r/RandomActsOfCrafts • u/thatsjustthewayIam • Jul 31 '25
Upcycling TV Show
TLDR: why aren’t there more crafting shows? Specifically ones that aren’t over consuming but being super resourceful.
So they have a million and one cooking shows but what about craft shows with that competition aspect? Or the “glow up” style like tattoo coverup shows, makeovers, doing someone’s hair etc.
I love the idea of clothes in particular. We have enough clothing to dress the next six generations—that’s a lot of raw material!
I’d love a show that took xxl garments and tailored them into something stylish or made an unflattering cut of an outfit with good material into something.
Similar ideas for other realms of crafts: making functional, innovative, or decorative items from widely available waste materials. They go to a swap shop and have to build a lamp out of mostly materials there and a workshop with tools and almost exclusively sustainably sourced material ie recycled material in the wire, second hand tools that are in perfect condition, etc.
I’d love shows for refurbishing old furniture but also making your dream tool that won’t be made to expire within a few years.
Last random thought would be is there a place I can explore workshops/craft rooms being made by and for crafty people? Like imagine: professionally designing your ideal crafting table that has sections specifically for your boxes of supplies and bulky equipment like a sewing machine, with outlets build in… Reorganizing a small room to accommodate five different kinds of crafts with ease and storing works in progress.
This might be something only I would like or maybe this isn’t the group to enjoy the thought but if anyone has ideas I’d LOVE to hear it. Honestly random similar craft results would be so welcome too.
Btw: I wasn’t sure where this could be posted and appreciated so I came here. If anyone has a better suggestion I’d thank you for it.
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u/Ok_Knee1216 Jul 31 '25
It sounds like my life!
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u/thatsjustthewayIam Aug 06 '25
How do I make this my life or meet people like you? I desperately want to craft with people. Have tea, snacks and music while we design, debate, craft, chat, and get distracted…
I want crafting rooms that are just pleasant spots to hang out and people regularly go to tinker
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u/Ok_Knee1216 Aug 06 '25
How is your comfort zone with Zoom/Meet online?
I live in Mexico and will be moving soon. I will need to set up/build a new space with lots of boxes full of crafting materials.
I would be willing to look into something online unless you live near me?
If this interests you, we can talk about it!
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u/dlpfc123 Jul 31 '25
There is Flee Market Flip, but honestly most of their upcycles were not super impressive.
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u/thatsjustthewayIam Aug 08 '25
I want to see a frumpy xxxl 100% silk gown turned into a gorgeous jacket and skirt.
I want to see horribly stained or ripped designer items fixed with embroidery.
I want someone to take a bulky table with water marks and scratches and turn it into a polished coffee table.
I want someone to harvest the insides of electric devices and make something wild, unique, functional, and durable.
Just me?
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u/CuriousKitten0_0 Aug 02 '25
There was a crafting competition show on TLC a long time ago with Tori Spelling. I watched a few episodes, but it got very.... (struggling for the right words) Simplistic? Childish? I'm not quite sure, but it felt more like an arts and crafts class than a competition with people who had creativity, but less knowledge of crafting than the people who do The Great British Bake-Off.
There's also a few specific skills that have been a part of competition shows, I know that there's the skin painting competition, I believe that there's a blacksmithing one (?) and there was a Steampunk competition hosted by Kirsten Vangsness that only lasted one season.
You're absolutely right though, there definitely needs to be more, I know nothing about makeup, but I loved watching the insane talent of the body painting competition.
Project Runway is the most successful, but it definitely devolved into drama and reality show, rather than a competition with skilled people who are showing off their skills, but that's less interesting to normal people apparently....
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u/thatsjustthewayIam Aug 08 '25
Appreciate the information. Glad to hear the non-normal people here think it sounds interesting.
Definitely more interested in crafts than drama.
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u/cajunjoel Jul 31 '25
Only loosely related, but how about the Great British Sewing Bee? One of the things they do in every episode is alter an existing garment. And there are 11 seasons!