DIY Repurposed Denim Wall Organizer

That blasted Styrofoam.
Nasty stuff.
I had to decide whether to toss this 2 inch thick piece junk or redo it.

With a bulletin board in mind, I decided to recycle it.

With some worn out jeans stacked in a pile, I have been wanting to make one of those pocket organizers. Coincidentally, my husband just tossed in a pair of torn out jeans this weekend. (They were ripped in a irreparable area.)
Perfect!
His leg size gave me a little more material to work with. (wink!)

So I cut apart the legs of his old jeans to cover the front and the back of the Styrofoam with glue. Then I rummaged through the rest of my denim pile for pockets.

After trimming the pockets close to the original seams, I organized them on the board before gluing into place. (They could have been sewed on before gluing, but I went with the quick and easy method.)

Then I snagged this cloth weaved belt and trimmed it to fit the back of the board to use as a hanger. Glued on tight, it was easy to "hook" it onto a wall hanger.

The belt from my scrap box gave me the idea to border the entire board with more belts. So I pieced them together and glued them on too.

I got excited and tested out the storage pockets.
Shoving in my "cloth-only scissors" along with a junk pair, they were snug as a bug!
Then some glue sticks, mini wire cutters, and other helping items... I was stoked!

Since this will be my crafting board, I slipped some of my most used items into the pockets.

I can tell already, this organizer is going to get used a lot.

I was so thrilled that I grabbed a few push pins and mini clothespins to add to the organizing.

Yup. It's a really handy helper over the desk.
I'm "digging" it.

And because I'm a sucker for repurposed materials, this is a real cutie to me. I just love stuff like this. 

These were our own worn jeans so I think it might be fitting to use those mini clothespins to attach a photo of us on a few of those pockets.

By golly,  it's a family project!  :)

Imagine that... a photo display and an organizer in one!

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Repurposing Denim Jeans

I love recycled denim projects. There's a natural charm about them. Face it, jeans have been around since the 1800's and we have developed our favorites. We find ourselves hesitating to toss them out when they are worn beyond repair.

One way to keep them is to re-use them.

You may remember my denim skirt into a bag post. It was very easy to do.

Since then, I've discovered more amazing ideas to utilize those beloved denim pieces. There are quite a few on my "to do" list.

Okay, maybe housing the wildlife is not what we had in mind. So let's check out these inspirations:

A "Green" Journal

by Life Made Creations

A clever way to keep pens with a journal. 

Upcycled Denim Placemat

by Today's Nest

Great for picnics. Just set the place-mat with napkins and flatware, roll it up and carry. 

Denim Fabric Baskets

by Threading My Way

Cute storage idea!

Denim Rag Quilt 

By Housewife in Town

Love the fringed squares. 

Drop Dead Denim: One Tough Pouf

by Michele Made Me

Gorgeous design. 

While you're there, check out Michele's denim bowls: 

Great for organizing. 

Denim Wine Bags

by My Soulful Home

Nice gift giving wrap for bubble bath, maple syrup, infused oils, etc.

Upcycled Denim Kid's Chair Covers

by Paging Fun Mums

Very smart way to keep desk tops clear and supplies organized.

Pillow Covers

photo by Mari G at The Little Corner on Tumblr

Very inviting. 

Knotted Denim Rug

by Eclectic Me

Gorgeous texture.

Ampersand Pillow Cover

by Ashbee Design

Different designs can be applied to pillow covers. 

Indigo Star Quilt

by Alabama Chanin

Such a stunning quilt. 

Denim Covered Furniture

by Legend Blues

Pulled taut, the denim looks very sleek.

Recycled Denim Coasters

by My Recycled Bag

Impressive use of the side seams.

Farm Theme Party

by Better Homes & Gardens

Cute and clever! 

DIY Recycled Denim Basket

by Ohoh Blog

Entirely woven, it's a true basket.

Denim Pencil Cube

by Crafts and Coffee

Pockets make this a great desk organizer.

Denim Storage Bag

at vtwonen styled by Marianne Luning

This patchwork of pockets makes nice storage.

Denim Pocket Banner

by Pen and Paper Flowers

This denim banner can be used for any occasion. 

There are so many more creative ways to upcycle denim.

When you buy a new pair of jeans, what are you doing with your old worn out pair? Hmm?

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Recycled Denim Jean Bag

It's not hoarding if you keep something you don't use any more and repurpose it for better use.

Cleaning out clothing gets a second look.
I adore jean bags when I see them and swore I'd make one some day.
This little skirt is never going to be worn by me again, so it was the perfect opportunity to turn it into a bag.

To make a bottom, I snagged this big suede coat from my fabric scrap bag ... well, what's left of the coat! You may remember I used the back of it to upholster "The Gentleman Chair".

Not much is needed to sew a bottom on the skirt, so I cut off one arm and both semi belts from the cuffs. Super awesome that I used them with very little sewing! Ready made button holes!

I cut off just enough from the sleeve to make a wide bottom.

After pinning the suede onto the inside it was sewn on from the outside.

I sewed along the skirts original stitching lines.

Then after choosing a couple of buttons from my stash, I sewed the cuff belts on the skirt to go over the pockets.

And sewed on the buttons. This helps keep the contents of the pockets secured ... such as a cell phone.

Then I added a leather belt through the loops.

And cinched the waist for closing the bag. 

 The belt became an over the shoulder handle.

To open the bag, a simple pull of the waist to the extent of the belt lets things drop in easily.

I finally have a denim bag. And it's completely recycled!

Do you have any novelty bags like this?
This is my first!