Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Book Review and WIN a copy of Fantastic Recycled Plastic: 30 Clever Creations to Spark Your Imagination

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Fantastic Recycled Plastic: 30 Clever Creations to Spark Your Imagination
by
David Edgar and Robin A. Edgar

Let me start by saying my background is Industrial Design so I know about how much effort goes into designing manufactured packaging. It gives me such pleasure to recycle the stuff that someone else spent so much time designing giving it a new life after its first one is done and appreciating its qualities. That’s what pretty colors and shapes of plastic packaging have to offer you. This book Fantastic Recycled Plastic: 30 Clever Creations to Spark Your Imagination gives you ideas for tons of modern and whimsical designs along with the techniques and skills to make your own creations come to life. I know of what I speak, check out the broken heart charm I made inspired by Fantastic Recycled Plastic after, of course you leave a comment at this post so you are entered to win a copy of the book!

Leave a comment by Midnight ET Thursday November 18, 2010 and you are in the running.

The fine print-Contest is open to USA residents only.

More about the book and its authors from Lark Books:

“Plastic is fantastic to craft with—and these imaginative, whimsical creations are out of the ordinary! From colorful canine silhouette pins and magnets and a holiday snowflake decoration to marvelous masks, they turn recycling into art.

Organized by level of difficulty, the items range from simple creations even a schoolchild can do to a fanciful, rolling biplane and a slithering, jointed serpent stuffed with lids and caps. All the necessary techniques—cutting, shaping, fastening, heat-forming, making tabs—unfold in step-by-step photos, along with clear, comprehensive instructions. Sidebars provide extra information on plastics, recycling, and more. Plus there’s a gallery of innovative international work by professional artists to inspire you.

What a great way to get creative…while saving the earth, too!

 

A former arts administrator and associate professor of art, DAVID EDGAR worked as a production artist on the EPCOT Center and Tokyo Disneyland projects for the Walt Disney World Company. David’s artwork is represented internationally in corporate, institutional, and private collections. Find out more about David at www.plastiquarium.com.

ROBIN A. EDGAR writes profiles, art reviews, and features for national, regional, and local publications. She travels throughout the United States as a keynote speaker and workshops facilitator, teaching reminiscence writing techniques based on her two books, In My Mother’s Kitchen: An Introduction to the Healing Power of Reminiscence and Personal Legacies: Surviving the Great Depression. Find out more about Robin at www.robinedgar.com.”

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Comments

  2. That looks so cool! My nephew would love creating something out of “junk”! Thanks for the chance to win!

  10. What a cool book! I have a big bin full of colorful plastic lids and other plastic items that have been waiting for inspiration to hit me. This looks like just the thing I need to give them all new life!

  14. This book looks really neat! I just made a bracelet out of a vintage plastic knitting needle. What fun to recycle plastic.

  21. The talent and creativity of some people just floors me. That they can look at a piece of trash and see these kinds of project is amazing.

  22. There’s a kids museum in the area that sells commercially recycled materials on the cheap (bins, buckets, paper scraps, strings, etc.) – my 4yo son & I could have a hay day with this book!

  23. This book would be fun, educational, and environmentally-friendly. I’d love to win this and do the projects with my grandchildren!

  24. Wow, I would love to have a peek at this book. I am always looking for ways to recycle this kind of stuff.

  26. Everyone needs this book! What a great thing to use up those plastic bags everyone has zillions of!

  29. What great fun this looks! Many thanks for the opportunity to join the names in the hat!
    Fingers SO crossed… lol

  33. My daughter and I love craft projects, but supplies can be expensive. I would love to get some ideas and inspiration to repurpose junk we already have!!

Have you read?

Come On Baby, Start My Fire – DIY Firestarters

I stumbled across this brilliant little project the other day from one of my favorite upcycling bloggers, Sadie Seasongoods, and I had to share it. 

The firestarters Sadie makes are crafted from dryer lint, wax, and the cardboard bottoms of egg cartons. She even pretties them up with some dried herbs and flower petals, which honestly takes them from “I made this in my garage” to “Pinterest Queen Energy.” What I love most is how simple and budget-friendly they are. I mean, who doesn’t have dryer lint, an old candle stub, and a toilet roll lying around?

She walks you through the whole process with her usual clear instructions the end result looks more like a rustic gift item than something you’d toss into a fire pit. It’s the perfect kind of project for anyone who likes camping, cozy backyard firepits, or even just prepping for winter in a crafty way.

Other DIY Firestarter Ideas I’ve Tried (and Loved)

Feeling inspired by Sadie’s creativity, I thought I’d toss in a few of my own favorite DIY firestarter methods—because once you make one, you kinda want to try them all!

Pine Cones Dipped in Wax

This one’s a holiday fave. Gather some pine cones, melt some candle wax (crayons work too!), and dip them until they have a nice coating. You can even add a few drops of essential oils for a nice scent as they burn.

Cork Firestarters

Soak used wine corks in rubbing alcohol for about a week. Keep them in a tightly sealed jar and pull one out when needed. They light up like magic (just be safe—these burn hot and fast!).

Orange Peel Twists

Let orange peels dry and twist them into spirals. They’re flammable and naturally full of oils that help them catch easily. Plus, they smell amazing when burned!

Paper Muffin Liners + Wax + Sawdust

Pour melted wax into muffin liners filled with sawdust (or wood shavings, or even coffee grounds). Let them cool, and you’ve got sturdy little fire cakes ready to go.