DIY Recycled Crafts: Awesome Projects for Kids and Adults

Some of us associate recycling with making many journeys to those large, green trash cans, removing caps, and hearing glass break. Recycling, however, means so much more to craftspeople than just reusing our waste in the marketplace. Making recycled crafts yourself is a terrific way to save money, protect the environment, and have fun all at once.

Crafts created from recycled materials, such as aluminium cans and old glass bottles, are known as recycled crafts. Simple projects help kids learn about recycling and waste management. Adults can also engage in a variety of considerate projects that encourage greater mindfulness in their product-consuming practices.

1. Recycling vs upcycling?

Recycling and upcycling are both environmentally friendly practices, but they differ in their approaches and outcomes.

Recycling involves the process of converting waste materials into reusable materials. This often involves breaking down items like paper, glass, plastic, and metal into their raw materials so they can be remade into new products. While recycling conserves resources and reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills, it still requires energy and resources for processing and may result in a downgraded version of the original material.

On the other hand, upcycling is about creatively transforming waste materials or unwanted products into new items of higher value or quality. Instead of breaking materials down, upcycling involves repurposing them in innovative ways that preserve or enhance their original characteristics. This can include turning old clothing into new fashion items, repurposing jars into decorative containers, or converting shipping pallets into furniture. Upcycling often requires less energy and resources compared to recycling since it focuses on reusing existing materials in creative ways.

In summary, while both recycling and upcycling contribute to reducing waste and conserving resources, they do so through different methods. Recycling involves breaking down materials for reuse, while upcycling involves creatively repurposing them into new and valuable products.

2. Useful recycled crafts.

Something can be helpful again if it was once. Recycled crafts have countless applications, but many crafts are valuable only for the beauty they provide to our lives.

Crafts made from recycled materials are not just beautiful to have in our homes. An effective craft will take the objects’ original use and transform it into something that may be utilised repeatedly. An example of a practical recycled craft is making a pen holder out of an old container. Is there any reason to purchase a new plastic item when metal could make your desk look better?

Consider the initial intents behind each of your ingredient elements. This is a fantastic method for self-inspiration! Both boxes and cans hold items. What items in your house need to be held or arranged?

3. What are the best recycled crafts for beginners?

You want to use recycled materials in your crafts, but you’re not sure where to begin.

Easy and efficient recycled crafts are the greatest options for novices. To create new things you’ll be proud of, want to look at, and use, recycle ordinary materials. With a little TLC, aluminium cans’ crisp, clean appearance complements most interior designs, making them a popular choice. Recycled glass is an excellent material option for novice projects for the same reason.

To help you get started, consider these recommendations.

4. Tin can pen holder

Creating a pen holder out of a tin can is a fantastic example of upcycling! Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to make one:

1. Gather Materials: You’ll need an empty tin can (such as from canned food), decorative paper or fabric, glue (craft glue or hot glue), scissors, and any embellishments you’d like to add (like ribbon, buttons, or stickers).
2. Clean the Tin Can: Make sure the tin can is thoroughly cleaned and dried. Remove any labels or adhesive residue from the can.
3. Measure and Cut: Measure the height of the tin can and cut your decorative paper or fabric to fit around it. You can also cut a piece to cover the bottom if desired.
4. Glue the Paper/Fabric: Apply glue to the back of your paper or fabric and carefully wrap it around the tin can, smoothing out any wrinkles or bubbles as you go. If using hot glue, work quickly and carefully to avoid burns.
5. Embellish (Optional): Get creative with embellishments! Add ribbons, buttons, stickers, or anything else you like to personalize your pen holder.
6. Let It Dry: Allow the glue to dry completely before using your new pen holder.
7. Arrange Pens and Enjoy: Once dry, place your pens, pencils, or other writing utensils into the tin can holder and display it proudly on your desk or workspace!

This project not only helps keep your desk organized but also gives new life to an otherwise discarded item. Happy crafting!

5. Glass reed diffuser

A glass reed diffuser can instantly elevate any space and fill it with a lovely scent.

To create a glass reed diffuser, pick a glass that has an eye-catching or tidy shape. To get rid of any glue left on labels, wash and pat dry with hot water. Use paints or hot glue to decorate it however you like. If you decide to use spray paint, think about using painter’s tape to cover any areas where the glass shows through. After letting it dry, put reed sticks and reed diffuser oil inside.

Use this guide to manufacture your own reed diffuser oil. It’s jam-packed with useful advice and ideas for blending aromas and ensuring your diffuser emits the greatest possible perfume.

6. Recycled crafts for kids

Absolutely! Crafting with recycled materials can be a fun and educational activity for kids while teaching them about sustainability. Here are some kid-friendly recycled crafts:

1. Egg Carton Caterpillars: Cut sections of an egg carton and let kids paint them in bright colors. Add googly eyes and pipe cleaner antennae to create adorable caterpillars.
2. Toilet Paper Roll Binoculars: Tape two empty toilet paper rolls together and let kids decorate them with markers, stickers, or colored paper. Punch holes on each side and attach a string for them to wear around their necks.
3. Plastic Bottle Fish: Cut the bottom off a plastic bottle to make the body of a fish. Let kids paint or color the bottle, then add fins and a tail made from colored paper or craft foam.
4. Cardboard Box Robots: Collect various cardboard boxes, tubes, and other recyclables. Let kids use their imagination to assemble and decorate their own robot creations.
5. Newspaper Hats: Fold and mold old newspapers into fun hats. Kids can decorate them with paint, stickers, or even add paper flowers or feathers for extra flair.
6. Tin Can Wind Chimes: Clean empty tin cans and let kids paint or decorate them. Punch holes around the rim of each can and tie strings or pipe cleaners to hang them. Hang the cans at different lengths from a stick or branch to create a whimsical wind chime.
7. Milk Jug Watering Cans: Cut the top off a clean, empty plastic milk jug. Poke holes in the lid and let kids use it to water plants in the garden or sandbox.
8. Paper Roll Animals: Decorate toilet paper rolls to look like animals such as snakes, owls, or bears. Add details like eyes, ears, and tails using construction paper and markers.
9. Plastic Lid Stamps: Save various sizes of plastic lids (from containers like yogurt or sour cream) and let kids dip them in paint to create stamps. They can make patterns, animals, or even scenes on paper.
10. Cereal Box Puzzles: Cut up old cereal boxes into puzzle pieces. Let kids decorate the pieces with markers or stickers before putting them back together to solve the puzzle.

These crafts not only encourage creativity but also instill a sense of responsibility towards the environment in children. Plus, they’re a great way to repurpose household items that might otherwise end up in the trash.

7. Toilet paper roll binoculars 

The best kid crafts may be done while the kids are playing. With binoculars, their creativity will soar!

Using hot glue, join two tubes to create toilet paper roll binoculars, then tie a rope between them. It is all up to them from there. Kids can personalise these binoculars with markers, paints, crayons, or whatever else they desire. For a full-fledged safari experience, you may also create some creatures out of construction paper and toilet paper tubes.

8. Crayon gems

When the actual crafting supplies are ready to be disposed of, what do you do? Reformed crayon nubs can be given new life after being melted down.

Gather all of the crayon nubs that are concealed at the bottom of the box to create crayon jewels. Throw any remaining paper into a paper cup after peeling it from the wax. Consider carefully which colours might go with the best. After heating the paper cup on high for around five minutes, ask an adult to carefully transfer the melted wax into silicone moulds. Freeze for the duration.

We recommend gem forms, however melted crayons work well with whatever silicone mould your kid enjoys. You can now spend hours colouring your finished creation.

9. Recycled craft ideas for adults

Crafting with recycled materials can be both environmentally friendly and creatively fulfilling for adults. Here are some recycled craft ideas tailored for adults:

1. Wine Cork Bulletin Board: Glue wine corks together in a pattern to create a unique bulletin board. Mount it on the wall and use push pins to hang notes, photos, and reminders.
2. Mason Jar Herb Garden: Repurpose empty mason jars as herb planters by adding soil and herb seeds or seedlings. Arrange them on a windowsill for a functional and decorative indoor garden.
3. Old Book Page Art: Use pages from old books or newspapers to create intricate paper art, such as origami, paper quilling, or decoupage. Frame the finished pieces for elegant wall decor.
4. Vinyl Record Bowls: Heat an old vinyl record in the oven and mold it into a bowl shape. Once cooled, it can be used as a stylish catch-all for keys, jewelry, or other small items.
5. Repurposed T-shirt Tote Bag: Turn old t-shirts into reusable tote bags by cutting off the sleeves and neckline, then stitching the bottom hem closed. Add straps made from the shirt’s sleeves or fabric scraps.
6. Pallet Wood Furniture: Salvage wooden pallets and repurpose them into rustic furniture pieces like coffee tables, bookshelves, or outdoor benches. Sand and stain the wood for a polished finish.
7. Broken China Mosaics: Smash old ceramic dishes or china plates and arrange the pieces to create mosaic designs on flower pots, picture frames, or tabletops. Grout the pieces in place for a durable finish.
8. Tin Can Lanterns: Punch holes in empty tin cans to create decorative lanterns. Place tealight candles inside and hang them outdoors for ambient lighting during summer evenings.
9. CD Wall Art: Glue broken or unwanted CDs onto a canvas or wooden board to create a shimmering mosaic. Experiment with different arrangements and colors to make a striking statement piece for your home.
10. Fabric Scrap Garland: Use leftover fabric scraps to make a colorful garland by tying them onto a length of twine or ribbon. Hang it across a mantel or window for a charming bohemian touch.

These projects not only give new life to discarded materials but also allow for personal expression and creativity. Plus, they’re a rewarding way to reduce waste and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.

10. Poured candles

Your own poured candles work great in tin cans, and the process isn’t too difficult to master. Be cautious whenever handling hot wax.

Empty your tin can first. A wick should be fastened to the can’s bottom. Use a hob or microwave to melt candle wax. Gently stir your preferred essential oil smells into the heated wax. Make sure the thread is straight when you pour the wax into the can. Give the wax time to solidify.

11. Animal ear planters or catchalls

Have you ever noticed how a two-liter soda bottle’s four “legs” resemble animal legs?

Cut the soda bottle to the desired depth, creating two ovals for a rabbit or two triangles for a cat at the top. Smooth the sharp edge using sandpaper. Choose your favourite colour for the spray paint, then add markers or glue to ornaments to create the appearance of a face. If the bottom of these bowls are punctured, they become excellent planters.

This YouTube video has a tonne of other really great, practical suggestions. Tell us about any that you attempt.