Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

How to make a recycled pallet puppet theater

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Over at Jessica’s blog, Mom 4 Real, you’ll find a truly creative and budget-friendly DIY project: an adorable puppet theater made from a recycled pallet! With just a little paint, fabric, and imagination, Jessica transforms an ordinary wooden pallet into a magical stage where kids can let their creativity shine. It’s a fantastic way to upcycle materials while creating hours of screen-free entertainment for your little ones.

This step-by-step tutorial is easy to follow and perfect for weekend crafting. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just getting started, this project is a great introduction to working with pallets—and the end result is as charming as it is functional.

Looking for more recycled pallet ideas? You’re in luck! Pallets can be transformed into just about anything—from rustic furniture and garden planters to wall art and storage solutions. Whether you’re crafting for kids, organizing your home, or adding charm to your outdoor space, reclaimed pallets offer endless possibilities for eco-friendly, affordable DIY projects.  Check out the book Build It! with Pallets.

 

 

Looking for more Pallet Crafts? Check out these Pallet Project books.

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Recycled Paper Cylinder Face Art – A Colorful Win for All Ages

I recently stumbled across this super creative project on Instructables – “Face With Recycled Paper Cylinders” – and I had to share it with you all because it’s just the kind of craft that checks all my favorite boxes: recycled materials, hands-on creativity, and fun for literally any age.

The idea is simple but genius—roll strips of recycled paper (think junk mail, old magazines, leftover printer paper) into cylinders, then arrange and glue them to form a unique abstract face. You can make it funky, realistic, Picasso-inspired—whatever your mood or style dictates!

What I really love is the blend of eco-conscious crafting with true artistic expression. This isn’t just another kids’ project—it’s something you could easily do with a group of little ones, a classroom full of teens, or even as an adult art therapy or weekend wind-down activity. It’s super relaxing and surprisingly satisfying seeing all those paper rolls come together to form something new and expressive.

The tutorial itself is easy to follow, with plenty of visuals to guide you along the way. You don’t need any fancy materials—just glue, paper, scissors, and a board or piece of cardboard to serve as your canvas.

I also appreciate how this project leaves so much room for personalization. Want to make it into a full face? Go for it. Prefer to focus on a single eye or mouth? Totally works. You can even play with color schemes by choosing papers with a certain palette, or painting over them once they’re rolled.

In short: this is a total keeper for anyone who loves crafting with purpose. It’s the kind of project that sparks creativity while gently reinforcing the idea that beautiful things can come from what we usually throw away.

Highly recommend giving it a go—solo or with a group. And if you try it, tag me or drop a pic—I’d love to see your recycled masterpiece!