Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

The Naughty Secretary Club Book – Review and Giveaway!

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I’m always on the lookout for craft books that emphasize reusing and recycling unique materials, so when Jennifer Perkins, not only the writer of Craft Artist Life here at Craft Gossip, but also owner of the Naughty Secretary Club shop, told the world that she’d written a book, I couldn’t wait for it to come out. I have to say, I was overwhelmed with how good it is!

From cover to cover, this book has not only great supply lists and directions on jewelry-making, it’s chock-full of ideas for re-purposing great everyday finds. Some of my favorite projects include using vintage neckties for both headbands and pins … I’ve got a huge obsession for vintage ties!

While Jennifer’s jewelry style is much bigger than mine (literally. I tend to wear teenie tiny pieces), the book has quickly taken up a prominent spot on my bookshelf because her jewelry-making instructions are some of the best I’ve read. She clearly and simply explains how to use found items in your baubles, making your accessories completely unique and easy to make!

And because I love it so much, I wanted to give you all a chance to love it to! So from now until September 10th at 5pm (CST), leave a comment here and I’ll randomly pick one person to win a copy of the Naught Secretary Club Book! Be sure to leave your name and e-mail address so I can contact you if you win!

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Comments

  1. I am really excited for this book, I went and looked at it at Borders and I am dying to get it!!!

  2. I am always looking for new ideas….I know this book would give a slew of new GREAT ideas!

Have you read?

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!