19 Sep 25 TOP DIY INFLUENCERS WITH UPCYCLING PROJECTS IN 2025
There’s something strangely satisfying about seeing an old piece of furniture or a thrift store dress get a second chance at life. The chipped paint, the weird patterns, the awkward fit—it all feels like raw material waiting for a bit of imagination. People might roll their eyes and think, “just buy new,” but that misses the point entirely. Upcycling isn’t only about saving money or saving the planet, it’s about the story hidden in those worn-out edges. There’s a thrill in knowing no one else has the exact same lamp you rescued from a dusty corner.
It’s almost like uncovering hidden character in objects everyone else dismissed. Amra and Elma recognizes that sometimes it’s messy, sometimes it fails spectacularly, but that’s part of the fun. And if we’re being honest, most of us have a drawer or closet full of “I’ll fix this someday” stuff anyway. Maybe this list is a gentle nudge to finally grab a paintbrush or sewing machine. Or maybe it’s just an excuse to admire the people who already do it so well.
25 TOP DIY INFLUENCERS WITH UPCYCLING PROJECTS IN 2025 (Quick View)
| # | Name | Followers | Industry |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LaurDIY (Lauren Riihimaki) | ~8.2M (YouTube) | DIY, fashion upcycling, home crafts |
| 2 | Mr. Kate (Kate Albrecht) | ~3.8M (YouTube) | DIY interiors, thrift flips, decor |
| 3 | coolirpa (April Yang) | ~3.6M (YouTube) | Thrift flips, sewing, fashion upcycling |
| 4 | DIY Creators (Glen) | ~3.3M (YouTube) | Furniture hacks, builds, upcycling |
| 5 | Micarah Tewers | ~2.3M (YouTube) | Sewing, whimsical fashion upcycling |
| 6 | The Sorry Girls | ~2.2M (YouTube) | DIY home, thrift flips, interiors |
| 7 | Lone Fox (Drew Michael Scott) | ~2.0M (Instagram) | DIY decor, vintage restorations, upcycling |
| 8 | Kristen McGowan | ~2.0M (YouTube) | DIY interiors, budget makeovers |
| 9 | Alexandra Gater | ~1.6M (YouTube) | Rental-friendly DIY, decor upcycling |
| 10 | WithWendy | ~1.5M (YouTube) | Sewing, pattern hacks, clothing upcycling |
| 11 | XO, MaCenna | ~1.2M (YouTube) | DIY decor, estate finds, flips |
| 12 | Kacha Furniture (Kate Kacha) | ~1.2M (Instagram) | Furniture upcycling, refinishing |
| 13 | Upcycle with Jing (Jing) | ~1.1M (Instagram) | Clothing upcycling, sewing |
| 14 | Karen Kavett | ~0.9M (YouTube) | Craft DIY, paper & decor upcycling |
| 15 | Rachel Maksy | ~0.9M (YouTube) | Vintage fashion, costume upcycling |
| 16 | Shara Woodshop Diaries | ~0.8M (YouTube) | Woodworking, furniture flips |
| 17 | Ana White | ~0.8M (multi-platform est.) | DIY furniture plans, reuse builds |
| 18 | Mr. Build It (Alex Mazhukhin) | ~0.8M (YouTube) | Home DIY, carpentry, upcycling |
| 19 | Liz Fenwick DIY | ~0.7M (YouTube) | Thrift flips, dollar DIY, decor |
| 20 | DIY Huntress (Sam Raimondi) | ~0.6M (YouTube) | Wood projects, furniture makeovers |
| 21 | Pretty Distressed (Christina Muscari) | ~0.5M (Instagram) | Furniture refinishing, flips |
| 22 | Geneva Vanderzeil | ~0.4M (Instagram) | DIY decor, fashion upcycling |
| 23 | Brushed by Brandy | ~0.3M (Instagram) | Furniture painting, upcycling |
| 24 | Grillo Designs (Medina Grillo) | ~0.2M (Instagram) | Rental DIY, upcycling, interiors |
| 25 | Abby on the Internet (Abby) | ~0.1M (Instagram) | Thrift flips, fashion upcycling |
25 TOP DIY INFLUENCERS WITH UPCYCLING PROJECTS IN 2025
TOP DIY INFLUENCERS WITH UPCYCLING PROJECTS #1. LaurDIY (Lauren Riihimaki)
LaurDIY, also known as Lauren Riihimaki, rose to fame with colorful, accessible DIY tutorials that inspire millions. She built her YouTube empire with sewing hacks, home décor projects, and upcycling fashion challenges that turn basics into eye-catching designs. Over the years, her personality and creativity have made her one of the most recognizable DIY influencers worldwide. She also connects with her fans through personal storytelling, making her projects feel approachable and fun. From thrift flips to holiday crafts, she’s always experimenting with ways to reinvent what already exists. Her platform encourages young creators to view sustainability as stylish and rewarding.
