8 Creative Ways to UpCycle a Plastic Bottle

Have you heard the rumours about my upcoming book, UpCycle It! Crafts For Kids, which releases on March 15th? Indeed, there are two initiatives within that use recycled plastic bottles to create brand-new, better products! I’ll give you a peek at those projects as well as more inspiration for repurposing bottles into bats and bowling pins if you continue reading.

1. Easter Bunny Bottle Planter

Certainly! Creating an Easter Bunny Bottle Planter is a fun and creative project. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make one:

Materials:

• Empty, clean glass or plastic bottle (a small to medium-sized bottle works best)
• Paint (white, black, and pink for the bunny; optional colors for decoration)
• Paintbrushes
• Craft glue or hot glue gun
• Scissors
• Old newspaper or a disposable tablecloth (for protection)
• Small pot or container (for planting)
• Potting soil
• Small plant or flowers (like succulents, pansies, or herbs)
• Ribbon or other decorative items (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bottle:
   • Clean the bottle thoroughly and remove any labels. Let it dry completely.
2. Paint the Bottle:
   • Cover your work area with newspaper or a disposable tablecloth.
   • Paint the entire bottle white to create the base of the bunny. Allow the paint to dry completely. You might need two coats for a solid color.
3. Create the Bunny Face:
   • Once the base coat is dry, paint two large white circles for the eyes and let them dry.
   • Add smaller black circles inside the white circles for the pupils.
   • For the nose, paint a small pink triangle or oval shape in the center, just below the eyes.
   • Draw a cute bunny mouth and whiskers using black paint.
4. Add Bunny Ears:
   • Cut two bunny ear shapes out of paper or craft foam. Paint the inner part of the ears pink and let it dry.
   • Glue the ears to the top of the bottle. If you want them to stand up, you can attach them to small pieces of paper or foam and then glue these to the bottle.
5. Prepare the Planter:
   • Place a small pot or container inside the bottle (if the bottle is wide enough) or use the bottle itself as the planter. Ensure there is adequate drainage.
   • Fill the pot or bottle with potting soil.
6. Plant Your Choice:
   • Plant your selected plant or flowers into the soil. Press the soil down gently around the roots to secure the plant.
7. Add Final Touches:
   • Decorate the bunny as desired with additional ribbons, bows, or other embellishments.
   • Water your plant as needed and place the planter in a sunny spot.

Tips:

• If you’re using a plastic bottle, you might need to cut the bottle to create an opening at the top where you’ll place the soil and plant.
• For better drainage, you can make small holes in the bottom of the bottle or pot.

This Easter Bunny Bottle Planter makes a charming and whimsical addition to your spring décor or a delightful gift for someone special. Enjoy your crafting!

2. Halloween Witch Bowling

With this Halloween Witch Bowling Set, you can let a green plastic bottle handle all the work for you. A witches hat wrapped in yarn and a terrifying, adorable face are all that’s needed to complete the bottles. The secret to a great kid-friendly Halloween party is to set up circuit training exercises at the gym. Lawn bowling is one example of such a circuit.

3 Crafty Cactus Night Light

Creating a Crafty Cactus Night Light is a fun and creative project that will brighten up any room with a touch of whimsy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make one:

Materials:

• Cactus-shaped ceramic or plastic planter (small to medium size)
• LED tea light or small LED string lights (battery-operated for safety)
• Paint (green for the cactus; optional colors for decorations)
• Paintbrushes
• Craft glue or hot glue gun
• Small pebbles or sand (for the base if needed)
• Decorative items (like faux flowers, small faux rocks, etc.)
• Scissors
• Old newspaper or a disposable tablecloth (for protection)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Planter:
   • Clean the cactus planter thoroughly to remove any dust or residue.
   • If you’re using a ceramic planter, you may want to lightly sand it to help the paint adhere better.
2. Paint the Cactus:
   • Cover your work area with newspaper or a disposable tablecloth.
   • Paint the entire planter with green paint to represent the cactus. You might need two coats for a more vibrant color. Allow the paint to dry completely.
3. Add Details:
   • Once the base coat is dry, use a contrasting color (such as white or a bright color) to add details like spines or flowers on the cactus.
   • For a more realistic touch, you can use a thin brush to paint small lines or dots to mimic the cactus spines.
4. Prepare the Night Light:
   • If you’re using an LED tea light, simply place it inside the planter. If the planter is too small, you can make a small cutout or hole to fit the tea light securely.
   • If you’re using LED string lights, carefully thread the lights through the planter. You may need to make small holes or gaps to allow the lights to shine through.
5. Create a Stable Base:
   • To keep the night light stable, fill the bottom of the planter with small pebbles, sand, or other materials. This will help weigh down the planter and provide a base for the LED lights.
   • Arrange the decorative items, like faux flowers or small rocks, around the base to add extra flair.
6. Assemble and Test:
   • Place the LED tea light or string lights inside the planter and turn them on to test the effect. Adjust the lights as needed to ensure an even glow.
   • If you’re using string lights, you might want to wrap or tuck the excess wire inside the planter or at the base.
7. Final Touches:
   • Decorate the exterior of the planter as desired with additional paint details, glitter, or small embellishments.
   • Ensure that the planter is positioned securely and that the light is functioning properly.

