Use it Again! Recycled Crafts

Limiting the amount of garbage we produce is only one of the many ways we can live more sustainably. Thinking of other applications for things that would otherwise be thrown in the garbage or recycling is one method to be more mindful of our waste. Here are two enjoyable projects that you can make with materials you probably already have. Use the opportunity to come up with further “new uses for old things” after the activity has started. Merry making!

Recycled Binoculars

The youngest learners will enjoy making this recycled craft. Before going outside to try to spot birds or other animals on a walk in the woods or around your neighbourhood, this is the ideal activity to make at home.

Materials

One longer paper towel tube or two toilet paper tubes
Scissors
Regular glue can also be used, but hot glue works better.
Yarn Markers, coloured pencils, or crayons

Instructions

1. One paper towel tube should be cut in half to create two equal pieces. Make sure the toilet paper rolls are the same length and, if necessary, trim.

2. Glue the two tubes together using glue or hot glue (adults, please assist here!). Make sure to give it time to settle completely. If you don’t have any glue, tape will do just fine.

3.Now make a hole in both of your tubes at the same end; this will be where you will knot the string.

4. Put a strand or length of yarn through both openings. You now possess a neck strap. The finishing touch is to add some colour and customization!

5. You’re finished! Go outside and explore what you can see using your new lenses.

No Sew T-Shirt Tote Bag

This tutorial will show you how to create a recycled tote bag that is entertaining and distinctive. Having an extra tote bag around the house is always convenient. Find a beloved old T-shirt that no longer fits or that you simply can’t bear to part with, and make a fun bag out of it! This is a fantastic exercise for adults or older kids.

Materials

One t-shirt is ideal; thicker cotton and regular-length sleeves are recommended.
cloth and sharp scissors, if you have them.
two safety pins

Instructions

Note: The ‘fray’ method can also be used to manufacture these. We think this one is simpler, especially for youngsters, but if you want to try both, there are many of instructions for the other approach online!

1.Start by removing the t-shirt’s sleeves. To make sure your cut is straight, follow the hem line. Keep your sleeves in place! One will be required for a subsequent procedure, and the other can be used as a washable cleaning cloth.

2. The neckline will thereafter be removed. You can freehand it or use a bowl to trace if you’d like! You should extend the cut by one or two inches beyond the neck hem. The bag’s handles will be finished by this cut, so the closer they are to the hem, the broader they will be!

3. Now, make a single cut in the lower hem of the shirt at the base. This will let us access the ‘tube’ we’ll be threading.

4. Cut the hem off of one of the two discarded sleeves. Now you ought should have a single circle. Create a cut, then transform it into a line. We’ll use this to stitch the shirt’s base together. I’ll refer to this from now on as the “thread.”

5. Put your safety pin into the top of the “thread” with your hand. Then, insert it into the tunnel-like opening you created in the shirt’s hem at the bottom.

6. Threading can begin now! Insert the safety pin through the shirt’s “tunnel.” Pull the material back after pushing it in an inch or two, sort of like sticking a tent pole through the fabric. All the way through, keep going! Although this can be challenging, you’ll eventually master it.

7. Till it pops out of the opposite side, keep threading. Pull it a little bit more till the ‘thread’ is evenly long on both ends.

8. Then, simply tie the ends together as tightly as you can. There will be a tiny hole there. But it’s okay! You should maybe place your small goods, such garlic, in a different bag because it won’t be entirely closed.

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Use it Again! Recycled Crafts