TOP DIY INFLUENCERS WITH UPCYCLING PROJECTS #2. Mr. Kate (Kate Albrecht)
Mr. Kate, the powerhouse duo of Kate Albrecht and Joey Zehr, have created a distinct niche blending interior design with quirky DIY charm. Kate’s bold personality and love for thrift flipping give her projects a playful yet polished edge. Their YouTube channel is filled with room transformations where upcycled finds become showpieces. She’s known for making maximalist décor approachable, teaching followers that creative reuse can feel luxurious. Beyond YouTube, Mr. Kate has built a brand through books, products, and collaborations. Their work proves that sustainable design can be both functional and fabulous.
TOP DIY INFLUENCERS WITH UPCYCLING PROJECTS #3. coolirpa (April Yang)
April Yang, known online as coolirpa, specializes in thrift flips and sewing projects. She’s famous for her “Thrifted Transformations” series, where she reimagines secondhand clothing into modern, stylish outfits. Her sewing tutorials blend technical precision with creative flair, making her channel both instructional and entertaining. April inspires her audience to rethink fast fashion and embrace upcycling as a chic alternative. She’s also candid about her process, often sharing both successes and challenges. With millions of followers, coolirpa has become one of the most influential voices in sustainable fashion DIY.
TOP DIY INFLUENCERS WITH UPCYCLING PROJECTS #4. DIY Creators (Glen)
DIY Creators, run by Glen, showcases innovative furniture builds, hacks, and upcycling tutorials. His projects often take everyday materials and transform them into sleek, modern designs. Glen’s calm teaching style makes complex builds approachable, whether it’s repurposing wood scraps or designing functional décor. He focuses on showing how upcycling can elevate a home’s style while saving money. His channel also emphasizes tool techniques and creative problem-solving, making it a favorite among serious DIY enthusiasts. Glen’s audience appreciates his ability to turn sustainable practices into polished, professional-looking results.
TOP DIY INFLUENCERS WITH UPCYCLING PROJECTS #5. Micarah Tewers
Micarah Tewers is known for her quirky personality and whimsical fashion upcycling projects. She often takes unconventional materials, like curtains or blankets, and turns them into couture-inspired outfits. Her YouTube channel combines humor, storytelling, and sewing, creating a unique space in the DIY community. Micarah’s approach to fashion is playful yet inventive, showing that sustainability doesn’t have to be serious to make an impact. She’s gained a loyal following because of her unfiltered personality and creative risk-taking. Her videos remind viewers that upcycling can be both eco-friendly and entertaining.
TOP DIY INFLUENCERS WITH UPCYCLING PROJECTS #6. The Sorry Girls
Kelsey MacDermaid and Becky Wright, known as The Sorry Girls, are a Canadian DIY duo specializing in home décor and thrift flips. Their projects focus on making stylish living spaces affordable through upcycling and creativity. With a YouTube channel filled with tutorials, they’ve built a community around sustainable living. They often share rental-friendly hacks that give new life to old furniture and décor. Their approachable tone and practical solutions resonate with a wide audience. Together, they’ve become go-to voices for modern, eco-conscious DIY.
TOP DIY INFLUENCERS WITH UPCYCLING PROJECTS #7. Lone Fox (Drew Michael Scott)
Drew Michael Scott, the creator behind Lone Fox, has built a reputation for chic DIY interiors and thrift transformations. His channel blends aesthetic storytelling with practical step-by-step tutorials. Drew frequently takes secondhand furniture and makes it look high-end through paint, hardware changes, and styling. His eye for design makes every upcycled piece feel intentional and elevated. With a strong Instagram presence, he shares inspiring room makeovers and creative reuse ideas daily. His work proves that style and sustainability go hand in hand.
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TOP DIY INFLUENCERS WITH UPCYCLING PROJECTS #8. Kristen McGowan
Kristen McGowan is an interior designer who translates her expertise into DIY-friendly content. Her YouTube channel covers home makeovers, décor hacks, and budget-friendly projects. Kristen frequently incorporates thrift store finds, demonstrating how small updates can dramatically change a space. Her approachable advice helps viewers design homes they love without overspending. She blends professional-level design knowledge with everyday relatability. Kristen’s style shows how upcycling can feel sophisticated and timeless.
