12+ Creative Crafts Made from Recycled Household Items

These recycled craft ideas will cost you almost nothing, regardless of whether you build something out of a found treasure or use what you already have. Try one of our other recycled-material crafts or make a homemade cake stand. The whole family will enjoy these simple recycled projects!

1. Paint Cans Turned Organizer

Turning paint cans into organizers is a creative and eco-friendly way to repurpose materials while adding some organization to your space. Here’s a simple guide on how to do it:

Materials Needed:

• Empty paint cans (cleaned and dried)
• Paint or spray paint (optional, for aesthetics)
• Sandpaper (optional, for smoothing edges)
• Labels or a label maker (optional)
• Hooks or screws (if you want to hang them)
• Additional materials (e.g., dividers, small containers for sorting items)

Steps:

1. Clean the Cans: Ensure all paint residue is removed from the cans. Wash them with soap and water, then let them dry completely.
2. Sand Edges: If the edges are sharp, lightly sand them to avoid cuts.
3. Paint the Cans: If you want to enhance the look, paint the outside of the cans. Use a color that matches your decor or go for a fun design. Allow the paint to dry completely.
4. Add Labels: Use labels to identify what each can holds, such as “Craft Supplies,” “Tools,” or “Office Supplies.” This helps keep things organized.
5. Organize Items: Fill the cans with items based on your categories. You can use smaller containers or dividers inside the cans for better organization.
6. Display or Hang: Decide whether you want to place the cans on a shelf, desk, or hang them on a wall. If hanging, use hooks or screws to secure them in place.
7. Arrange: Find a convenient spot for your newly organized paint can containers. Make sure they are easily accessible for everyday use.

Tips:

• Variety of Sizes: Use different sizes of paint cans for various items. Smaller cans can hold tools, while larger ones can be great for art supplies.
• Decorative Touch: Consider adding embellishments like stickers, washi tape, or fabric around the cans for a personalized touch.
• Theme Organization: Group cans by themes, such as all crafting supplies in one area and all office supplies in another.

This project not only helps declutter your space but also adds a unique, personalized touch to your organization system!

2. Fabric Storage Bins

Repurpose leftover fat quarters or scraps of fabric to create a set of square fabric containers. Make your own storage containers using our free template. The bins’ stiff interfacing adds durability; you can use them to store jewelry or scrunchies or to keep bottles on your bathroom vanity.

3. DIY Envelope Pillow

Use a favourite sports jersey, college t-shirt, or sweatshirt to sew an envelope pillow cover. Only a few basic sewing abilities are needed to create this homemade pillow cover. To match your surroundings, give the pillow a patterned back.

4. Recycled Jewelry Holder

Creating a recycled jewelry holder is a fantastic way to organize your accessories while being eco-friendly. Here’s a simple guide to making one using materials you may already have at home!

Materials Needed:

• Old picture frame (any size)
• Wire mesh or screen (like an old window screen or chicken wire)
• Hot glue gun (or strong adhesive)
• Scissors
• Decorative items (optional: paint, fabric, or embellishments)
• Hooks or small nails (optional, for hanging necklaces)

Steps:

1. Prepare the Frame:
   • If your picture frame has a backing, remove it. You can paint or decorate the frame if desired—this adds a personal touch.
2. Cut the Wire Mesh:
   • Cut a piece of wire mesh or screen to fit the back of the frame. Make sure it’s slightly larger than the opening to ensure it can be securely glued.
3. Attach the Wire Mesh:
   • Lay the wire mesh inside the frame. Use a hot glue gun to secure the mesh to the frame. Make sure it’s taut and well-adhered so it can hold your jewelry.
4. Optional: Add Hooks:
   • If you want to hang necklaces, attach small hooks or nails to the bottom of the frame or around the mesh. Ensure they’re securely fastened.
5. Decorate the Frame:
   • If you haven’t already decorated the frame, now is the time to add any embellishments, such as paint, fabric, or decorative elements.
6. Hang or Display:
   • Choose a spot to hang or display your jewelry holder. Use picture hooks or nails to hang it on the wall, or place it on a dresser or vanity.
7. Organize Your Jewelry:
   • Start organizing your jewelry! Use the mesh to hold earrings, and hang necklaces from the hooks. You can also clip on bracelets.

Tips:

• Customization: Feel free to get creative with your frame! You can add glitter, fabric, or even paint patterns to match your room decor.
• Multiple Frames: For a larger collection, consider using multiple frames and arranging them in a gallery style.
• Sustainability: This project helps reduce waste and gives new life to items you may have otherwise discarded.

Enjoy crafting your unique jewelry holder! It’s a stylish and functional way to keep your accessories organized.

5. Newspaper Holder

Make a stylish cake stand out of toilet paper tubes and recycled cardboard. Yes, exactly! We’ll walk you through putting the stand together and giving it a fast paint job. The final trim is added with an edge punch.

6. Metallic Vase

Use a few plastic spoons to breathe fresh life into a plain vase! All you have to do is trim the spoons’ bottoms and spray paint them shiny. After the spoons are dry, adhere them to the vase and showcase your do-it-yourself recycled project.

7. Patterned-Paper Book Covers

Make these environmentally friendly beeswax wraps with your unused fabric scraps. Each wrap substitutes single-use plastics and has a one-year shelf life. Just use warm, soapy water to wipe them down to clean them.

8. Mod Mosaic Table

Cover an old tabletop with vibrant tile, stone, or glass to give it a new lease on life. Create your own mosaic patterns in three easy steps. We discovered that designing on a table with a tray top was the most convenient.

9. Business Card Holder

This is a novel way to upcycle basic garden rocks. To make vibrant designs, use acrylic craft paint. After drying, place the painted rocks outside to help spread happiness as people pass by, or use them as garden markers.

10. Bottle Cap Magnets

Bottle-cap magnets will give your kitchen a recycled chic aesthetic. Look for old caps at charity stores or flea markets, then hot glue a tiny magnet—found at craft stores—inside.

11. Desk Accessories Holder

Repurpose an old tin can to make it look lovely on a desk. Clean the can and take off the labels. Trim textured ornamental paper to the can’s width and height. After wrapping the piece of paper around the can, use decoupage medium to secure it. Cut a piece of matching ribbon. Tie it after wrapping it around the can.

12 Fabric Scrap Balls

These fabric-wrapped balls can be exhibited in a lovely bowl and are a simple project to do with leftovers from your inventory. Using glue, attach the strips of matching fabric to the foam balls. For added intrigue, use both large and little balls and choose a range of fabric patterns.