Origami Dove Brooch from Old JeansOrigami is the art of paper folding. I made this brooch by folding denim from old jeans instead of paper. I used the origami scheme for folding a dove.
Travel BagToday, I'm sharing my new craft made from scraps. Materials are easy to find at home just like old newspapers and card boards. The best thing is - it's wearable and useful.
Aluminum Can Craft IdeasI am looking for ideas for making crafts out of aluminum cans?
Unique Milk Jug BackpackIf you always seem to be "on the go" then you surely understand that kids don't go anywhere without their "stuff." That is why this craft idea is so handy. With this easy-to-make backpack, your child can take their treasures with them wherever they go!
Patio Paver ScarecrowCute scarecrow made from a patio paver, paint, felt, foam, and raffia.
Make Magnets from ClippingsThis is a fast, easy way to use up old National Geographic magazines, newspapers, or stamps -- with some acrylic medium and a magnet sheet, you can create customized magnets!
Credit Card "Piggy Bank"The other way we can use those sample credit cards is to make a "piggy bank" to teach your kid that an alternative to credit cards is to save up before spending.
Bucket from an Empty Juice BottleAs the mother of a toddler, I have 8 million empty apple juice bottles lying around. So instead of tossing them, I decided to recycle them. This particular bucket was made by cutting the top off the apple juice bottle with an X-Acto knife.
Cardboard Do-Dad DrawersNo place to store all that costume jewelry used in dress ups? Need a space to put that sticker collection? How about a someplace to store crayons and other art supplies? This cute set of drawers will fit the bill no matter what you want to store!
Folded Beaded Brooch from Old JeansDon't throw away your old jeans. Fold a few denim circles, add beads and you will have this original brooch. I like very much the contrast between the raw edge of the denim and the pearlescent color of the beads.
Case From a Shampoo BottleRecycling and reusing plastic bottles is a great way to minimize environmental impact and save money. Make this case from a shampoo bottle to house pens and craft supplies. Impress and interest people around you with your sustainable efforts.
Crafts Using Aluminum FoilAluminum foil is not just for food preparation and storage, it can also be used to make beautiful shiny crafts. These can range from simple sculptures made by kids up to beautiful jewelry that would be treasured by anyone.
How to Turn a Funnel into a Bud VaseWhy spend money on buying a bud vase when you can make it yourself? From a glass funnel and copper transformer wire, you will get a very original bud vase.
Zipper Pouch with Applique Out of Plastic BottlesIt is a great idea to reuse plastic bottles. I figured out how to make an unusually decorated and very original pouch out of plastic bottles. The applique is made of plastic bottles of different colors and fixed on the inside of the pouch. The outside of the pouch has a smooth beaded surface. This project will not cost you much, but the result will please you.
Stained Glass Baby Food JarDon't throw out those glass jars! Turn them into 'stained glass' with permanent markers.
Plastic Utensil DragonflyHere is a way to make a dragonfly using plastic utensils.
Bottle PourI had some odds and ends of leftover paint and I love decorating bottles, so I made this project. This is made from a Snapple drink bottle.
Saving a Broken Plastic BasketAbout 5 years ago, I posted this basket with you folks. I am happy to say you deemed it worthy of a winning post.
Aluminum Leaf EarringsThese 2 sets of aluminum leaf earrings are made from scrap aluminum from disposable pie pans and also an aluminum seal from a coffee can.
Converting a Drawer Unit Into a FootstoolI recently gave a very large desk to a gal just across the road from me. I had used it less and less over the last year, so it was time.
Creative Storage ContainersEasy ways to create attractive storage from "cast-offs" from your house or those you pick up at garage sales. This was an old wicker lunchbox and is now my sewing basket. Spray painted pink, then craft painted on the flowers by just dabbing the brush on the basket to make circle-flowers and leaves
Bug SculptureI made this with broken a patio chair and misc metal pieces. This is what happens when your husband stands on a patio chair, falls off, and it breaks! You make a bug sculpture! We used all of the chair except the seat which was actually the only part of the chair that broke and was unuseable.
Unicorn Craft IdeasUnicorns are among the most popular imaginary animals as a craft theme. These magical horse shaped creatures have a single horn and are often white or rainbow colored.
