Ultimate Upcycling Contest

We asked you to use your imagination to create the winning project and be named Goodwill's Ultimate Upcycler ... The votes are in and we're pleased to announce the 2018 winners are Crystal L. and Ryan D.! We also have two honorable mention entries, Kelly S. and Brett M.! Congratulations to our winners and THANK YOU to all who entered! We hope you enter again next year!

Winner: Crystal L. – Upcycled Portable Make-up Vanity

“With an old wooden chest, a board, picture frame, mirror, office organizers, a can of paint, old chair wheels, a paint easel holder, and a lot of love and elbow grease I made a portable compact makeup vanity. I don't have a lot of space in my bedroom and this is the perfect size. Plus the wheels make it easy to move around from room to room. Just about everything, except the glitter in the paint, that was used to make this, came from my local Goodwill.”

Goodwill Ultimate Upcycling Contest Runner Up

Runner-up: Ryan D. – Upcycled Brass Jewelry

“Trash to treasure! A brass peacock plate from Goodwill is now a series of necklaces. Each piece is handsawn with a jewelers coping saw.”

Ultimate Upcycling Contest Honorable Mention - Brett M.

Ultimate Upcycling Contest Honorable Mention - Kelly S.

Honorable Mention: Brett M. – Upcycled Mason Jar Cigar Box Lamp

“A cigar box and Mason jar were used to create this upcycled lamp. Both were bought at Goodwill. The lighting components (lightbulb, socket, switch and wiring) were purchased new.”

Honorable Mention: Kelly S. – Upcycled TV Stand with Rulers

“I purchased an old TV stand at Goodwill and reimagined it with doors made from 20 yardsticks. It took some time to collect enough, and most came from Goodwill. I found a basket to hold remotes there, too.”

- See the full contest Rules & Guidelines now -

Here's our Top 20 entries for 2018!

(Click on an image to see more details.)

@literally_Lilly_ - Painted Jeans

My entry for the #goodwillultimateupcycling contest - I bought a pair of jeans and I painted them with acrylic paint and a fabric medium.

Ann E. - Teapot Yard decor

Teapot, cup, saucer and spoon.

Bernadette - Betsy - Denim Coasters

I created a set of coasters and a hot pad by upcycling a pair of denim jeans and a bed sheet I purchased at Goodwill. The designs were made by bleaching the denim. #GoodwillUltimateUpcycling

Brett M. - Cigar Box Mason Jar Lamp

A cigar box and Mason jar were used to create this upcycled lamp. Both were bought at Goodwill. The lighting components (lightbulb, socket, switch and wiring) were purchased new.

Charlotte T. - Wine Rack

The inspiration for this unique wine rack came from my families love of wine. The piece was created using items all purchased from Goodwill. Using pegboard as the base, candle holders as the wine bottle sleeves, metal peg hooks to display the wine glasses, and corks to spell out the word wine. Just accent with your favorite flavor and enjoy!

Christina P. - Elevated Cat Food Station

I made this elevated cat food station with a tea tray, kids book, plastic dishes, and sealer. It keeps the kitty's mess off floor and makes eating easier for her. She loves it.

Crystal L. - Portable Makeup Vanity

With an old wooden chest,a board, picture frame,mirror, office organizers, a can of paint, old chair wheels, a paint easel holder, and a lot of love and elbow grease I made a portable compact makeup vanity. I don't have a lot of space in my bedroom and this is the perfect size. Plus the wheels make it easy to move around from room to room. Just about everything, except the glitter in the paint, that was used to make this, came from my local Goodwill.

danadelions_birds - Tea Light Holder Vase Display

Had fun searching Goodwill @amazinggoodwill_ to come up with a unique upcycling idea ! Found this cute tea light holder (originally brown metal) which I painted to resemble birch branches and a pop of blue on the bird, along with these fun milk glass vases to create a table centerpiece that can hold fresh or artificial flowers???? I love making old or unwanted things new and fresh again!

Haley L. - Wine Bottle Holder Wall Decor

Wine bottle holder, mason jars, butterfly wall decoration.

Jeselle S. - Jackolope Jester

Jaxter the Jackolope Jester, born of Goodwill. Button-up top face, stuffed with bunny funfil, plaque mounted back, swirly ornament horns, pretty paper birth note, frilly scarf adorned. Faux taxidermy friend, not hunted but created.May he have your hearts, like mine, captivated.

Jody M. - Globe Lamp

To make this globe lamp, I used a globe ice bucket and a lamp that was in pieces. First, I fixed the lamp. Then, I drilled a hole through half of the globe and ran a new light socket through it to turn it into a world traveler themed lampshade. Everything was purchased at Goodwill except the electrical components.

Karen S. - Lady Bird Johnson

Where flowers bloom so does hope. -Lady Bird Johnson-

I am proud to present Ladybird. She is made from kitchen items including a grater, tongs and a variety of tart pans. I used a doll, a wreath and a candle holder as well. She is finished with lace fabric and some accessories. She was a delight to make.

Kelly S. - TV Stand Revamp

I purchased an old TV stand at Goodwill and reimagined it with doors made from 20 yardsticks. It took some time to collect enough, and most came from Goodwill. I found a basket to hold remotes there, too.

Kris D. - End Table Turned Cat Home

This end table was upcycled into a cozy home for the cat. Old picture frames filled with cat themed artwork, a blanket cut down and sewn to fit, an old silver serving dish turned upside down becomes a chandelier.

Laurie M. - Plate Flower

I call my entry a "plate flower." All of the dishes used to make the "flower" have been purchased from Goodwill. I make many of these throughout the summer. They have a piece of copper tubing on the back which sits over a rebar "stem." I sell them at art fairs in the area. They are quite popular. I spend a lot of time in several Goodwill stores searching for just the right glass pieces.

Maureen C. - Glassware Yard Decor

Glass plates, bowls, platters, vases, cups, glass beads, candleholders.

Rose P. - Leather Jacket Turned Purse

I found this great leather jacket at my local Goodwill, and I just knew it would make an excellent purse! I deconstructed the jacket, taking out the lining and removing the sleeves before cutting my pattern pieces from the leather. Then all I had to do was sew it up! Upcycling leather jackets into purses is my favorite way to breathe new life into an old item. #GoodwillUltimateUpcycling

Ryan D. - Brass Plate Turned Jewelry

Trash to treasure! A brass peacock plate from Goodwill is now a series of necklaces. Each piece is handsawn with a jewelers coping saw.

Teresa W. - Fairy Garden

It is a fairy garden. Made from a large metal bowl, a long candle holder, a large round candle holder and a large glass.

Thomas T. - Trivet from Corks and Picture frame

My Trivet / Hot Plate was made from an Oak Picture Frame, Wood TV Tray (cut to size), a Bag of used wine corks, a Scrabble word game, and a roll of 3/16 inch cork for backing. Other than glue, all materials were found at my local Goodwill store.