Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

9 Handmade Ornaments Made From Recycled Items

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The holiday season is just around the corner and what better way to get in the spirit than by creating handmade ornaments for your Christmas tree? Not only are they a fun and festive addition to your décor, but they’re also a great way to repurpose items that might have otherwise been thrown away. In this post, we’ve compiled a list of 9 DIY ornaments that are made from recycled materials.

If you’re a fan of the handmade/homemade look, then you’ll love these ornaments. Each one is easy to make and requires only a few materials that you probably already have lying around your home. From old sheet music to wine corks, these ornaments showcase the endless possibilities for creating beautiful decorations with items that might have otherwise been discarded.

By using recycled materials, you can also feel good about reducing waste and creating something beautiful from what might have been considered trash. Not only do these ornaments look great on your own tree, but they also make for great handmade gifts that your friends and family will love.

So take a look through our list and choose your favorite ornament to make. From whimsical paper stars to rustic twig reindeer, there’s sure to be an ornament that will fit your style and add that special touch to your holiday decorating. And if you enjoy working with recycled materials, then you’ll be sure to find plenty of inspiration for future projects.

Check out this amazing recycled Crafts book. Love using natural materials found in nature? Check out these books on Crafting with nature. 

poptabs

1- Pop Tab Ornament from The 3 R’s Blog

rhinestone

2- Simple Rhinestone Ornament from Mod Podge Rocks

bows

3- Soda Can Bows from DIY Maven

CD

4- Glittered CD Ornaments from Happy Hooligans

cork

5- Cork Balls from Unleashing My Creativity

icicle

6- Icicle Ornaments From Plastic Bottles from Cut Out And Keep

puzzle

7- Puzzle Piece Snowflakes from Red Ted Art

honeycomb

8- Honeycomb Ornaments from House Revivals

lightbulbsnowman

9- Light Bulb Snowman from Chipper’s Blog

 

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Build Big Memories on a Budget: DIY Cubby House Using Recycled Pallets

There’s something special about a cubby house. For kids, it’s more than just a backyard structure—it becomes a pirate ship, a secret hideaway, a miniature home, or a quiet spot to read and imagine. And for parents or grandparents, it’s a chance to create something meaningful that encourages outdoor play and creativity.

I recently came across a fantastic step-by-step guide from the team over at Bunnings Workshop that shows exactly how to build a DIY cubby house using recycled pallet timber. It’s a simple yet incredibly rewarding project that turns discarded timber into a charming play space your kids will absolutely love.

What I really appreciate about this project is how accessible it is. It doesn’t require a big budget or expensive materials. By using pallet timber, you not only save money but also help reduce waste—making it a great example of sustainable DIY. The cubby design is solid and safe, with a layout that leaves room for personal touches like paint, planters, or even a chalkboard wall.

This is the kind of project that can grow with your children. You might start with a basic structure and then add onto it as their play evolves—maybe a little deck area, a set of stairs, or some creative decor like a mini letterbox or curtains. It’s also a great opportunity for families to work together. Even young children can help with painting or handing over tools, making it a fun and collaborative experience.

The Bunnings Workshop tutorial provides a clear guide with a materials list, tool requirements, and helpful photos throughout. Whether you’re an experienced builder or a DIY beginner, the instructions are easy to follow and adaptable to different backyard sizes.

If you’ve been looking for a weekend project that adds charm to your outdoor space and creates long-lasting memories, this might be just the thing. Building a cubby house is a wonderful way to connect with your kids, encourage imagination, and spend time outdoors—without needing to buy another plastic playhouse.

You can explore the full project and instructions here:
DIY Cubby House Using Recycled Pallet Timber – Bunnings Workshop

If you do give it a go, I’d love to hear how it turns out. Share your cubby house photos and ideas—I know many readers would be inspired to see how each one takes on its own unique personality.

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