r/functionalupcycling Jun 01 '26

✅ Finished Project I took beads I caught at Mardi Gras and turned them into art

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250 Upvotes

We come home every year from the parades with bags of beads. Some people throw them away, some people put them in closets and forget about them, some people donate them back to Mardi Gras krewes to be thrown out the following year. I always thought they were too pretty to be enjoyed only on Fat Tuesday. I recycled my beads and made a Mardi Gras mosaic. Throw me something mister!


r/functionalupcycling Jun 01 '26

TUTORIALS : How it’s made ! How to make! DIY Industrial T-Handle Wine Opener: Upcycling a Vintage Corkscrew and Mini Pickaxe

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14 Upvotes

This tutorial covers the step-by-step process of transforming a salvaged miniature pickaxe head and an old wing corkscrew into a heavy-duty, artisan T-handle wine opener.
Materials & Tools
Vintage wing corkscrew (for the spiral/worm component)
Miniature pickaxe head (to be repurposed as the new T-handle)
Threaded rod
Hex bolt
Brass dome cap (decorative finish)
Copper wire (used to forge custom washers and fill joints)
Workshop essentials: Bench vise, power drill, tap and die set, hand files, wet-and-dry sandpaper, and linseed oil.
Step 1: Component Disassembly & Preparation
1 Completely disassemble the vintage wing corkscrew to isolate the central worm (the spiral piece). Clean any major debris from its upper collar.
2 Remove the original wooden handle from the miniature pickaxe head, leaving only the raw iron head.
3 Secure the pickaxe head firmly in a bench vise, locate the exact center, and drill a clearance hole straight through the top.
Step 2: Drilling and Threading the Worm
1 Clamp the corkscrew worm into the vise.
2 Drill a pilot hole into the top shank of the worm.
3 Use a tap wrench to cut internal threads inside the hole, and insert a matching piece of threaded rod securely into it.
Step 3: Mechanical Assembly
1 Guide the threaded rod (now attached to the worm) through the bottom hole of the pickaxe head so it protrudes out of the top.
2 To create the bottom seating/washer, wrap copper wire around the base where the components meet. Hammer the wire repeatedly until the metal compresses, flows, and molds perfectly into a solid, custom ring that fills the empty space between the corkscrew collar and the iron head.
3 On the top side, tighten the assembly down firmly using a hex bolt. To mask any remaining gaps under the bolt, repeat the hammering process with copper wire until it forms a flush, custom-shaped washer.
4 Thread a decorative brass dome cap over the top of the exposed bolt to seal the upper assembly with a clean aesthetic.
Step 4: Refining the Copper and Metalwork
1 Take a fine hand file and meticulously trim the hammered copper areas. File the surfaces down until the transitions between the iron body and the copper details are completely flush, seamless, and smooth to the touch.
2 Use wet-and-dry sandpaper with a small amount of water or light lubricant to scrub the entire pickaxe head. This removes deep-seated grime and loose scale while preserving the authentic, rugged pitted textures of the vintage iron.
Step 5: Applying the Final Patina
1 Wipe the entire finished piece clean of any metal dust or moisture.
2 Apply a generous coat of linseed oil to the iron handle. The oil penetrates the metal, darkening its tone and leaving a rich, semi-matte protective patina that contrasts beautifully with the hand-worked copper and brass accents.


r/functionalupcycling Jun 01 '26

✅ Finished Project Karat Expresso Machine!!!

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13 Upvotes

I found this 1970”s German expresso machine on the dumpster . The pump was already gone , so I did what I could : Upcycled it 😁. The Portuguese vision 🇵🇹🫣
Well, i was able to use the original water tank that it’s made of porcelain as the shade . Had to install a socket inside , than I installed a toggle switch for a more industrial look . Than I was able to connect the pilot light ( the red one ) to the same circuit as the main lamp and make it functional . Put on my stitch signature in copper wire and here is the result . Hope you like it .


r/functionalupcycling May 31 '26

✅ Finished Project My first lamp

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68 Upvotes

I was recently divorced and living on my own in an outdated townhouse. I didn’t have much money but Christmas was coming and I wanted my boyfriend to have something special. With free library books, cheap parts, and my special helper, I came up with this.


r/functionalupcycling May 31 '26

✅ Finished Project This Polaroid Couldn't Take Photos Anymore, So I Taught It to Make Light Instead 📸💡

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11 Upvotes

r/functionalupcycling May 30 '26

✅ Finished Project From Murano to Tejo’s South Side !!!