Thrifted Pots For StorageI found some great metal pots while out thrifting. I wanted some additional storage for my potting bench that is solid, air tight, and will keep the elements out. To dress it up, I spray painted them and added a few colors using a sponge to make them look rustic. Added a stencil and sealed with sealer. Now they hide my work gloves, extra tools, and garden supplies. This keeps my things together and also gives a decorative flare!
DIY Sea Glass BottlesThis is an easy and simple technique for making colorful glass bottles using old bottles or bottles which once held soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Frank's hot sauce, etc.
DIY Crochet Plarn Sleeping MatsThis project shows you how I made a crocheted sleeping mat from plastic grocery store bags.
Painted CD WreathYou can achieve this wreath with just 6 CDs, acrylic paint, paper, and ribbon. Or, make your own twist and use the CD as a base as this craft is versatile!
Upcycled Plastic Bottle Jewelry StandThis a super cute and thrifty jewelry stand you can make out of some plastic bottles and a few pieces of hardware. I used it to fill up with the jewelry I wear most often, and separated them by colour using the different tiers: silver on top, then gold, then colour pieces. I love this stand!
Recycled Coffee Lid AnimalsThis is a fun way to recycle coffee lids by making cute animals with paint and/or construction/paper. This is a great activity to do with your child (supervision needed for younger children as cutting/hot glue is used.) You can actually tie a ribbon/string knot from the top (of the hole) as an ornament, or make this as a banner for a party, glue to a craft stick or play as is!
Jewelry Made from Nespresso Coffee CupsI made this jewelry from empty Nespresso cups. Empty the cups. Rinse them out and let dry. Then process them into jewelry. You will find enough tutorials on the internet so do not throw that cup away anymore, but recycle them into nice jewelry.
Upcycled Valentine's Candy Box Birthday GiftHeart shaped candy boxes make the perfect beginning for a repurposed birthday gift. Some paint, stickers, and other decorations alter the original message and the plastic candy compartments can be used for little message papers. Learn how to create your own below.
Decorative Junk Wood Window FrameSometimes appliances and other large items come packaged with a wooden base. Rather than discarding the wood packing material, re-engineer it into a fun decorative window frame wall hanging. Here it is converted into a faux flower box. The list of supplies and a finished photo follow.
Gift Card Earbuds HolderWith some strategic cutting you can transform a pretty gift card into a holder for your earbuds. The instructions needed to make this convenient tangle free storage solution follow.
Recycled Dresser Drawer Decorative SignSome crafters enjoy rescuing discarded items and making them over into useful and decorative bits of decor. See how to make pretty signs from old drawer fronts.
Making a Recycled Paper Tube Bug ToyA yarn wrapped paper towel roll becomes a cute bug toy for the kids to play with. Learn how below.
Gift Card Earbuds HolderGetting earbuds tangled up is not only annoying, but terrible for their lifespan. You can make this cute and convenient holder for your earbuds in less than 10 minutes. This is a great way to upcycle or make use of gift cards that have some sentimental value in them. I use these for storage purposes. I also for on-the-go times, popping them securely in my purse.
Making a Cookie Tin Shadow BoxTransform a cookie tin into a pretty shadow box. One possible version is featured below.
Making a Travel Fund Airplane Piggy BankPiggy banks actually come in a variety of shapes and sizes, not all are the traditional pig. Try this project that reuses an empty vitamin bottle to make an airplane bank to save money for your travel plans.
How to Make a Medicine Bottle Bamboo VaseMedicine bottles can be used to create this decorative bamboo vase. The bottles are drilled through the bottom and glued together to resemble a bamboo stalk. Artificial bamboo is used here, but if the assembly is water tight it can be filled with water and live bamboo added.
"Let's Smile" Box Sign Desk DecorBrighten your day with this recycled box sign. Find it a home on your desk or somewhere in your home to remind you to smile and carry on. This project is described below.
DIY Mail Box from a Kleenex Hand Towel BoxA recycled Kleenex brand hand towel box is the prefect size for reusing as a mail box, for organizing your mail. Decorate it with some craft paint and it is ready to use.
Recycled Mixed Materials Music ThemeRecreate this guitar themed recycled mixed media art piece. You can use old magazine pages, sheet music, etc. Additional embellishments help perfect the final outcome. This is an excellent project to stir up your creativity. Experiment, change the theme, and make several.
