Creative Crafting on a Budget: Using Recycled Materials

re you looking for a new hobby or want to take your crafting skills to the next level?

Consider using recycled materials for your next project! Not only is it environmentally friendly, but it can also save you money and give your crafts a unique touch.

Here are 5 recycled materials that can be turned into beautiful crafts:

1. Repurposing Paper

Paper is a versatile and common recycled material that can be transformed into beautiful crafts!

You can use old newspapers, magazines, junk mail, or even paper bags to create various things. The possibilities are endless!

Here are some craft ideas repurposing paper:

• Paper Flowers: Cut paper into flower shapes, layer and glue together, add stem and leaves if desired.
• Gift Boxes filled with shredded paper: Fold paper into a box shape, fill with shredded paper, and decorate as desired.
• Confetti for parties: Cut paper into small pieces and toss in the air for a fun and festive effect.

2. Making the Most of Plastic

Plastic is another material that can be repurposed for crafts. You can use plastic bottles, caps, bags, or packaging to create unique pieces.

Not only will you be doing your part for the environment, but you'll also be giving a new life to plastic that would otherwise be discarded!

Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Plastic Bottle Bird Feeder: Cut a hole in a plastic bottle, add a wooden spoon as a perch, fill with bird seed, and hang.
• Stencils for Painting made from cut-up Plastic Containers: Cut shapes or designs from plastic containers and use as stencils for painting onto other surfaces.
• Jewelry made from Plastic Caps: Drill holes in plastic caps and string onto jewelry wire, add beads or other embellishments as desired. This is a fun craft to do with grandkids!

3 Transforming Fabric

Old clothes, curtains, sheets, and even towels can be transformed into beautiful crafts.

This is a great way to make use of textiles that may have sentimental value or bring back fond memories.

• Tote Bags: Cut fabric into desired shape, sew together and add straps.
• Pillows: Just like tote bags, cut fabric into desired shape, sew together and stuff with pillow filling.
• Rag Dolls: Cut and sew together fabric into a doll shape, adding stuffing and embellishments such as buttons or yarn hair. These are sure to be adorable and perfect for grandkids!

Learn more ways to use fabric for crafts and watch a tutorial from GetSetUp Guide Jennifer!

4. Upcycling Glass

If you have old glass bottles, jars, or even broken pieces of glass, don't throw them away. Instead, you can create unique crafts using glass.

Be sure to handle broken glass with care and always wear gloves.

• Glass Bottle Lamp: Drill a hole in the bottom of a glass bottle, add a lamp kit, and a lampshade as desired.
• Stained Glass Suncatcher: Cut or break glass into desired shapes, glue onto a metal frame, add copper foil tape around the edges, and solder together. Add a chain or wire for hanging.
• Jewelry made from Broken Glass Pieces: Drill holes in glass pieces and string onto jewelry wire or chain.
• Decorative Elements in Other Crafts: Use broken glass pieces to add texture and interest to other crafts such as mixed media art or mosaics. Keep these scraps on hand because you never know when you'll want to add these textures to a project!

Watch a demo on tile art!

5. Creative Metal Crafting

Old metal cans, lids, or even wire can be used for crafts. This is a great way to add a unique touch to your crafting projects.

• Wind Chimes: Cut metal into desired shapes, drill holes, and string together with fishing line or wire. Add a hanging element such as a ring or piece of chain.
• Candle Holders: Cut metal into desired shapes, bend into a cylinder or other shape, add a bottom, and place a candle inside.

Learn More:

• Get Creative with These DIY Recycled Crafts Ideas
• Learn more craft ideas and watch a live demo in our class Recycled Crafts!