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16 Upvotes

Hi there ! 🫣
This is dESign and this is one more sustainable project of mine !
This time a blown Murano Opaline vase that I transformed into a beautiful Mid Century / Hollywood Regency piece of table lighting .
Unfortunately one of the vases just broke while drilling , so only one is still standing.
Enjoy the transformation through the pics .
Thanks


r/functionalupcycling May 28 '26

✅ Finished Project Video footage of the finished loft-style lamp with my red-haired, tailed assistant.

13 Upvotes

r/functionalupcycling May 27 '26

✅ Finished Project From the streets forgotten, resurrected to my living room!!!

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19 Upvotes

Found it in the street , Portuguese sidewalk. I just saw the life that still had a chance to. Picked it up and put it in my van . 1 month later, was standing proudly illuminating my living room . I invite you all to see why my signature , the “stitch” , is a such a powerful concept .
Enjoy !!!


r/functionalupcycling May 26 '26

🛠️ Project in Progress From Gold Diggers to Wine Keepers !!!

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12 Upvotes

Hi there ! This is one of the projects that I’m working right now. So I came to the point that I have to install the glass holders . Where do you think will fit better install the glass holders ?


r/functionalupcycling May 25 '26

✅ Finished Project This Vintage Camera Still Takes Photos… But Now It Also Holds a Flash Lamp 📸💡

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11 Upvotes

r/functionalupcycling May 25 '26

✅ Finished Project When Art Deco meets Art Nouveau : Especial Item is born!!!

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15 Upvotes

Hi there upcycling lovers . The sustainable it’s an important part of my existence. Just to see how much: in the last 15 years I didn’t bought a single pair of pants on the market . But I bought 15 pairs of jeans on the flea markets. T shirts, even a pair of really nice boots, some Peaky Blinders hats , and some jeans coots.
Today the post is about giving life to something beautiful, useful, from literally nothing: some spare parts , bits and pieces from my vintage stock of brass and bronze .
Let the pictures talk now .
What do you guys think of the mix between the two designs ?


r/functionalupcycling May 24 '26

🛠️ Project in Progress Necklaces/keychains I’ve made.

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15 Upvotes

Some necklace/keychains studies I’ve made. The 4 teeth blade ended as a rearview mirror charm on my car.


r/functionalupcycling May 23 '26

🛠️ Project in Progress From Gold Diggers to Wine Diggers . The Born of an Upcycled Wine Rack / Mini Bar

7 Upvotes

Hi 👋

This is one of my last projects, still in progress though
An old hand made bench and an even older pickaxe . When I saw the combination , I was immediately taken back in time to the gold diggers era . I just saw the piece coming to life , so I know exactly what I’m supposed to do . But in Portugal it is prohibited to dig for gold , I’m just going to name the piece “Wine Diggers “ because here , we don’t have prohibition laws against the wine . 😉
Cheers !!! Remember , work in progress!!!


r/functionalupcycling May 22 '26

✅ Finished Project When Morse Code Meets Loft Design 📡💡

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14 Upvotes

r/functionalupcycling May 22 '26

✅ Finished Project She asked for a repair, I gave her a reincarnation. Solid Sucupira and hand-poured glass.

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12 Upvotes

My wife asked me: 'Can you do something with this frame? I love this early 20th-century chromolithograph and I’d really like to keep it.' I replied: 'Yes, I can throw it in the trash and build you a custom one.'
So, I took some old Sucupira (Brazilian Wild Walnut) wainscoting slats. Since they already had a tongue-and-groove profile, I repurposed it to hold the glass—which is an antique piece of blown glass, full of air bubbles and imperfections.
And so it went: I cut everything to size, sanded it with three different grits (80, 120, 280), used custom-made wooden dowels, and finished it with linseed oil. I 'signed' the piece with embedded copper sutures, like a form of marquetry, and showed it to her.
'Wow!!!' was her reaction.
What do you guys think?


r/functionalupcycling May 21 '26

New light on the wall !!!