Flowers Made from Nespresso CupsReusing the aluminum pods designed for the Nespresso coffee machine to make recycled craft projects is fun and easy. They can be crushed, folded, and cut to make these lovely orchids. The variety of colors available adds to their crafting value.
Making a Tissue Box Tea PotMake this exceptional recycle craft, from a tissue box. It is the perfect bit of decor for a tea party, shower, or other special event. Let us show you how.
Making an Egg Carton PandaDo you love panda decor? This fun recycled egg crate panda would make a cute addition to your collection. Plus you can easily make it yourself by following the instructions found below.
Making a Notebook from Vinyl RecordsThis unique notebook was made from two vinyl records, cut, drilled, and then bound with a handmade wire spiral. Give this practical recycled craft a try.
Bag Made from Vinyl RecordsOld vinyl records can be converted into unique bags/purses. This page contains a couple of examples of this recycled craft.
Crafts Using Paint CansPaint cans have a certain charm, whether using an old vintage one or a clean new one. Many craft ideas use a paint can as a base or a decorated container.
DIY Tissue Box Marble MazeRecycled crafts are lots of fun to make and less expensive since you are reusing supplies. The kids will have fun with this tissue box marble maze.
Making Egg Carton Magic MushroomsMushrooms are a favorite art and crafts theme. These cuties are made from a paper egg carton. Find out how below.
Upcycling a PurseLearn how to recreate a thriftstore purse into a unique bag using velvet, other fabrics, beads, etc. It may become habit forming.
Making a Mixed Media Journal CoverSave your odds and ends to make this mixed media journal cover. This is a great project or gift for a tween or teen.
Making an Egg Carton AlligatorSave your cardboard egg cartons to make one of these adorable alligators. This is a great recycled craft to do with the kids.
Styrofoam Egg Carton RosesIf your eggs come in Styrofoam cartons, why not recycle the empty containers into pretty roses. Let us show you how.
Making a Recycled Snow and Heart VaseMake an inexpensive vase to express your love for Valentine's day. Using a recycled jar, acrylic paint, and left over Christmas art supplies you can create a special gift.
DIY Floating Necktie OrganizerTies rolled and tucked into cut down empty water bottles give the appearance that they are floating. This recycled craft is an excellent way to organize your ties. It would also be a fun gift for Father's Day or a birthday. Let us show you how!
How to Make a Recycled Ice Cream Box into a GiftboxDecoupage colorful clippings from a magazine or catalog onto a recycled ice cream box. Voilà you have created a unique gift box.
Making a Recycled Eggshell VaseSave eggshells to decorate a glass vase or recycled bottle. Add artificial flowers to the outside to make a beautiful decorated vase to use as a gift.
Making Recycled CD Mirrored HeartsUse recycled CDs to make these shiny hearts. They are great for Valentine's Day or to show your love anytime.
Making Feather Bookmarks from CDsTake old computer or music CDs and make these pretty bookmarks in a feather shape. These could also be hung as suncatchers or as part of a wind chime.
Making Golden Butterfly SuncatchersUse old CDs or DVDs to make these pretty suncatchers. Decorate them to look like all sorts of iridescent butterflies. A great project to do with kids.
DIY Mirrored Mosaic Flower VaseTake old CDs and a recycled glass bottle to make this pretty mosaic vase for small floral displays. This is a good project to do with your kids and makes a great gift.
Making Egg Carton Miniature FurnitureFrom egg crate to doll furniture, this project will guide you through the steps. Your kids can help made these miniature chairs and table plus have fun playing with them afterwards.
Making a Tree Candlestick HolderRecycled glass bottles are decorated with layers of leaves cut from 2 liter bottles to make this candlestick holder. The following steps, supplies, and photos will guide you through the entire process for making one or more of these eye-catching crafts.
Bee and Beehive Egg Carton ToyTime for a new egg carton toy craft. Here we will show you how to make a bee and its hive. It's a fun toy and would be great to use in teaching children about the important role bees play in our lives, pollenating our flowers and the plants we grow for food.
How to Make CD Butterfly DecorationsMany of us have some old CDs lying about the house. Learn how to reuse them to make these beautiful butterfly decorations. Your kids can do the creative part, but may need help cutting them out. Hang them anywhere.
