The Frugal Fashionista: 5 Easy Upcycles for Your Wardrobe

Use your gift cards to get a necklace.
Use your gift cards to get a necklace.

With the holidays fresh in your mind (and last month's bills arriving soon), it can be hard to justify adding accessories to the budget. Luckily, it isn't that hard to take items you already have and reimagine them for 2014. Here are five DIY projects for the chic and cheap!

1. Gift Card Jewelry: If you find yourself with a stack of used gift cards, don't just throw them away! Brightly colored cards with eclectic designs can be repurposed as found-object jewelry. Talk about a gift that keeps on giving...

2. Tie Belt: This is great for kids: take one of Dad's old ties and turn it into a cute belt! It's an easy way to add something unique to their look in no-time flat.

3. Magazine Bead Bracelet: Make an accessory while cutting down on clutter! Old magazines and catalogs become beads on a new bracelet. Depending on your source material, you can make something bright and colorful or modern and monochromatic.

4. Shirt Backpack: If that old T-shirt isn't pulling its weight anymore, use it to carry your stuff! This simple sewing project transforms a shirt into a drawstring backpack that's uniquely you.

5. Sweater Bracelets: Simply prep the wool, make a few snips, and customize a new bracelet that can be worn all season long. The details are up to you!

-By Spoonful Editors

For 11 more easy ways to upcycle your clothing, visit Spoonful!

Spoonful | Make. Everyday.
Spoonful | Make. Everyday.

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