Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Book Review- Making an Impression: Designing & Creating Artful Stamps

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If you’re anything like me and find yourself instantly smitten with a beautiful image—so much so that you want to put it on everything you own—then making your own rubber stamps is a creative dream come true. That’s why I was so excited to dive into Making an Impression: Designing & Creating Artful Stamps by Geninne Zlatkis. This book is a treasure trove of inspiration and technique, guiding you through every step of hand-carving your own stamps and showing you just how far your designs can go.

Making an Impression starts with all the foundational basics, making it approachable for beginners, but it doesn’t stop there—it opens up a world of possibilities for using your stamps in fun, unexpected ways. From stationery and fabric to surfaces you might never have thought to try (hint: they totally ROCK), this book will have you seeing stamping in a whole new light.

What I especially loved is that if you’re drawn to Geninne’s whimsical, nature-inspired aesthetic, you’re in luck—there are 50 of her original motifs included that you can use as templates for your own carving adventures. I was so inspired, I grabbed a simple eraser and carved a maple leaf stamp of my own. You can check out the finished stamp and the labels I created with it over on my blog, Sweater Surgery.

Whether you’re new to stamp carving or already addicted, Making an Impression will fuel your creativity and have you stamping everything in sight—with style! 

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Making Popsicle Stick Playing Cards – Surprisingly Fun and Totally Charming!

Okay, I’ll be honest — when I first saw the Popsicle Stick Playing Cards project floating around on Instructables, I wasn’t entirely sold. Popsicle sticks and playing cards? Sounds like a summer camp throwback, right? But curiosity got the best of me (as it usually does with anything slightly crafty and slightly quirky), and I decided to give it a whirl.

And let me just say: I loved this project way more than I expected to.

At its core, this DIY is super simple. You’re basically fusing old playing cards with humble craft sticks to create chunky, tactile “cards” that are durable enough for little hands — or just to enjoy as a cool novelty set. The end result? A full deck that feels a little bit rustic, a little bit retro, and totally unique.

What I really appreciated about this project was how accessible it was. You don’t need anything fancy to get started — just some basic glue, scissors, popsicle sticks (standard size worked fine for me), and of course, a deck of cards that’s either past its prime or missing a few members. We all have one of those lying around somewhere, right?

I ended up using an old UNO deck that was looking pretty rough around the edges, and it turned out great. The cards stick well to the wood, and once everything’s dry, you get these sturdy, chunky pieces that have such a fun hand-feel. It almost reminds me of vintage tile games or big wooden dominoes.

This would be such a great project for kids — whether it’s as a rainy-day craft, a classroom activity, or even as part of a DIY learning game (think memory matching or number recognition). I can see this also being a hit with older adults or people who need cards with a little more grip or visual clarity.

Plus, if you’re a DIY gift-giver like I am, imagine pairing these with a handmade fabric pouch or wooden box for a personalized twist. It would make a really thoughtful and low-cost present for a game lover or nostalgic friend.

Now, one tiny tip: make sure to let everything dry completely before stacking or using them. I rushed a bit on my first batch and ended up with a few cards stuck together. A bit of sanding or sealing would probably help prevent that too, especially if you want them to last.

Overall, this craft hit all the right notes — easy, upcycled, fun, and surprisingly satisfying to hold in your hands when they’re done. It’s a fantastic way to breathe new life into something old, and I honestly can’t wait to make a few themed sets as gifts.

So if you’re on the fence, give it a try. It’s playful, it’s practical, and hey, it might just be your new favorite weekend project.