Old photograph upcycle inspiration

Last time we wrote, we had just announced our June project: old photographs upcycled. When we started this particular project, frankly, we found it difficult to find compelling ideas for these great old photos we have. This little walk down memory lane we’ve been taking has reminded us that our photographs have meaning, and just any old upcycle won’t do. We hoped to find something special to highlight our precious moments.

So this week, we did our best to break the internet open, and our craft toolbox, and uncover the best way to do just that. Read on to see what we came up with.

As always if you choose to try any of these upcycles, share your project with us in our thread:

PS. Read to the bottom to learn more about how you can 💲get paid 💲 to share your projects by writing articles for Peo Vee ✍️

Let’s get inspired

Featured artist: Cindy Steiler

Cindy Steiler's "Vestiges" collection showcases a series of intricate, evocative works created in 2018. Each piece in this collection captures a sense of nostalgia and memory, using a combination of textile art, embroidery, and photography. Steiler's work often explores themes of time, identity, and the ephemeral nature of human experience. The detailed craftsmanship and layered textures invite viewers to reflect on the remnants of the past and their lingering presence in the present.

For more details, you can visit the Vestiges collection.

Tin shrines

When we saw these adorable tin can shrines we knew we had to share them with you. These mini tin can shrines serve as personal altars and a way to honor the past. Each unique, decorative piece tells a story. Start with an empty tin can, and add embellishments like fabric, lace, and small trinkets to enhance the visual appeal. These shrines are perfect for displaying on shelves, as part of a gallery wall, or giving as heartfelt gifts.

Memory magnets

Old bottlecaps are just one way to create a base for a photo magnet. But you can also use silicon molds and pour resin to create magnets which don’t need a base. Although we strongly encourage projects which leverage waste rather than create from new. Photo magnets are not only a nice way to repurpose your now digitized photos, but they are a fun way to be regularly reminded of moments from your past.

Just display them

The most obvious answer to what upcycles can we make from old photographs? Don’t cut ‘em up, find a way to show them off! This article by Booth Crush reminded us that maybe we don’t need to destroy the photos to make them usable again. Maybe we need to simply find a crafty way to use them. Read the article to find a list of ways to take vintage ‘junk’ and upcycle it into photo holders.

Diversions: comic book upcycles

Take a break with us from old photographs to discover some other upcycle concepts… this week read our story by Molly about how a gift of 21 boxes of comic books led to this upcycle of children’s bedroom art, and a request for new ideas. Read on »

From the community:

Spotted by Marla, a real trash to treasure moment, this upcycled aluminum can tree was spotted in an online auction. See the full piece here »

Share your story and earn:

When we launched Peo Vee, we always imagined it being a contributors site, with articles and upcycle projects contributed by others. You may have noticed we have a few contributors who have been working with us over the last year (Rory, Wes, Deepa - many thanks). We’ve been thrilled to have them join us in exploring this idea. This week we’re excited to launch a new and exciting offer; share your project stories and get paid.

How it works:

• Work on an upcycle project

• Photograph it along the way

• Write a story about your experience, sharing tips and tricks, hacks, successes and failures

• Submit to Peo Vee for payment and publishing

Read the full details here and if you’re so inclined, submit your stories!

We hope this provides another way to not only earn off of your hobby, but also to inspire others.

In this together,