13 Creative Ways To Repurpose Splatter Screens In Your Home And Garden

Splatter screens are one of those kitchen tools that everyone seems to have tucked away in a drawer, to only be get taken out when frying foods. But these handy screens can do so much more than just protect your countertops from becoming a greasy mess. They can be repurposed in numerous ways to help you save money and make an eco-friendly decision to give the screens a new purpose. You can use them in the home or garden, including as a tool for homemade craft paper, to create sift through dirt, or even as a hanging jewelry organizer.

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One advantage of using splatter screens in budget-friendly DIY home projects is that they come in many different sizes, and you can usually find them at stores like Dollar Tree. These products are most often made with a stainless steel frame and a stainless steel mesh center, which is why they're so durable and able to handle heavy use. So, if you have an old kitchen screen that's been forgotten about in a cabinet, grab it and get ready to have some DIY fun.

1. Use the screen as a sifter

A splatter screen can be easily repurposed into a sifter for many different purposes. The best part? You don't have to do any work on the screen itself! It's ready to go as is. Just lay it flat, put whatever you need to sift on top of it, and shake the contents through. You can use this hack for anything from garden dirt to flour for a recipe! However, be sure to wash the screen thoroughly after any crafts if you plan to use it for food purposes.

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2. DIY lantern

Repurposing one of these screens into a DIY lantern is a creative way to add cozy lighting to any space. The hack works because the metal mesh creates a play on light and an atmosphere perfect for a tranquil evening at home. All you have to do is combine the splatter screen with a few simple materials: lace, an LED candle, and your choice of decorative embellishments. Tie it all together with a hot glue gun, and the lantern will be ready to display on your holiday table to give your home a festive glow.

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3. Make a basket

Turning a splatter screen into a shallow basket is an innovative approach to home organization. The process involves removing the handle of the screen and bending the circle into a curved shape that resembles a basket. Next, you'll want to paint the screen your choice of color and line it with a decorative cloth before adding fun embellishments, like seasonal decor or faux fruit. This type of project is a great money saver and also showcases a commitment to reducing waste through repurposing. You can also customize it any way to make it match your style.

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4. Pumpkin decoration

Are you a fan of autumn decor and everything pumpkin spice? Create the perfect pumpkin fall decoration using a splatter screen that's easy to execute. All you have to do is gather three splatter screens and orange spray paint. First, paint the screens orange and allow them to dry. Next, arrange the screens in a fan shape and overlap them to create a three-dimensional effect that mimics the shape of a pumpkin. This could be placed indoors or outdoors as a garden decoration.

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5. Makeshift colander

When in a pinch, a splatter screen can serve as a makeshift colander to rinse fruits and veggies or strain your pasta. The fine mesh material is ideal to make sure even the smallest pieces won't slip through and ruin your meal. Be sure your screen is made of high-quality steel before draining pasta, and try not to splash boiling water on your hands or other exposed skin. Also ensure it's large enough to capture all of your food so that it won't pour over the edges.

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6. Paint strainer

There's nothing worse than opening a can of leftover paint to start a project and realizing it's chunky and lumpy. You can try to mix out the lumps, but you risk an uneven and unattractive finish on your wall if you decide to use the paint. If you've got a splatter screen hanging around, you can pour the paint through it to get rid of any built-up lumps. This can prevent you from having to spend money on new paint and sanding your walls if you decide to go with the imperfect option.

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7. Pot lid for venting

You can also use this kitchen tool as a substitution for a pot lid when you need to allow steam to escape while cooking but don't want an excess build-up of moisture. This hack works because when you look at how a splatter screen is designed, it's the fine mesh that lets steam escape freely while still providing a cover to prevent messes from bubbling liquids. This is particularly useful for dishes that need to be reduced or thickened without becoming too watery, like sauces and soups.

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8. DIY candle holder

Repurposing a splatter screen into a DIY candle holder adds a handmade element to your decor and is a great way to let your unique design style shine. This hack is a little more complex than others, but it is one that truly takes this item and makes it nearly unrecognizable! You'll need a glass plate base, some styrofoam, a tea light, and decorative items like flowers, crystals, greenery, and anything that matches the look you're going for. We could also picture and adorable little flower pot sitting on the small stand.

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9. Craft paper

Did you know that it's possible to make your own craft paper at home? It's true! This is a surprisingly easy project that takes just a few ingredients and a bit of your time. In this project, the splatter screen is used to help press out the moisture from the combined materials. You can customize the final look of the paper with a fun confetti design by adding bits of crayon and scrap paper. However, this hack will require a blender or immersion blender to break down the paper scraps into a thick pulp. You'll need to wash any materials used for this project thoroughly.

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10. Jewelry organizer

Tired of losing your earrings or jewelry to the side of your bed or the back of a dresser drawer? One handy solution is to create a jewelry organizer out of a splatter screen! All you have to do is hang the screen directly on the wall (or frame it to provide a buffer for hanging bulky items) and use it for earrings, necklaces, or bracelets. You can attach these by hooking earrings directly through the mesh or using S-hooks for your necklaces and bracelets. This is also a great way to prevent those hard-to-remove tangles from forming.

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11. Mosaic wall art

Turning a splatter screen into mosaic art is a wonderful way to bring a pop of color to your home or outdoor garden space. The great thing about this project is that it's not so much about artistic skills as it is about creating a design that you enjoy. This stunning mosaic project requires removing the screen and maintaining its ring base. Then, pieces of glass vase filler material are hot glued in whatever design you like before the visible portion of the ring is covered in silver cord for a polished finish.

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12. Oversized flower decor

Help ring in the spring season with an oversized flower decoration created from a splatter screen and Polypro mesh. You'll also need scissors, pliers, a hot glue gun, and pipe cleaners. One of the biggest benefits of this craft is that you can choose the color and design of the flowers to match your decor. The final design for these flowers are bold, which makes it hard to believe the base for these recreations is a screen from the kitchen. This is another versatile decor item that can be used indoor or outdoors.

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13. Create a seasonal wreath

A splatter screen can be the perfect base for a seasonal wreath, and the materials are so affordable that you'll be able to hang them in other areas besides your front door. The general process for this repurposing project involves using the outer ring as a base for embellishments, while the screen adds a pop of color after painting it. Most of the work for this DIY is spent working on the design elements more than the screen itself, though you can add an extra layer of corkboard or cardboard to the back for a little extra protection.

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