Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure
If you happen to get a heart shaped box of chocolates this Valentine’s day (or you go out the day after Valentine’s day and buy a box for half price) here is a great way to recycle it after you have enjoyed the chocolates. I bet this would be a fun project to make one piece each day. Pop on over to the blog Idea Stand for more art therapy ideas including this art in a recycled heart chocolate box.
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!
You know, this gives me an idea for something else using candy boxes! I get the Whitman’s brand box chocolates in sugar free for the hubs. I’ve kept a pile of them thinking they would be good for some sort of crafts (they look like cigar boxes). You could use each half as a shadow box display on the wall for small things. I have a collection of seashell animals that have needed a wall hung display for years and this is what I’m going to do for them now. Thanks for posting great ideas that inspire me.