Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

8 Crafts To Make With Old Sheet Music

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Music is a universal language that speaks to the soul. For many people, it’s an integral part of their lives. Whether you’re a musician, music lover, or simply appreciate the beauty of musical notes and lyrics, sheet music is a classic piece of decor that can add a touch of nostalgia and elegance to any space.

Sheet music has been used for many years to inspire creativity and artistic expression. From song lyrics to sheet music notes, it’s a treasure trove of inspiration for crafting. It’s versatile and can be used in many different ways to create unique and personalized decor items.

In this article, we’ve compiled a list of 8 different crafts that can be made using old sheet music or copies of such. Each craft is unique and will add a touch of musical charm to any space.

The first craft on our list is a paper wreath made from sheet music. This is a simple yet elegant way to add a touch of musical charm to your home decor. All you need is a foam wreath form, some sheet music, and a hot glue gun. Cut the sheet music into strips and then wrap them around the wreath form, securing them in place with hot glue.

Another great craft to make with sheet music is a set of DIY paper flowers. These flowers can be used to create a centerpiece, a bouquet, or simply placed in a vase. All you need is some sheet music, a pair of scissors, and some floral wire. Cut the sheet music into strips and then fold them accordion-style. Twist the floral wire around the center of the folded paper to create a stem, and then carefully unfold the paper to create the petals.

Other crafts include sheet music coasters, decoupage furniture, wall art, and more. These crafts are all great ways to add a touch of musical charm to your home decor and make use of old sheet music in a fun and creative way.

In conclusion, sheet music is a classic piece of decor that can add a touch of nostalgia and elegance to any space. Whether you’re a musician or simply love music, there are many different crafts that can be made using old sheet music or copies of such. From paper wreaths to DIY paper flowers, the possibilities are endless. So why not try making one of these crafts and see how it can add a touch of musical charm to your home?

Love working with recycled items? Check out this amazing recycled Crafts book.

 

guitar

1- Decoupaged Guitar from Unofficial Warmoth

table

2- Sheet Music Sofa Table from A Diamond In The Stuff

wreath

3- Rosebud Wreath from By Stephanie Lynn

shutter

4- Sheet Music Shutter Memo Board from Saved By Love Creations

shadowbox

5- Birds Nest Shadowbox from Treasures From The Heart

shoes

6- Sheet Music Shoes from Tales of a Trophy Wife

drawers

7- Lined Drawers from Vintage Junky

coaster

8- Sheet Music Decoupaged Coasters from An Oregon Cottage

 

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DIY Milk Jug Halloween Skeleton Faces – Day of the Dead Inspired

Every year when Halloween rolls around, I find myself itching to create something new for the porch or entryway. Pumpkins are fun, but I also love projects that are thrifty and a little unexpected. These DIY milk jug skeleton faces tick all the boxes—they’re spooky, colorful, and upcycled from something you’d normally toss in the recycling bin.

Even better, they’re inspired by Mexican sugar skulls (Calaveras), which makes them perfect for those of us who like blending Halloween with a touch of Day of the Dead artistry. If you’ve ever admired the bold, painted skulls covered in flowers and bright designs, this is a playful and budget-friendly way to bring that style into your own decorations.

Why You’ll Love This Craft

  • Eco-Friendly: A brilliant way to recycle old milk jugs instead of tossing them. 
  • Budget-Friendly: Uses supplies you probably already have—markers, paint, string, scissors. 
  • Customizable: Every skull face can be completely different—no two need to match. 
  • Festive & Fun: Bright colors bring cheer to your Halloween and fall décor. 
  • Kid-Friendly: Safe for older kids and teens to paint and decorate (you may need to pre-cut the jugs). 

Supplies You’ll Need

  • Empty gallon milk jugs (washed and labels removed) 
  • Sharpie markers or acrylic paints (assorted bright colors plus black) 
  • Paintbrushes (thin ones for detail) 
  • Scissors or a craft knife (adult use recommended) 
  • Hole punch 
  • Yarn, twine, or string for hanging 
  • Beads (optional, for string decoration) 
  • Battery-operated tea lights (optional for glowing effect) 

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Prepping the Jugs

Start by giving your empty milk jugs a good wash to get rid of any milk residue (trust me, you don’t want lingering smells). Peel off labels and let them dry completely. Using scissors or a craft knife, cut away one flat side of the jug so you’re left with a rounded “mask” shape. The spout becomes the chin of your skeleton face—it’s a surprisingly good fit!

Punch two small holes at the top corners of each cut-out so you can hang them later.

Step 2: Sketch the Skeleton Face

With a black Sharpie or paint, outline the classic skeleton features:

  • Eyes: Large hollow circles—cut them out completely for a mask look, or just color them black. 
  • Nose: A small upside-down heart or triangle shape. 
  • Mouth: A stitched line across the chin. Add short vertical lines to mimic teeth. 

This is your base—simple and spooky!

Step 3: Paint the Sugar Skull Details

Now comes the fun part. Sugar skulls are all about color, flowers, and swirls. Here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Paint colorful flower petals around the eyes. 
  • Add vines, spirals, or dot patterns across the forehead and cheeks. 
  • Use contrasting colors for bold designs—bright pinks, purples, turquoise, yellows, and greens work beautifully. 
  • Add little hearts or cross shapes for variety. 

If you’re working with kids, hand them markers instead of paints for easier cleanup.

Step 4: String & Bead the Decorations

Cut yarn or twine into long lengths for hanging. You can even thread beads onto the string for extra flair,. Tie the strings through the holes you punched and gather them together to hang on a door, wall, or tree branch.

They look especially festive grouped in threes or fives.

Step 5: Light Them Up (Optional)

For an extra wow factor, tuck a battery-operated tea light inside each jug before hanging. The plastic glows at night, and the painted details shine like stained glass. It’s a budget-friendly way to add some ambiance to your Halloween porch without the mess of real candles.

Tips & Variations

  • Use glow-in-the-dark paint for a spooky nighttime surprise. 
  • String a whole row together to make a garland across your porch or fence. 
  • Spray the inside of the jug with white paint for a more opaque look. 
  • Add glitter glue accents if you want them to shimmer in daylight. 
  • Try smaller jugs (like juice or creamer bottles) for mini skull faces. 

This project has become one of my favorite DIY Halloween decorations because it checks so many boxes: thrifty, creative, and surprisingly pretty for something made out of old milk jugs. Whether you’re decorating for trick-or-treaters, a fall party, or just want to add some seasonal cheer, these milk jug skeleton faces bring a Day of the Dead flair to your home.

They’re also a great activity for family craft nights—each person can design their own skull and you’ll end up with a gallery of colorful, quirky faces to hang around the house.

So next time you finish a jug of milk, don’t toss it—save it for Halloween crafting!