Making an Egg Carton OctopusNext to TP tubes, egg cartons are a very popular supply to keep on hand for recycled crafts. This project shows you how to turn an egg carton section into this cute little octopus with the addition of paint, yarn, and googly eyes.
Making a Steampunk BottleSteampunk is a genre of science fiction or science fantasy that incorporates 19th century steam technology elements into art and dress. Based on that concept this project guides you as you make a fun steampunk inspired bottle to display in your home or office.
How to Make a Cotton Ball KittyMake this soft cotton ball kitty using part of a plastic water bottle, cotton balls, glue, and embellishments. It is great fun for all.
Making an Upcycled Water Jug Gift BasketRecycled crafts are very popular, good for the planet, and help to save you money on supplies. Upcycle a plastic water bottle into a gift basket that then only needs to be filled with the items especially chosen for your recipient.
How to Make a Recycled Animal Face Pencil CaseKids will love making and using this recycled plastic bottle pencil case. This version is decorated as a pink pig. Felt or craft foam can be substituted for the paper when creating your animal face.
Making Kids' Toy Rattle DrumsLearn how to make toy rattle drums, in two versions, from jar lids and paper ribbon spools. They are easy and fun to make and more fun to play with.
Making Paper Roll Kids' Cuff BraceletsRecycle an empty paper roll into cute cuff bracelets for your kids to decorate and wear. An example of this project follows. Using whatever you have on hand to decorate them makes this a very low cost craft.
Making a Puzzle Piece PinUse the pieces from an old puzzle, especially one already missing a few, to create a cute pin. They can be painted, sprinkled with glitter, or wrapped with fancy string or cord. Learn how to make puzzle piece pins.
Making a Juice Tri-Fold WalletAt varying times juice pouches have been a popular supply to use in making recycled crafts. Learn how to make a juice pouch tri-fold wallet with this tutorial.
Upcycled Giftcard Keychain FobReuse expired or empty gift cards, or coupon cards to create your own upcycled giftcard key fob. Create a design such as the simple bird found here or one of your own making and follow the easy steps to make one for yourself or to give as gifts.
Craft Project Ideas Using Soda Bottle Holders?Recycled crafts are an excellent way to reuse items and packaging that might otherwise find their way into the landfill. These plastic soda bottle holders are and example of such a product. If you have some, read on for some ideas for craft and storage uses.
Advair Doll ChairWith some creative recycling, empty Advair inhalers can easily be converted into the perfect chairs for Barbie dolls, with a little bit of glue.
Making Recycled BottheadsEmpty pop and water bottles can be turned into fun characters or even crazy piggy banks. These are a great way to use up leftover craft supplies and recycle at the same time.
Recycled Flower VaseTransform a clean pickle jar or other type of glass jar into a pretty vase to display real or faux flowers. The two layer sponge painting process produces very pleasing results. The supplies list and step by step instructions can be found on this page.
Corner PocketA wrapping paper covered corner from a gift box, becomes a storage container in this craft project. It is perfect for storing note cards, as well as, craft or hair supplies. The instructions follow.
Crafts Using Spiral Notebook Binding?For crafters who love to recycle everything possible into fun projects, spiral notebook binding offers some possibilities. Check out the ideas found on this page for crafts using spiral notebook binding.
Recycled "Wood" VaseThis faux wood vase begins with a Styrofoam stuffed recycled Yoo-hoo drink box. Learn how to create the wood grain and finish your vase.
DIY Pictures in a JarUse recycled jars and printed photos to create a pretty display for a shelf or mantle. It would be easy to change the images seasonally.
Making a Greeting Card Box BureauLearn how to make this cute little greeting card box bureau from recycled boxes. Complete instructions can be found below.
Making a Butterfly SuncatcherIt is great to be inspired to make a craft based on the shape of a bit of recycled packaging. These butterfly suncatchers are a good example. Learn how to make them below.
Making a Wiggly Paper SnowmanUse some of your paper to recycle creating a wiggly paper snowman. With white paper, magazines, scissors and glue you can make a cute seasonal, hanging decoration.
Baby Wipe Box Turned Medicine CaddyEmpty baby wipes boxes have many uses. This page offers a fun facelift suggestion and conversion into a medicine caddy.
