Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Giveaway: New Magazine- Artists & Makers from the Cloth Paper Scissors peeps!

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SU1411_2Enter to win a copy of this brand new  inspiring and pretty magazine- ARTISTS & MAKERS created by the same people who publish the yummy Cloth Paper Scissors magazines. Leave a comment in today’s post sharing a comment about your favorite artist or maker by Dec 24th, 2014 and you will entered to win a copy. (Open to U.S. residents only please)

You can pop on over to the Interweave Store and see the list of articles is in this premier issue, an inside peek into the pages of the magazine, and you can even order a downloadable version of the magazine if you like to read on your electronic device!

This issue is packed with info on art as a business, how to get unstuck when the creative juices aren’t flowing, inside peeks into studios and advice from those making their creative lives flourish, and of course, my personal favorite close up shots of how these people store their supplies which invariable include recycled containers!

 

 

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Comments

  1. What an amazing magazine! I’d love to win a copy. As far as my favorite artist or maker – there are so many to choose from. Two that come to mind are painter Connie Hayes (I love her paintings of Maine) and jewelry maker Emily Maynard of Elva Fields. Thanks again for this wonderful giveaway!!

  4. I’m very interested in this mag. I love Susan Lenz. Her art evolves and leaves an emotional trail. Love Michael deMeng’s assemblage art too. Sarah Lugg’s collage artwork

  12. I would love to win a copy. Saw it for the first time today at Hancock Fabrics. Does my friend Anne Sweeney, a talented folk artist, count? Love her style.

  15. Thank you. I love so many artists. I particularly love Warren Kimbell and Bessie Pease Gutmann.

  16. Another goodie from the folks who produce Cloth, Paper Scissors? I’m in! I look forward to CPS so I’m excited to know there’s a new publication featuring the artists and artisans.

  17. Andrew Wyeth is top of my list with his amazing use of Egg Tempera and capturing the simple, mundane of everyday life and taking it to sublime. If I could emulate any artist, it would be him. Thanks for contest.

  19. Don’t have a fav artist, just wanted opportunity to win magazine. I love handmade items and support local crafters during the Christmas holidays. I knit scarves and baby blankets and also cross stitch. It’s been my dream to some day open a shop for handmade goods and the articles in magazine are just what I was looking for.

  24. WOW! This magazine looks great! Great to see something so well-rounded. I don’t particularly have ONE favorite artist – but if I had to choose ONE to talk about it would be DanandDeeDesigns for their woodworking – absolutely beautiful!

    Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!

Have you read?

DIY Paper Bag Mushrooms – A Creative Upcycled Craft for Kids and Nature Lovers

There’s something magical about mushrooms — maybe it’s the fairy-tale vibes or their cozy woodland charm. Either way, turning ordinary brown paper bags into mushrooms is a fun, hands-on craft project that kids (and adults) will enjoy. The best part? You’re reusing materials that might otherwise go to waste. Win-win!

This easy tutorial walks you through making your very own forest of recycled mushrooms using simple supplies you likely already have around the house.

What You’ll Need:

  • Brown paper lunch bags (you can even use grocery bags cut to size)

  • Scrap paper or newspaper for stuffing

  • String, yarn, or twine

  • Scissors

  • Paints (acrylic or tempera work best)

  • Paintbrushes or sponges

  • Optional extras: markers, stickers, googly eyes, craft glue

Step-by-Step: How to Make Your Mushrooms

Step 1: Create the Mushroom Top
Start by opening your paper bag and gently crumpling up some newspaper or scrap paper. Stuff it into the bottom of the bag — not too tight, just enough to give it a rounded shape that will form the mushroom cap.

Step 2: Form the Stem
Once the top is nice and puffy, hold the bag just underneath the stuffed section and twist it lightly to shape the stem. Tie a piece of twine or string around this part to hold the form. You’ll now have a mushroom top with a long paper bag hanging down — that’s your stem.

Step 3: Trim to Size
If the stem looks too long or uneven, grab your scissors and snip it down to your preferred height. You can even experiment with making some taller and some short and chubby for a little mushroom variety.

Step 4: Paint and Decorate
Time for the fun part — painting! Flip the mushroom cap upright and paint it any way you like. Classic red with white spots? Go for it. Bright blue with glitter? Why not! Use brushes or dabbers to add spots, swirls, or patterns. Let kids express their creativity — there’s no wrong way to decorate a magic mushroom!

Step 5: Let It Dry
Place your mushrooms somewhere safe to dry. You can use a sheet of newspaper or cardboard to avoid mess. Once dry, they’ll stiffen a little and hold their shape nicely.

Step 6: Display Your Mushroom Garden
Line them up on a windowsill, add them to a play area, or build a fairy village in the corner of a room. You can even glue them to a cardboard base and add moss, pebbles, and tiny paper critters for a full scene.

Extra Ideas:

  • Add flags or tiny doors to make mushroom homes.

  • Draw faces or names on the stems to turn them into characters.

  • Use cotton balls or pom-poms for fluffy mushroom spots.

Why This Project Rocks:

This is one of those crafts that doesn’t need a trip to the store or fancy tools — just a little time, a few basic supplies, and a bit of imagination. Plus, it encourages kids to see the creative potential in everyday materials — a great step toward more mindful, eco-conscious crafting.

So go ahead, raid the recycling bin and bring a mini mushroom forest to life.

How to make giant toadstools out of recycled tires

How to make champagne cork toadstools

How to make recycled Easter egg mushrooms

How to make recycled toilet paper tube mushrooms

How to make a rainbow forest of adorable recycled mushrooms