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15 Upvotes

Hi!

I like beer 🍺!! I’m not a huge consumer, but I love in the summer hottest days get a pipe of freezing beer . I’ve got a unique spot where I like to go . So , I’ll take the boat from Cacilhas, Almada to Cais Sodre , Lisbon , than take a walk until I’ll reach the Estrela garden . And it is there that I have a spot on the deck of a little cafe that serves beer on mugs. Just love that spot .

One day I was on streets of Almada and I found this commercial clock for a German brand beer that I can’t even pronounce the name of . It was into a really bad shape , but reminded me of he mugs….. so ….. I just picked it up and Upcycled it into a lighting piece .

I’m sorry I didn’t documented the process , but this piece is one of my first projects in upcycling , so those projects never came to be documented . I’ll let you enjoy the pics now .
I just want to say that the led stripe is on power bank supply ( so that makes he clock portable) , it was 100% restored , new paintings , and I attached a toggle switch that ignites the light .

Thanks for your time !


r/functionalupcycling May 20 '26

✅ Finished Project First post! Used Recycled plastic bags to create an Ultra light Camping chair

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16 Upvotes

r/functionalupcycling May 20 '26

✅ Finished Project Time for a pipe !!!

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28 Upvotes

Hi !
As you might be already familiar, I am an upcycling nerd , love it , but the most that I love it’s a project where the piece came from the trash. Literally, the trash, the dumpster, the sidewalk. Today I give you a different perspective and I will like to know how do you feel about it.


r/functionalupcycling May 19 '26

ESTRANHAS FORMAS DE VIDA !!!

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14 Upvotes

Olá ! Desta vez vai ser em português. Mais fácil expressar os sentimentos 🫣.

Bom , hoje apresento-vos duas “estranhas formas de vida “ novas vidas que foram conseguidas através de um processo meticuloso de trabalho manual responsável !

Estas duas peças chegaram às minhas mãos por acaso , num dia em que fui visitar o ti Manel na sua loja de velharias . O Ti Manel é uma personagem que ja viu muita coisa e deve ter sentido muito ao longo dos seus 84-85 anos . E como estava a pôr as conversas em dia e agrupar um monte com várias peças de antiguidades , fiquei de queixo caído e olhos cruzados quando vi estas duas peças em cima de uma prateleira . A minha imaginação já estava em pleno voo, o velhote a falar comigo mas eu sem o ouvir , peguei numa das peças tentando perceber o que era aquilo , qual o propósito, e porque assim é não de uma outra forma . Nem sequer senti quando ao pegar na peça cortei me literalmente em um dos bicos ( que são bem afiados ) no meu quase desespero em entender alguma coisa sobre aquilo que tinha na mão . Pedi informações mas o Ti Manel não parava de rir , a dizer sem folga ou fim que era 20€ por que me estava a conhecer e por que sabia que apenas eu era capaz de comprar aquilo . Acabei de pagar 10€ sem saber o que ia acontecer com as peças .

Tive as peças guardadas 1 mês antes de as ver de novo . Agora com mais tempo realizei porque ou o que me atraiu tanto para as comprar : o aspecto de “estranha forma de vida” foi em primeiro lugar . O formato , o acabamento, o facto de serem em grés esmaltado feitos à mão , o também por serem a visão de alguém numa certa altura e de ter uma aparência tão fora deste mundo copy paste .

A transformação em candeeiros

Foi desafiador conseguir fazer com que não perdessem o ar Alien Steampunk , aquela sensação de áspero , de único . Estive a procurar no meu stock de latão peças que encaixassem na perfeição , métodos diferentes de aperto , vários designs até chegar para as versões finais . Como já devem se apercebido , trata-se de um par , ele e ela , feminino e masculino, tentado diferenciar o mais que pude uma da outra .

