Lawless upcycling
Turning Trash . . .
Into Functional Art
Lawless Upcycling creates home furnishings and décor with discarded wood and metal.
Everything is Handmade
Creative Upcycling Process
One-of-a-kind pieces
Customizable Products and Custom Projects
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly
Conducts Making Workshops and Parties
Queer, Disabled, Neurodivergent Creator
Welcome to Lawless Upcycling’s website! Lawless Upcycling recently launched in November 2025 so there will be various additions and revisions to the website over the next few months.
Be sure to check Lawless Upcycling’s website at least monthly to see new products for sale as items depend on what Annie finds or is able to obtain!
You don’t want to miss your chance to get the perfect piece!
These are Lawless Upcycling’s main types of upcycling:
Using old products creatively as materials to make new products. Example - Using vintage card catalogue drawers and screws to create front door key organizers.
Using raw materials to make new products. Example - Using excess scrap wood from a construction site to make a table.
Restoring or modernizing an old or damaged product. Example - An old and beat-up wooden desk is cut into a more modern style, sanded and given a new stain.
All of these types of upcycling can be used for any custom projects!
current projects
1) Upcycling vintage and broken Vonaphone speakers I got from an audio electronics store that was closing. I started sanding off the chipped veneer and there is beautiful wood underneath so I can’t wait to see how this project turns out. Currently I’m planning on putting a hinge on the back so the speaker becomes an artistic storage space, perhaps for liquor, but use the Contact section below let me know if you have any other ideas for what I could make!
2) Building custom shelves for an uneven bathroom nook in Somerville. The shelves will have a recess in the middle to allow usage of the toilet but then expand on the sides for more shelf space. In addition, I asked the customer what style molding they wanted, and thus I created custom cove molding to use as the rails for the shelves.
Also the client wants a metal bowl to house used matchsticks, and there will be a hole in the lowest shelf to hold the bowl. I went through my items and found various options for this metal bowl. The client picked the rusty metal lamp shade, to which I added a bottom to make it a dish that could be easily cleaned.
UPDATED - HERE IS THE COMPLETED PROJECT
Featured Products
Visit the “Shop” page to see all products!
These one-of-a-kind, upcycled flowers are composed of three, stacked hexagons with the middle hexagon’s points oriented halfway between the top and bottom hexagons’ points to evoke an organic feel. The flowers are made with antique square cut nails, which were likely used for heavy-duty structural applications in the 19th century like barn construction or shipbuilding. The nails are connected with JB Weld epoxy and spray painted with Rust-oleum, which safely covers and prevents rust. Finally a clear, protective polyurethane coat is added to the flower.
The alternating hexagon flowers come in two sizes:
Small: L: 4.5 in.; W: 4.5 in.; D: 1 in.
Large: L: 7 in.; W: 7 in.; D: 1.5 in.
Below you can choose the size and color.
The alternating hexagon flower is part of Lawless Upcycling’s Metal Flowers series. Check out the “Shop” for other versions of flowers, which you can mix and match with the alternating hexagon flower. Also in the “Shop” you can order stems (including magnets) and wooden bases for the flower. THIS ORDER ONLY INCLUDES THE ALTERNATING HEXAGON FLOWER. YOU NEED TO SEPARATELY ORDER A STEM AND/OR WOODEN BASE.
If you want to customize any aspect of the alternating hexagon flower, please select the options that are closest and then fill out the message that will pop up when you click “Add to Cart” to specify what customization you want. Requests that require additional work may increase the cost by a few dollars, which Lawless Upcycling will discuss with you before fulfilling the order.
Alternatively, if you want completely custom flowers and accessories, you can engage Lawless Upcycling for Custom Flower and Accessories services on the “Services” page, which starts with a free consultation.
Cute robot head magnets are made from scrap wood that is cut to a square or rectangle and then various types of screws and other hardware are added to create the face. All of the hardware are items I found that otherwise would have been thrown out and much of it is vintage. Each item has a rare earth magnet. You will receive a magnet that is similar to those pictured.
Sizes:
Small: L: 1.5-2 in.; W: 1.5-2 in.; D: 0.75-1.5 in.
Large: L: 2-3 in.; W: 2-3 in.; D: 0.75-1.5 in.
For the finish, the darker colored robots are “charred.” This means a propane torch is used to char the surface of the wood, which not only changes its color and highlights the wood grain, but also helps preserve and protect the wood (a centuries-old Japanese technique).
Below you can choose the magnet size, hardware color, and finish.
A unique way to organize and customize your space with one-of-a-kind art pieces. The tools and hardware are secured to the wood using either strong epoxy or screws. The tool color and wood color and finish were chosen to create different styles where some are more rustic and vintage while others are more modern and clean. Size and price varies, and please select which magnet board you want based on the numbers in the first photo.
Color coordinating screws (and anchors) are included so you can easily mount the magnet board.
If you want to commission a magnet board that includes different features (such as size and width, wood type, or different tools and hardware), please use the “Contact” page to request what customization you want. Then we will discuss what designs are available and the cost.
(The magnets in the photos are NOT included in a magnet board order, but these magnets are available for purchase in the “Shop.”)
Custom Services
A completely custom item (home furnishing or costume) that will be exactly to your specifications. Includes:
1) FREE initial consultation with Annie;
2) Follow up on the consultation to discuss design, price and timing;
3) Creating; and
4) Delivery of furnishings and photos of the build process.
Check out the “Past Creations & Costumes” page for examples and inspiration.
Want to learn woodworking and/or metalworking skills and how to use various tools? Or do you have a specific project in mind, such as a gift you want to make for someone special? Or want to craft a costume together?
I can create and facilitate numerous types of workshops and classes that can be customized to whatever you want, either in my own workshop or potentially at a location of your choosing. Free initial consultation, during which we will discuss what you want and the estimated price.
Can’t wait to be creative with you!
Enjoy the photos of times when folks came to my house and we made costumes and props, which included me teaching them various crafting skills and using my tools and upcycled materials.
In the “Shop” page, there are numerous types of metal flowers, stems and wood bases I created from upcycling vintage tools and hardware that are part of Lawless Upcycling’s Metal Flowers series (juxtaposition of hard, man-made metal used to emulate a soft, natural flower). However, I recognize that folks may want a different flower design, such as with varying tools and hardware or a different configuration of the tools and hardware.
If you do, I’d love the chance to work with you to create your perfect flowers and accessories. I actually have so many other ideas for flower designs and tons of super unique materials so I am confident we can create something special.
Initial consultation is free and then I will determine a price based on what you request and how long I estimate it will take to make.
Uncover
Lawless upcycing’s story
Discover how Annie has loved to make things her whole life and how she decided to stop being a corporate tax attorney and follow her passion with creating upcycled home furnishings and decor.
Contact
Interested in working together? Have questions or comments? Then fill out some info and Lawless Upcycling will be in touch shortly. Can’t wait to hear from you!