Transforming trash into treasure has never been more exciting! With these 25 ingenious recycled crafts, you can breathe new life into old household items and create unique, functional, and eco-friendly projects that will delight both kids and adults alike.
From upcycled art pieces for the garden and living room to creative accessories and classroom projects, the possibilities are endless. By repurposing waste materials like DIY pencil holders, Mason Jars, onesies, and more, you’ll not only reduce your environmental footprint but also foster a sense of creativity and resourcefulness in your kids.
So why not get crafty and turn old into gold? With a little imagination and some recycled materials, the art of upcycling can help you decorate your home, garden, or even classroom with style and sustainability.
Decorating Glass Pickle Jars
Transforming glass pickle jars into charming decorative pieces is a simple yet creative endeavor. Start by preparing your materials: clean pickle jars, acrylic paint, a brush, and some twine. Once the jars are dry and painted with your preferred colors, tie the twine around the neck of each jar. The end result can be used as vases for fresh flowers, holders for tea lights or votive candles, or standalone decorative items that add a touch of elegance to any room.
Recycled Storage
Turning trash into treasure is the essence of recycling storage. This creative approach transforms unwanted materials into functional storage solutions for your home. By repurposing cardboard boxes, plastic containers, and wooden crates that would otherwise be recycled or discarded, you can create one-of-a-kind storage options that are not only budget-friendly but also environmentally sustainable. The possibilities are endless, from using old mason jars to organize craft supplies to upcycling an old ladder into a bookcase or constructing a wall-mounted shoe rack from a wooden pallet. With a little imagination and some creative problem-solving skills, you can turn trash into treasure and give your home a unique touch.
Cereal Box Notepads
Transforming old cereal boxes into functional notepads is a creative and eco-friendly DIY project that requires minimal materials and effort. To create these useful notebooks, you’ll need a few basic supplies: used cereal boxes, scissors, paper, and glue. The process is straightforward – simply cut the paper to the desired size, attach it to the cereal box using your chosen adhesive, and let it dry completely. For an added touch of personality, feel free to decorate your notepad with markers or stickers. These reusable notebooks are perfect for jotting down to-do lists, keeping track of grocery items, and more.
DIY Pencil Holder
Transforming ordinary tin cans into personalized pencil holders is an excellent way to inject some personality into your workspace while keeping your desk tidy. To get started, gather the necessary materials: a clean and dry tin can, acrylic or spray paint in your desired color, and any embellishments you’d like to add, such as washi tape, stickers, or ribbon. Begin by thoroughly cleaning the can and allowing it to dry completely before applying a coat of paint. Once the paint is fully dry, you can add any finishing touches, including decorations that reflect your personal style. This fun and creative project is suitable for both adults and children, and it’s a great way to breathe new life into empty cans, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
DIY Onesies
Handmade onesies are unique creations designed specifically for infants or toddlers using a range of creative tools, such as fabric markers, iron-on transfers, stencils, paint, and appliques. These personalized garments can be customized by parents or caregivers to feature playful patterns, witty words, or cherished photographs, making them perfect for special occasions, gifts, or everyday wear.
Tissue Paper Mason Jar Centerpieces
To create unique and affordable centrepieces for special occasions, Mason jars are transformed into vibrant Tissue Paper Mason Jar Centrepieces through a DIY process. These ornamental items can serve as the focal point at events such as weddings and celebrations. The tissue paper is carefully applied to the jars using glue or decoupage media, allowing for customization by cutting it into various sizes and shapes. The end result is a stunning and eye-catching centrepiece that requires minimal effort and expense.
Mod Podge Paper Mache Bowls
Creating beautiful and functional paper mache bowls using Mod Podge is a delightful DIY project that can be enjoyed by anyone. To get started, you’ll need some essential materials: tissue paper in your desired colors, paper mache bowls, Mod Podge, and paintbrushes. The process itself is surprisingly simple and enjoyable. Begin by cutting the tissue paper into small pieces, then apply a layer of Mod Podge to the paper mache bowl. Next, cover this layer with the tissue paper, making sure to smooth out any wrinkles or air pockets. Finally, seal the entire surface with another layer of Mod Podge. The end result is a unique and functional bowl that can be displayed proudly or used for storing small items. With these basic steps, you can create your own stunning paper mache bowls using Mod Podge.
Decoupage Candle Holder
By employing the decoupage technique, artists can seamlessly merge paper or fabric with a surface to craft an eye-catching decorative piece. One such example is creating a bespoke candle holder by applying ornamental paper or fabric using decoupage adhesive. This process yields a unique, personalized candle holder that can be utilized for home décor or gifted as a thoughtful present.
Candlestick Holders Out of Crib Parts
Transforming old crib parts into one-of-a-kind candlestick holders is an innovative way to breathe new life into discarded items. By disassembling the crib, cutting it into four manageable sections, sanding, painting, and reassembling them, you can create a truly unique piece of home decor that reflects your personal style. This DIY endeavor is ideal for those who delight in upcycling and seek to add a touch of character to their living space.
