15 Bizarre DIY Trends from the Past
Do-it-yourself projects have always been a fun way to express creativity, but some past trends went far beyond the usual crafts. People used their imagination in strange and unexpected ways, often creating things that raised more questions than compliments. From fashion disasters to oddball home décor, these DIY ideas were memorable for all the wrong reasons.
- Tricia Quitales
- 6 min read
DIY culture has produced some wild ideas over the years, especially in decades when experimentation was at its peak. This article explores 15 bizarre DIY trends that once captured people’s attention, even if only for a short time. Each one reveals something about the social mood, popular styles, or just plain quirky thinking of its era. Some trends were harmless fun, while others left lasting confusion. While most have faded, their charm still lives on as odd relics of creative history.
1. Toilet Paper Roll Wall Art
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People used empty toilet paper rolls to create wall decorations that looked like ironwork. They would cut and shape the cardboard into flowers and patterns, then spray paint them black or gold. At first glance, it seemed like metal art until you looked closer. It was cheap, creative, and oddly popular in home décor blogs. Looking back, it’s hard to ignore the fact that the artwork was made from bathroom trash.
2. CD Mosaic Tables
Rim Jom on Pexels
Old CDs were broken into shiny pieces and glued to tabletops to make DIY mosaic art. It looked futuristic in a glittery kind of way, especially under light. The sharp edges and cracked discs were often a hazard during the crafting process. Many people also covered picture frames or mirrors with the same technique. These tables looked cool but scratched easily and didn’t last long.
3. Jeans Turned into Denim Planters
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Worn-out jeans were stuffed and shaped into human-like legs, then turned into planters. Flowers would grow from the waist as if sprouting from a person. Some people even added shoes to complete the look. It was undoubtedly creative, but it looked out of place in gardens and patios. Denim doesn’t age well outside, making this trend both weird and messy over time.
4. Sweater-Covered Plant Pots
Evellyn Cardoso on Pexels
People wrapped plant pots in old sweaters to make them cozy and cute. While the idea was to bring warmth and softness to cold planters, it had a few flaws. Watering the plants often soaked the fabric, leading to mold. Still, the trend caught on during colder months and was featured on numerous DIY boards. They were adorable for photos but impractical for long-term use.
5. Plastic Spoon Chandeliers
Pixabay on Pexels
Thousands of plastic spoons were cut and glued to make fake crystal chandeliers. They were usually spray-painted white or metallic to mimic fancy light fixtures. The process was time-consuming and very sticky. Hanging them was a challenge, and the results often smelled like glue. These creations looked elegant from a distance but screamed “cafeteria craft” up close.
6. Pencil Crayon Jewelry
Cup of Couple on Pexels
Color pencils were cut into slices or beads and turned into necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. The colorful look was eye-catching and fun, especially for art lovers. However, wearing chunks of pencils could be heavy and uncomfortable. Some even broke apart during daily use. It was a trend full of color but not very wearable in real life.
7. Cork Bath Mats
Andrew Schwark on Pexels
Wine corks were glued together to make rustic-looking bath mats. They were praised for being water-resistant and eco-friendly. The problem was that they absorbed water quickly and took forever to dry. Mold and mildew often grew inside the cracks. What started as a green idea turned into a soggy mistake.
8. Cassette Tape Wallets
Stas Knop on Pexels
Old cassette tapes were hollowed out and turned into small wallets or purses. They were lined with fabric and sometimes had zippers or clasps attached to them. It was a nostalgic throwback for music lovers. Still, the hard plastic casing didn’t offer much room or flexibility. The wallets looked cool but weren’t very useful for holding anything.
9. Hair Jewelry Made from Doll Parts
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Some people used plastic doll arms and heads to create creepy hair clips and pins. It was meant to be edgy and playful, but many found it unsettling. These accessories gained popularity in underground fashion scenes. Dolls with painted eyes sticking out of ponytails definitely made a statement. Whether that statement was style or horror is still up for debate.
10. Keyboard Key Picture Frames
Pixabay on Pexels
Computer keyboards were dismantled, and the keys were glued around photo frames. It was supposed to be the perfect gift for tech lovers. Each key sometimes spelled out words like “LOVE” or “SMILE.” The look was bulky and oddly outdated even then. Still, it earned a place in the hearts of nerdy crafters.
11. Necktie Quilts
Mike Bird on Pexels
Old ties were stitched together to make quilts or pillow covers. The silky material made them unique, but also slippery and hard to sew. The colors often clashed wildly, giving a chaotic look to the final piece. Some people embraced the wildness as part of the charm. Others quietly folded their creations and never spoke of them again.
12. Bottle Cap Curtains
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Curtains made of strung-together bottle caps clinked loudly every time someone walked by. They were meant to be fun and eco-conscious. The noise, weight, and sharp edges made them more of a hazard than a decoration. Many pets and toddlers had unpleasant encounters with these jangling barriers. Still, they had a loyal fan base among recycled art lovers.
13. DIY Glow-in-the-Dark Lawn Stones
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People painted their garden stones with glow-in-the-dark paint to make magical nighttime paths. It sounded like a dream until the paint peeled off just a few weeks later. Some stones barely glowed at all, despite hours in sunlight. Many ended up looking like dull blobs instead of bright trails. It was a glowing idea that didn’t quite shine.
14. VHS Tape Yarn Baskets
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Crafters unraveled old VHS tapes and used the shiny tape ribbon as yarn for baskets. The glossy black finish gave a unique texture. However, the ribbon was fragile and could snap during the weaving process. The baskets looked sleek but were easily damaged. It was a strange way to repurpose memories of movie nights.
15. Fake Aquarium in a Jar
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People filled glass jars with water, blue dye, and plastic fish to make desktop aquariums. Some even added glitter or fake plants. While it looked cute at first, the water quickly became cloudy. The jars often leaked or spilled when moved. Without real fish, they lacked charm after the first glance.