Tips:

• If the planter is hollow and not intended to hold plants, you can skip the soil and drainage considerations.
• Use battery-operated lights for safety, especially if the night light will be used in a child’s room.

This Crafty Cactus Night Light adds a playful and unique touch to your space, perfect for brightening up any room with a hint of desert charm. Enjoy your crafting!

4. DIY Hanging Bat Planters

Visit HGTV to view the steps I used to create this batch of homemade hanging bat planters. No, really—how awesome is it that a bunch of bats is called a cauldron? What else is awesome, you know? I made these bats, and you can see the video! Kimberly Davis Photography took the picture.

5. DIY Gnome Bowling Set

Creating a DIY Gnome Bowling Set is a fun and whimsical project that can be enjoyed by both kids and adults. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make your own gnome-themed bowling set:

Materials:

• Wooden or plastic pins (you can use old bowling pins or make your own with PVC pipes or bottles)
• Paint (various colors for gnomes and their accessories)
• Paintbrushes
• Craft glue or hot glue gun
• Small round balls (for bowling; you can use a lightweight ball like a rubber ball)
• White paper or stickers (for gnome faces)
• Markers or paint pens (for adding details)
• Optional: glitter or other decorative items

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pins:
   • If using wooden or plastic pins: Clean them thoroughly. If they are old and need to be repainted, sand them lightly to help the new paint adhere.
   • If making your own pins: Cut PVC pipes or use plastic bottles as the base. If using bottles, make sure they are securely closed at the bottom or filled with a small amount of sand to keep them upright.
2. Paint the Gnomes:
   • Base Coat: Paint the pins with a base color for the gnome bodies (e.g., red, blue, or green). Allow the paint to dry completely.
   • Gnome Faces: Once the base coat is dry, paint the gnome faces. Add a white beard, a red hat, and any other details you like (e.g., rosy cheeks, small buttons). If you prefer, you can use white paper or stickers for the faces and then add details with markers or paint pens.
   • Accessories: Add any additional details like gnome accessories (e.g., small garden tools or flowers) if desired. Use different colors to make each gnome pin unique.
3. Decorate the Bowling Balls:
   • Paint or decorate the bowling balls to match the gnome theme. You can paint them with designs that complement the gnome pins, like flowers, stars, or patterns. Make sure the paint is dry before using them.
4. Assemble the Set:
   • Set up the gnome pins in a triangular formation, just like in a standard bowling setup. You can create a small bowling lane on the floor using tape or a mat to simulate a bowling alley.
   • Test the setup to ensure the pins are stable and the balls roll smoothly.
5. Optional: Add Decorative Elements:
   • If you want to add extra charm, you can sprinkle glitter on the gnomes or the bowling balls. Just be sure to use a non-toxic glue and let it dry thoroughly.
6. Gameplay:
   • To play, set up the gnome pins and take turns rolling the bowling ball to knock them down. You can keep score just like in traditional bowling or create your own rules for added fun.

Tips:

• Ensure that all paint and glue are completely dry before using the set to avoid any mess.
• If the set is intended for outdoor use or for children, consider using weather-resistant paint and materials for durability.
• For added fun, you can create scorecards and have a mini bowling tournament with family and friends.

This DIY Gnome Bowling Set makes for a delightful and imaginative game that can bring joy to any gathering. Enjoy crafting and bowling!

6. Plastic Bottle Boats

Creating Plastic Bottle Boats is a simple and enjoyable craft project that’s perfect for kids and adults alike. These boats are great for floating in pools, ponds, or even bathtubs. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make your own plastic bottle boats:

Materials:

• Empty plastic bottles (2-liter soda bottles or smaller water bottles work well)
• Plastic or foam sheets (for the boat’s base and sails)
• Craft glue or hot glue gun
• Scissors
• Marker or paint (for decorating)
• Optional: Decorative items (stickers, googly eyes, etc.)
• Optional: Small wooden skewers or plastic straws (for masts)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bottles:
   • Clean and dry the plastic bottles thoroughly. Remove any labels and glue residue.
   • For stability, you may want to use two bottles for each boat. This can be done by gluing them side by side or using one bottle as the main hull and another as a stabilizer.
2. Create the Boat’s Base:
   • Single Bottle Boat: If using one bottle, you can simply use it as is. Cut a piece of plastic or foam sheet to fit the bottom of the bottle. This will act as the boat’s base and provide additional stability.
   • Two-Bottle Boat: Place the two bottles side by side and glue them together. Attach a piece of plastic or foam sheet to the bottom to create a larger base.
3. Add the Mast:
   • If you want to add a mast for a sail, insert a small wooden skewer or plastic straw into the top of the bottle (or through the base if you prefer). Secure it with glue if necessary.
   • Optional: You can use multiple skewers or straws to create a more complex mast setup.
4. Create and Attach the Sail:
   • Cut a piece of plastic or foam sheet to create a sail. The sail can be a simple triangle or a more elaborate shape, depending on your preference.
   • Decorate the sail with markers, paint, or stickers.
   • Attach the sail to the mast using glue or tape. Make sure it is secure and won’t easily detach.
5. Decorate Your Boat:
   • Use markers, paint, stickers, or other decorative items to personalize your boat. You can add features like eyes, names, or designs to make it unique.
6. Test Your Boat:
   • Place your boat in water to test its buoyancy and stability. Make any adjustments as needed, such as adding extra weight to the bottom or adjusting the sail.
7. Enjoy:
   • Have fun floating your plastic bottle boats in a pool, pond, or bath. You can also have races or create a mini fleet of boats to navigate.

Tips:

• Make sure the boat is evenly balanced to prevent it from tipping over.
• If you’re making boats with children, supervise the use of scissors and glue.
• For added durability, you can seal the edges with waterproof tape to prevent water from getting into the bottles.

This project is not only a great way to recycle plastic bottles but also an excellent activity for fostering creativity and learning about buoyancy. Enjoy crafting your plastic bottle boats!

7. Recycled Hanging Bottle Panda Planter

My first children’s book, Easy Arts and Crafts For Kids: 50 Fun Projects to Make, Wear, and Share, is it in your possession? There are lots of recycled projects inside, like these cute panda planters, so you should definitely check them out. Choose an animal to transform your plastic bottle into. Once you get going, you’ll be creating simple plastic bottle planters for an entire rainforest.

8. 4th of September, 2024 Lawn Bowling

Sure! If you’re planning a lawn bowling event for September 4, 2024, here’s a guide to help you organize and enjoy a successful game. Lawn bowling is a classic, relaxing outdoor activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels.

Planning Your Lawn Bowling Event

1. Setting Up the Space

• Location: Choose a flat, well-maintained area of your lawn. If you’re not using a designated lawn bowling green, make sure the surface is even and free of obstacles.
• Bowling Area: Mark out the bowling area. A typical lawn bowling green is 120 feet by 15 feet, but for casual play, a smaller area will work fine.
• Lawn Bowling Equipment: You’ll need lawn bowls and a jack. Bowls are heavy, bias-weighted balls, and the jack is a smaller, white ball that serves as the target.

2. Rules and Setup

• Basic Rules: Lawn bowling involves rolling bowls towards a small target ball (the jack). The goal is to get your bowls as close to the jack as possible. The player or team with the closest bowl(s) to the jack scores points.
• Teams: You can play singles, pairs, triples, or fours. Determine the number of participants and organize accordingly.
• Scoring: Points are awarded based on how many of your bowls are closer to the jack than the opponent’s closest bowl. A standard game is played to a set number of points or ends.

3. Preparing for the Game

• Bowls: Ensure you have enough bowls for each participant or team. Lawn bowls come in different sizes and weights, so choose ones that are comfortable for the players.
• Jack: Make sure the jack is in good condition and easily visible.
• Equipment: Have measuring tapes available to determine the closest bowls and to resolve disputes.

4. Game Day Preparation

• Weather Check: Verify the weather forecast and plan for any necessary adjustments if rain or extreme conditions are expected.
• Refreshments: Provide snacks and beverages for players and spectators. A BBQ or picnic setup can add to the festive atmosphere.
• Seating: Set up comfortable seating for players and spectators to relax between rounds.

5. Conducting the Event

• Warm-Up: Allow players to warm up and practice before starting the game.
• Game Management: Start the game with a brief explanation of the rules and how scoring works. Consider having a quick demo for newcomers.
• Keep Score: Use a scorecard or chalkboard to keep track of points and manage the game.

6. Post-Game

• Awards: Consider having small awards or certificates for winners and participants. This could include “Best Bowler” or “Most Improved Player.”
• Clean-Up: Ensure all equipment is cleaned and stored properly. Dispose of any trash and tidy up the area.

Tips for a Successful Event

• Inclusivity: Make sure the event is welcoming to players of all skill levels. Offer guidance and encouragement to beginners.
• Safety: Ensure the playing area is safe and free from hazards. Provide sunscreen and hydration, especially on hot days.
• Fun: Focus on having fun and enjoying the social aspect of the game. Lawn bowling is as much about relaxation and camaraderie as it is about competition.

Enjoy your lawn bowling event on September 4, 2024! Whether it’s a casual get-together or a more organized tournament, lawn bowling is a great way to spend time outdoors and engage in friendly competition.