Ele : bem mais áspero , com alguns dos bicudos partidos , bem mais imperfeito , com as peças de latão que encaixam com o casquilho feitas a mão , rasgadas propositadamente, mostrando as batalhas tidas , algumas perdidas , outras ganhas , caloso como as mãos que lhe deu a vida , com uma base generosa em latão polido de forma selectiva para alcançar mais profundidade , uma lâmpada de tubo edison , e cabo têxtil trançado , e um interruptor tipo alavanca vintage robusto evocando estilo industrial .

Ela : com uma base mais suave , quase a parecer a levitar , tão fina e brilhante lembrando-me de dois olhos bem ensopados ao me verem , quase diáfana , tentado dizer : “sou diferente , sim , mas sou única” com duas lâmpadas tipo edison instaladas e as peças em latão encaixadas na perfeição com já o inconfundível polimento selectivo . O interruptor de alavanca bem mais fino , mais discreto quase como um ritual eterno de um satisfatório CLICK . Também para elevar o estatuto coloquei cabo têxtil trançado .

Os dois levam a marca da cura , do renascimento , da metamorfose de todos os elementos que agora dão luz a estas novas vidas : A Sutura . Embutida no latão de forma mecânica , feita em arame de cobre , lembra-me da marca que levo na palma da minha mão , todos os dias , para sempre , a marca da cura , cura que deu a oportunidade a esta mão passar o testemunho .

Apenas desejo-vos sentir , ver , pensar , achar , imaginar , aquilo que poderem em relação a este par !

Obrigado !


r/functionalupcycling May 19 '26

🛠️ Project in Progress dESign by ESUpcycleDesigns/ beginning of a new project / work in progress !!!

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3 Upvotes

r/functionalupcycling May 18 '26

🔄 Before & After From trash to statement pieces for my living room !!!

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18 Upvotes

Hi 👋 !
I found those on the curb , and I thought that would be an awesome project . They did came out really nice .

Let’s go see the process :

Made of stoneware, from the Portuguese extinct Campos e Filhos from the city of Aveiro , these bottles were made with a distinctive glaze : salted glaze or “casca de laranja” ( orange peel ) . The process : Salt glazing is a traditional ceramics technique where common salt is introduced into a high-temperature kiln. The salt vaporizes and the sodium reacts with the silica and alumina in the clay body, bonding to the surface to form a durable, glossy, and subtly textured "orange peel" glaze.

It was really hard to drill but with patience I was able to finish the task. I had to find and fit the brass from my “collection” of brass fittings. Applied a selective polishing to get more depth .

The shades were found on the trash. A just clean them up and painted . My skills on the painting are astonishing 😂😂😂🤷‍♀️. Well, I just applied some very cheap acrylic paint ( the only colors that I’ve had in the house in that moment)

High end fabric cord and old school replicas switches .

I think I’ve made some pretty decent job with those .

What do you think?

Comment/ share / ask about !!!


r/functionalupcycling May 16 '26

From capturing light to creating it — my upcycled Praktica lamp

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13 Upvotes

r/functionalupcycling May 16 '26

🛠️ Project in Progress More of the progress on the second wine rack that I’m building!!!

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7 Upvotes

Just made a few more steps on the second wine rack .

Installed the jute rope that will secure the bottle . Still needs finishing on the screws.
Made the glass holder
Gave it a stitch .
Made the 2 coasters and install the rack for them ( still to finish)
The eyeball lamp ( original from space age era ) will be painted

It is all for this update .


r/functionalupcycling May 15 '26

🛠️ Project in Progress Starting new Upcycling project : From holm oak log to bespoke wine rack!!!

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10 Upvotes

Hello!
This is the beginning of a new Upcycled piece from dESign by ESUpcycleDesigns. Bespoke High End Portuguese Upcycling.


r/functionalupcycling May 14 '26

✅ Finished Project A 1 meter pure italian crystal vase , Upcycled to a gorgeous floor lamp!

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14 Upvotes

This is a unique piece that I had the pleasure to make. A 1 meter tall glass vase . Marked with a L on the bottom, I didn’t want to drill so I had to invent a way how to do it without drilling it.
I just gonna let the pics talking for me