TOP DIY INFLUENCERS WITH UPCYCLING PROJECTS #9. Alexandra Gater
Alexandra Gater is known for her rental-friendly DIY solutions and upcycling tutorials. She focuses on empowering renters to personalize spaces without permanent changes. Her videos often highlight how secondhand items can become chic focal points with a little creativity. Alexandra’s design aesthetic leans modern and cozy, appealing to a younger audience. She also brings a practical lens, making décor upgrades achievable on small budgets. Her community values her mix of sustainability, affordability, and charm.
TOP DIY INFLUENCERS WITH UPCYCLING PROJECTS #10. WithWendy
Wendy Liu, also known as WithWendy, creates sewing tutorials and fashion upcycling projects. Her channel teaches viewers how to repurpose old clothing into fresh, wearable pieces. She emphasizes clear instructions, making her tutorials beginner-friendly yet stylish. Wendy’s content bridges the gap between sewing education and sustainable fashion. Her calm demeanor and meticulous process inspire confidence in her audience. WithWendy has become a staple for anyone interested in mindful, creative fashion DIY.
TOP DIY INFLUENCERS WITH UPCYCLING PROJECTS #11. XO, MaCenna
Macenna Harris, better known as XO, MaCenna, blends vintage thrifting with creative upcycling. She often finds estate sale treasures and transforms them into stylish décor pieces. Her projects combine storytelling with design, making each video feel like a journey. She focuses on sustainable living by showing the beauty of reimagined objects. Her approachable tutorials empower viewers to experiment with their own thrift finds. XO, MaCenna has carved out a niche as both an entertainer and educator in DIY design.
TOP DIY INFLUENCERS WITH UPCYCLING PROJECTS #12. Kacha Furniture (Kate Kacha)
Kate Kacha, the creator of Kacha Furniture, is renowned for her furniture refinishing and upcycling work. She specializes in bold paint techniques that completely transform old pieces. Her Instagram is filled with stunning before-and-after projects that inspire followers to embrace creative reuse. Kate emphasizes quality craftsmanship while keeping projects approachable. Her tutorials showcase how small details, like hardware and finishes, can elevate furniture. She’s become a favorite among DIY enthusiasts looking to restore and refresh vintage finds.
TOP DIY INFLUENCERS WITH UPCYCLING PROJECTS #13. Upcycle with Jing
Jing is a sewing and fashion upcycling influencer with a strong Instagram presence. She transforms thrifted clothing into stylish, modern outfits with a focus on sustainability. Her content blends creativity with practicality, showing how upcycling can be both fashionable and eco-friendly. Jing often emphasizes individuality, encouraging followers to put their personal stamp on projects. Her tutorials highlight how simple adjustments can give clothes a second life. She’s gained global recognition for her chic, minimal aesthetic.
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TOP DIY INFLUENCERS WITH UPCYCLING PROJECTS #14. Karen Kavett
Karen Kavett is a longtime DIY YouTuber known for her colorful craft tutorials. She specializes in paper crafts, décor, and upcycling household items. Karen’s projects are approachable, making them a favorite among beginners. She brings a bright, enthusiastic personality to her videos. Her creativity shows how upcycling can be whimsical as well as practical. Over the years, she’s built a loyal community of makers who value sustainability and fun.
TOP DIY INFLUENCERS WITH UPCYCLING PROJECTS #15. Rachel Maksy
Rachel Maksy is known for her vintage-inspired sewing and costume DIYs. She frequently upcycles thrifted materials into period-style outfits. Her channel combines storytelling, history, and creative reuse. Rachel’s playful personality makes her videos as entertaining as they are educational. She inspires her audience to experiment with upcycling for both daily wear and cosplay. Her work highlights the artistry of sustainable fashion.
TOP DIY INFLUENCERS WITH UPCYCLING PROJECTS #16. Shara Woodshop Diaries
Shara runs Woodshop Diaries, a channel devoted to woodworking and furniture DIY. She frequently incorporates reclaimed wood and thrifted items into her projects. Her tutorials range from small décor builds to full-scale furniture transformations. Shara’s content is detailed yet beginner-friendly, appealing to a broad audience. She shows how upcycling can result in professional-level creations. Her projects blend practicality with creativity, inspiring others to build sustainably.
TOP DIY INFLUENCERS WITH UPCYCLING PROJECTS #17. Ana White
Ana White is a DIY pioneer known for her accessible furniture plans. She often designs with reclaimed wood and budget-friendly materials. Ana’s blog and tutorials have empowered countless beginners to tackle their own furniture projects. Her work emphasizes practicality and durability, making upcycled pieces both functional and beautiful. She’s built a trusted reputation through consistency and community engagement. Ana’s influence continues to shape the DIY landscape.