Mod Podge Magazine Art
Transforming discarded magazines into unique masterpieces requires little more than creativity and a few simple materials. With just a handful of essentials – including used magazines, Mod Podge, a canvas, and a paintbrush – you can craft stunning works of art that are as functional as they are visually striking. The process begins by arranging the phrases and images cut from the magazine pages onto the canvas, with no attention spared in curating the perfect composition. Once your design is complete, a layer of Mod Podge applied with a brush serves to seal and protect the collage, imbuing it with a glossy finish that’s sure to catch the eye. And when you’re done, hang your magnificent creation on the wall, where its one-of-a-kind beauty can be fully appreciated.
Mod Podge a Cardboard Box
When it comes to crafting with water-based sealants, adhesives, and finishes, Mod Podge is a well-known favorite among craft enthusiasts. One creative way to repurpose cardboard boxes using Mod Podge is to embellish them with decorative paper or fabric. To get started, gather the necessary materials: a cardboard box, Mod Podge, a brush or sponge applicator, and your chosen design material. Begin by applying a thin layer of Mod Podge to the box, followed by the paper or fabric. Secure everything in place by adding another layer of Mod Podge. Once you’ve finished, let the Mod Podge dry completely before using your newly customized box as desired.
Spoon Garden Markers on a Budget
Elevate your yard’s charm with a creative twist: spoon garden markers! This DIY project requires minimal investment, using just wooden spoons, acrylic paint, and a permanent marker. First, get artistic by painting the spoons in a palette that mirrors your outdoor space’s colour scheme. Once dry, add the names of your plants using the permanent marker. Then, discreetly place them near their corresponding plants in the soil. As you admire the finished look, you’ll appreciate how these humble utensils can bring a touch of personality to your landscape.
Whirlygig Pins
Whirlygig Pins are a delightful embellishment that add a touch of whimsy to various items. These small, circular pins feature tiny rotating elements that create a mesmerizing effect when in motion. Often used as an ornamental addition to clothing, luggage, and caps, Whirlygig Pins can be easily created with minimal materials, such as small plastic or metal discs, colorful paper, glue, and fasteners. With these simple components, crafty individuals can produce their own unique Whirlygig Pins in a straightforward manner.
Cardboard Rainbow Wings Pin
Crafting cardboard rainbow wings pins is an excellent way to engage kids in a fun, easy-to-follow activity. To get started, gather the necessary materials: cardboard, paint, glue, and a pin backing. Begin by cutting the cardboard into layers that will form the wing’s shape. Once you have all your layers cut out, it’s time to add some color with paint. A rainbow of hues is perfect for this project, as it allows kids to express their creativity and have fun while making the wings. After the paint is dry, assemble the layers by gluing them together. Finally, attach a pin backing to the back of the wings, and your rainbow wings pin is ready to wear.
Cereal Box Bookmarks
Transforming discarded cereal boxes into functional bookmarks is an innovative way to reduce waste and promote sustainability. By cutting the cardboard into the desired size, you can create a blank canvas for personalization. Decorate your bookmark with colorful markers, stickers, or other embellishments that reflect your personality. To add a touch of elegance, punch a hole at the top and thread a string or ribbon through to form a tassel, allowing you to mark your place with style.
Monster Munch Sight Word Game
In an engaging way, children can practice reading and identifying sight words through a fun educational game like Monster Munch Sight Word Game. The game’s core concept is simple yet effective: players use a tissue box with a mouth cut off as the ‘monster’ and paper slips with printed sight words as the ‘food’. By taking turns to read the sight word on each slip and depositing it into the monster’s mouth, kids can develop their reading skills while having fun. The game encourages teamwork and friendly competition among players.
DIY Solar Oven from Cardboard Box
A creative and educational DIY project, a solar oven harnesses the power of the sun to cook or heat food. By repurposing everyday items such as cardboard boxes, aluminum foil, and transparent plastic sheets, individuals can construct their own solar oven. The clever use of these materials allows for the trapping of heat, which is then used to warm or cook food placed inside the box. As the sun’s rays are concentrated onto the food, this innovative contraption demonstrates the potential of solar energy to provide a sustainable solution. Moreover, this fun and interactive activity serves as an excellent way for children to learn about the importance of renewable energy and its role in promoting eco-friendly practices.
Egg Carton Train
Transforming ordinary egg cartons into adorable train cars is an entertaining and easy DIY project suitable for kids. With just a few basic materials – egg boxes, scissors, glue, and paint – children can unleash their creativity and build their own miniature railway system. The process begins by cutting the egg cartons to create individual carriages. Next, add some color with paint and finish them off with a little glue and some creative embellishments like wheels and a chimney. With these simple steps, your child’s imagination will run wild as they construct their very own unique train set.
Egg Carton Spider Puppets
Transform ordinary egg cartons into adorable spider puppets that will captivate children’s imagination, ideal for Halloween-themed activities or imaginative play. This fun and easy DIY project allows kids to unleash their creativity and bring these creepy-crawlies to life.
Light Up Reef Craft
Imagine crafting a mesmerizing underwater world that transforms into a dazzling spectacle with the flip of a switch. A light-up reef craft combines vibrant coral reefs, marine life, and LED lights to create an immersive environment. Using materials like paper, foam, and paint, you’ll bring the scene to life by creating intricate details such as coral formations, schools of fish, and even seaweed swaying in the ocean currents. As night falls, tiny LED lights are added to simulate the bioluminescent glow of marine creatures, casting an enchanting ambiance over your underwater landscape.