Mini Flower Vase From Recycled ContainerUse a recycled container with an interesting shape to make a decorative mini flower vase. You can decorate it with stickers, ribbons, or anything else you might have. Just add flowers.
Making a Plastic Cup Contemporary LightLeft over plastic cups, Christmas lights, a stapler, and a drill are all you need to make this contemporary light. The multicolored lights provide a fun visual effect.
DIY Recycled Plastic Candy Bag PouchReuse brightly colored plastic cookie and candy bags to make these cute trifold pouches. They are prefect to use as a small make-up bag.
Making Metal Bottle Cap Oysters with PearlsTransform metal bottle caps into decorative oysters, each with a pearl inside. They are fun to make and more fun to gift or use as the basis for other crafts, such as magnets.
DIY Antique Rose Upcycled Bottle VaseA recycled wine bottle, printed black and white images of roses, and homemade Mod Podge, plus a few other crafts supplies you may already have are used to create this lovely upcycled antique rose vase. The instructions and supplies list are available on this page.
Making a Recycled Decorative VaseThere are numerous items that can be successfully recycled into one of a kind decorative vases. You can use paint, decoupage, wrap with twine, and more to produce the effect you would like. There are several examples on this page.
How to Make a Tin Can Unicorn PlanterThis adorable tin can unicorn planter is easy to make with items you have at home. It would be perfect as a table centerpiece or could even be used as a holder for other items.
Making a Vintage Tool Box DisplayWhile you may not have the same vintage piece to recreate this project, perhaps it can inspire you to assemble similar creative displays. Take a look at a project for making a vintage tool box and then design your own display.
Making Paper Tube Napkin RingsUnique paper tube napkin rings can be crafted to use for any occasion. Decorate them with wide ribbon, colored paper and embellishments, seeds, beads, and more. This page contains some example craft projects for making paper tube napkin rings.
Making a No Sew T-shirt ToteRemove the sleeves from an old t-shirt and make fringe ties at the bottom. You have made a no-sew tote. Make a lot, many states are beginning to pass legislation to discontinue the use of plastic bags.
Upcycled Clay Pot PlanterAn old unglazed clay pot can be upcycled into a vintage looking planter. Using a clever trick with glue and candles, you can texturize and decorate the painted pot.
How to Make a Recycled Plastic Bottle PlanterA handy way to recycle plastic bottles is by fashioning them into small planters. You can make a variety of styles depending on what kind of bottle you have and what you want to make it for.
How to Make an Upcycled Plastic Bottle Cap LightWater bottle caps find a new life in this recycled project. This page provides you with the instructions and step by step photos for making an upcycled plastic bottle cap light.
Make Big Showy Flowers from Plastic TableclothsAs an alternative to tissue paper flowers for your next event try using inexpensive plastic table cloths. Plastic tablecloths are perfect for making big showy flowers, and they come in many bright colors.
Making a Bottle Cap Glitter Pendant NecklaceNo one will guess that this pendant is actually a plastic bottle cap decorated with glitter. Gather a few tools and make several in different colors and glitter types. The instructions and step by step photos provided will help in making a bottle cap glitter pendant necklace.
Repupose Mouthwash Container into a PlanterThe shape of some plastic bottle bases can inspire craft ideas. Here we have instructions and photos to help you repurpose a mouthwash container into a planter.
How to Make a Plastic Milk Jug FlowerIf you are looking for a simple centerpiece, these flower candle holders could be perfect. You would never know that these are made out of plastic milk jugs.
DIY Shirt Collar Stays from Magnetic Hotel KeysWhen the creative juices begin to flow anything is possible. Try making shirt collar stays from magnetic hotel keys. Recycled crafts are are an excellent way to keep crafting affordable, plus they help the environment as well.
Making a Dish from Plastic Bottle Neck RingsWe see a lot of crafts made using plastic bottle caps and portions of the bottles themselves. This one makes use of the neck only. You will find the step by step instructions and accompanying photos for making a useful bit of decor on this page.
Making a Cardboard Box Play CameraYoung children are great when it comes to using their imagination. So making them these up-cycled cardboard box play cameras can provide hours of fun for your toddler. The instructions and photos follow.