TOP DIY INFLUENCERS WITH UPCYCLING PROJECTS #18. Mr. Build It (Alex Mazhukhin)
Alex Mazhukhin, also called Mr. Build It, is a DIY creator focusing on carpentry and home improvement. His channel showcases everything from furniture flips to larger renovation projects. He emphasizes craftsmanship while keeping tutorials clear and approachable. Many of his projects include creative reuse of materials. Alex engages viewers by blending personal anecdotes with technical advice. His work shows how upcycling can be both stylish and structural.
TOP DIY INFLUENCERS WITH UPCYCLING PROJECTS #19. Liz Fenwick DIY
Liz Fenwick creates budget-friendly DIY tutorials, often using dollar-store items and thrifted finds. She shows viewers how to transform simple materials into chic décor. Her channel is filled with clever hacks that make crafting affordable and fun. Liz emphasizes accessibility, making DIY projects achievable for all skill levels. Her friendly personality makes her tutorials enjoyable and relatable. She’s built a community around resourceful, stylish upcycling.
TOP DIY INFLUENCERS WITH UPCYCLING PROJECTS #20. DIY Huntress (Sam Raimondi)
Sam Raimondi, the DIY Huntress, is a woodworker and maker passionate about upcycling. She transforms old furniture into refreshed, modern designs. Her tutorials balance technical skills with creativity. Sam’s content empowers women to take on woodworking projects with confidence. She also highlights the environmental value of restoring rather than discarding. Her influence has helped expand the DIY community into more diverse spaces.
TOP DIY INFLUENCERS WITH UPCYCLING PROJECTS #21. Pretty Distressed (Christina Muscari)
Christina Muscari, known as Pretty Distressed, focuses on furniture refinishing. Her content highlights how worn, outdated pieces can become farmhouse-chic staples. She often shares techniques for painting, distressing, and restoring wood furniture. Christina’s approachable tutorials make furniture flipping feel achievable. Her projects inspire viewers to see beauty in neglected pieces. Through her platform, she’s built a strong following in the furniture upcycling niche.
TOP DIY INFLUENCERS WITH UPCYCLING PROJECTS #22. Geneva Vanderzeil
Geneva Vanderzeil is an Australian DIY influencer with a background in fashion and design. She rose to prominence with her blog “A Pair & A Spare,” focusing on stylish, sustainable living. Geneva’s content highlights creative reuse, from fashion upcycling to home décor projects. She emphasizes minimalism and sustainability throughout her work. Her tutorials encourage thoughtful consumption and creative expression. Geneva continues to inspire globally with her polished yet approachable DIY style.
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TOP DIY INFLUENCERS WITH UPCYCLING PROJECTS #23. Brushed by Brandy
Brandy, known as Brushed by Brandy, is an expert in furniture painting and restoration. She teaches followers how to turn outdated furniture into statement pieces. Her Instagram is filled with bold colors, artistic finishes, and inspiring before-and-after shots. Brandy emphasizes creativity and confidence in DIY. She frequently shares tips that make upcycling less intimidating. Her artistry proves that repurposed furniture can rival new purchases.
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TOP DIY INFLUENCERS WITH UPCYCLING PROJECTS #24. Grillo Designs (Medina Grillo)
Medina Grillo is the creator behind Grillo Designs, a platform focused on rental-friendly DIY. She frequently uses upcycling to personalize spaces in non-permanent ways. Medina emphasizes practicality and affordability in her tutorials. Her content highlights how sustainable design can suit everyday living. She’s also an author, expanding her influence beyond social platforms. Her work shows that small, thoughtful changes can transform a home.
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TOP DIY INFLUENCERS WITH UPCYCLING PROJECTS #25. Abby on the Internet
Abby on the Internet is a thrift-flip and fashion upcycling creator. Her content often features bold, colorful transformations of secondhand finds. Abby brings a playful energy to her projects, making her videos entertaining to watch. She emphasizes creativity over perfection, encouraging her audience to experiment. Her style blends sustainability with individuality, appealing to younger audiences. Abby’s influence continues to grow as she champions fun, approachable upcycling.
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CONCLUSION
Scrolling through these creators almost feels like wandering a flea market with endless stalls, except everything’s already been given a glow-up. There’s comfort in watching someone else sand, stitch, or repaint when your own projects are still sitting in the corner untouched. It makes you wonder if creativity is less about talent and more about stubbornness to keep trying until something works. Not every project will look magazine-ready, and that’s kind of the charm. There’s beauty in the uneven brush strokes and the fabric that doesn’t quite match but somehow does.
People are craving authenticity, and upcycling gives exactly that—it’s imperfect but personal. Maybe that’s why these influencers hit so hard right now, they make sustainability feel alive rather than like a chore. There’s always that thought of, “what if I could do this too,” even if you never get around to it. The point isn’t to copy every project but to see possibility in what’s already around. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll grab that old chair in the garage and finally give it another shot at being loved.
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