Creative Geniuses With Expert Upcycling Skills

This round-up of 10 makers is bound to inspire you, whether you're interested in reclaimed materials, remodels, upcycled furniture, or crafts for all ages.

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May 04, 2017

By: Emily Fazio

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Alex Gernier of Doorman Designs

The New Orleans artisan creates heirloom-worthy furniture from reclaimed wood and other unique findings in his community. Learn more about Doorman Designs, and why Alex has been named a Creative Genius on Made + Remade.

Alex Gernier of Doorman Designs

Alex put to use reclaimed wood and wrought iron to create this piety desk. Much of the weathered lumber he uses is obtained from water-damaged buildings on the brink of demolition in his hometown of New Orleans. Learn more about his inspiration in his Creative Genius feature article.

Alex Gernier of Doorman Designs

An ikat headboard incorporating upcycled wood from Alex Geriner's Doorman Designs becomes an heirloom-quality piece of furniture that can be treasured for generations. Learn more about Alex's inspiration in this Creative Genius article.

Corey Decker of Sawdust2Stitches.com

Corey's the type of maker that many aspire to be. We think you'll be amazed at her ability to flip an old, ordinary dresser vertical, turning it into a beautiful and unique storage unit. See the full tutorial on her blog, Sawdust2Stitches.com.

Corey Decker of Sawdust2Stitches.com

Corey's in-depth tutorial shows you the before photos, and walks you through the process of upcycling an old dresser into a unique storage feature for your home. You can find more inspiration for DIY upcycled furniture and home decor on her blog, Sawdust2Stitches.com.

The Salvage Dawgs

Mike Whiteside and Robert Kulp carry horse beams for a head board to be built at Black Dog Salvage, as seen on DIY Network's original series Salvage Dawgs.

The Salvage Dawgs

Horse beams find new life in a new headboard piece created at Black Dog Salvage. You can read a full interview with this team on DIY Network's blog Made + Remade.

Mindi Carwin of MyLove2Create.com

Mindi Carwin offers tutorials dedicated to helping DIYers repurpose thrifty finds and create new, useful items for the home. You can see a few projects here, and more on her blog, MyLove2Create.com.

Mindi Carwin of MyLove2Create.com

Tired of that old metal dog crate? Mindi has a stylish solution that makes good use of a damaged or old baby crib, and we're inspired by her ability to make a pet crate that looks good in the home! Learn how to make one yourself by following Mindi's full tutorial on MyLove2Create.com.

Mindi Carwin of MyLove2Create.com

With a little creativity, Mindi Carwin puts to use a single drawer into a vertical cabinet with a door that would be perfect for containing items in a small entryway, bathroom, or kitchen. Got a drawer? We think you'll like her full tutorial on MyLove2Create.com.

Blair Stocker, Author of Wise Craft

Wise Craft is one of our favorite books on creative upcycling, and author Blair Stocker's vision will help you transform your home with rich, desirable projects from season to season. She's already a Made + Remade Creative Genius, and you can learn more about her in this article.

Blair Stocker, Author of Wise Craft

The classiest paperweights we ever did see. In her book, Wise Craft, Blair Stocker shares a tutorial on how to make your own leather-covered rocks. To get your own copy of her book, visit her website at WisecraftHandmade.com.

Blair Stocker, Author of Wise Craft

Perfect for small-space dwellers and makers of all types, this cross-stitched Christmas tree is made on pegboard. You can learn how Blair Stocker made it, and get other holiday craft inspiration in her book, Wise Craft.

Sad Lumberjack Co.

Inspired by their love of trees, Sad Lumberjack reuses old, upcycled wood to create their handcrafted longboards and skateboards. Meet the makers behind the brand here, and learn more about what drives their passion.

Sad Lumberjack Co.

Sad Lumberjack salvages anything wooden, from old siding to pallets to damaged fences. Their appreciation for the unique and reclaimed really stands out in their finished product, which you'll see on the next slide.

Sad Lumberjack Co.

Longboards, skateboards, wall hooks (and t-shirts) are some of the items you'll find for sale on the Sad Lumberjack website. Keep an eye out, as their handcrafted products are truly one-of-a-kind.

