don’t know if today’s bakers even use cookie presses anymore. Which means all those cute little discs are PERFECT for upcycling into DIY Christmas ornaments like these! I swear, there are SO MANY unique ways to upcycle kitchen tools, aren’t there?
Hanging Planter
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
An old colander from your kitchen is absolutely ideal as a planter, isn’t it? The straining holes act as built in drainage and the handles make it easy to hang from your front porch. The key to success is using the enameled versions which are sturdier but not too heavy to hang.
Wall Decor from Kitchen Tools
Image credit: House of Hawthornes.
Simple wall pockets filled with greenery are a delightfully chic way to add some freshness to your home. And in this case, an old funnel (kitchen or otherwise) is perfectly repurposed to hold a faux hanging plant. If I come across my mom’s old metal funnel, I’m DEFINITELY making one of these.
Recipe Card Clips
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
If you’re anything like me, then you might have a weakness for vintage kitchen tools. And the ones that can stand on their own- like these potato mashers with the chippy painted handles- are ideal for upcycling into recipe holders. And here’s hoping cooking from recipe cards never goes out of style completely, eh?
Decorative Flowers
Image credit: Color Me Thrifty.
Egg whisks are one of the rare kitchen tools that I don’t find very frequently while thrifting. But after seeing this idea for charming garden decor, I might just have to keep a sharper eye out! Because they are so whimsical and fun…and they’ll stay in bloom all season long.
Plant Markers
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Doing all the prep work for a fondue dinner sounds great in theory, but is quite the burden to take on. But don’t let those fondue forks go completely to waste! Because look how perfect they are as plant labels for your potted herbs?
Clever Holders
Image credit: Organized Clutter.
Admittedly, I’ve never seen a metal egg poacher like this one before. But look how charming it becomes as a clever holder for paper clips– or any number of things! I could see it as a ring holder on a dresser, as well.
Upcycled BBQ Forks
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Little garden signs are always a charming addition to your yard and garden, and making them couldn’t be easier. Believe it or not, but the stake for this one started out as a grilling fork from the thrift store!
Colander Centerpiece
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Not all colanders are created equal. Some have straining holes in decorative shapes, like stars. Which means they can be easily embroidered and turned into a festive centerpiece like this.
What a “Grate” Owl
Image credit: Sustain My Craft Habit.
Sometimes, you just need to create something whimsical and fun. And this friendly owl made from a cheese grater is an excellent way to craft away your doldrums. Time to start saving some jar lids for this upcycled craft…
Kitchen Tools as Magnets
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
As random as it sounds, my grandmother’s ancient nutmeg grater is one of my favorite treasures. She did a lot of baking and I love the warm aroma of spice, so maybe it’s not that bizarre a keepsake. But either way, I love to use it as a fridge magnet- either directly with a magnet or hanging on another magnet that I made from a salvaged spigot handle.
Rolling Pin Tree
Image credit: Organized Clutter.
Whenever I see a wooden rolling pin while thrifting, I imagine the pie crusts and cookie dough it lovingly worked on. But after seeing this idea for Christmas decor, it might be hard for me to NOT picture the beginnings of a Christmas tree.
Hanging Cat Scratcher
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Keeping scratchers around the house is a great form of enrichment (and furniture salvation!) for your kitties. And if you didn’t know you could make your own versions, you can- using a particularly old (and dull) kitchen tool! This one hangs and holds fishing pole toys to lure your little fluffball over for some scratching fun.
Upcycling All Those Kitchen Tools and Utensils
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Whether you grab a sifter, a whisk, wooden spoons, or something else entirely, there’s an upcycling idea out there for it. Because the possibilities are endless when it comes to repurposing kitchen tools and utensils! I hope one of these crafts has sparked an idea or two for you for your next thrifting run. And, don’t forget, I have collections of ideas for other kitchen items, as well:
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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