Ruthie Collins and Amelia Earstream

Country singer Ruthie Collins purchased and completely remodeled an Airstream trailer for traveling tour needs. Her love of all things vintage and handmade is shown in the Airstream's remodel, and extends to an online series of 30-second DIY projects. You can learn more about Ruthie on her website RuthieCollinsMusic.com

Ruthie Collins and Amelia Earstream

These days, the renovated Airstream accompanies Ruthie and her band to events, serving as a memorable, branded accessory to her tour, and a unique venue that can be rented for small public and private performances. Learn more about the Airstream's renovation here.

Joanne Palmisano of Salvage Secrets Design

Joanne has a keen eye when it comes to sourcing salvage, and she has put her talents to work in preparing 50+ creative tutorials on DIY Network.

A skilled interior designer, stylist, and author, you can learn more about Joanne on her website, JoannePalmisano.com.

Joanne Palmisano of Salvage Secrets Design

You're bound to like how she turned old bottles into picture frames and appreciate her ability to upcycle a toy tugboat into a lamp. Some of our favorite projects are featured in her videos, such as the dresser turned into a bathroom vanity, the kitchen island facelift, and her reclaimed farmhouse table.

Amanda Formaro of CraftsByAmanda.com

Best known for CraftsByAmanda.com, Amanda Formaro works to inspire makers both young and old. Many tutorials are intended to appeal to school-aged children, but she also offers inspiration for advanced crafters.

Amanda Formaro of CraftsByAmanda.com

Amanda Formaro's talents don't stop here, but these customized plates and bowls are one of my favorite projects. You can see a tutorial on how to make these farm animal bowls yourself on her blog, CraftsByAmanda.com.

Meg Allan Cole

Crafter extraordinaire and long-time contributor to the world of online crafting, Meg Allan Cole is all about cool upcycles, cool crafts, cool design, and dogs. We think you'll find infinite inspiration in her work for HGTV, and there's a lot of additional fun stuff to be found in her video series on YouTube.

In God We Must

Atlanta-based creatives Matt Mulkey and Elijah Richards create custom jewelry using vintage American coins. You can read a full interview with them on DIY Network's blog Made + Remade.

In God We Must

Rocking a serious steam punk-meets-nostalgia-meets-Americana vibe, the Atlanta-based comany In God We Must uses pennies, buffalo nickels, and state quarters to make handsome rings, necklaces and cufflinks. See available products in the online store at igwm.co.

In God We Must

Wondering if it's illegal to turn coins into rings like this? The shop owners discuss that and more in this interview on Made + Remade. After that, check out more available products in the online store at igwm.co.

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Photo By: Doorman Designs/Kris Davidson

Photo By: Doorman Designs

Photo By: Doorman Designs/Kris Davidson

Photo By: charleskaszytski

Photo By: David Crawford/In God We Must

Don't Miss:

Don't Miss:

Creative Geniuses With Expert Upcycling Skills

Related To:

Alex Gernier of Doorman Designs

Alex Gernier of Doorman Designs

Alex Gernier of Doorman Designs

Corey Decker of Sawdust2Stitches.com

Corey Decker of Sawdust2Stitches.com

The Salvage Dawgs

The Salvage Dawgs

Mindi Carwin of MyLove2Create.com

Mindi Carwin of MyLove2Create.com

Mindi Carwin of MyLove2Create.com

Blair Stocker, Author of Wise Craft

Blair Stocker, Author of Wise Craft

Blair Stocker, Author of Wise Craft

Sad Lumberjack Co.

Sad Lumberjack Co.

Sad Lumberjack Co.

Ruthie Collins and Amelia Earstream

Ruthie Collins and Amelia Earstream

Joanne Palmisano of Salvage Secrets Design

Joanne Palmisano of Salvage Secrets Design

Amanda Formaro of CraftsByAmanda.com

Amanda Formaro of CraftsByAmanda.com

Meg Allan Cole

In God We Must

In God We Must

In God We Must

Shop This Look