Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Book Review: Return of The Stupid Sock Creatures

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return of the stupid sock creature book

Do you like it when the things you create make you smile and laugh every time you look at them? That is just what every single page of Return of the Stupid Sock Creature does! If you dive into the quirky, hilarious world of Return of the Stupid Sock Creatures, I can almost guarantee you’ll be laughing the entire time—whether you’re following the instructions step-by-step or simply using them as inspiration to stitch up your own outrageous creatures from recycled socks and scraps. This book is overflowing with personality and creativity, and it inspired me to create something extra silly for my beloved crew of Aminekos.

I took a page (or a few stitches) from one of the book’s wildly imaginative projects and gave my Aminekos a bold new look using a pair of old gloves. The result? A rockin’ new ‘do that had me giggling non-stop! Curious what that looks like? Pop over to Sweater Surgery and check it out—you might just be inspired to give your own handmade creatures a style upgrade too.

Here’s a bit more about the book from Lark Crafts:

Return of the Stupid Sock Creatures
By John Murphy

They’re back—and they’re more ridiculously adorable than ever! In this follow-up to Stupid Sock Creatures, John Murphy teams up with guest designers to bring you 20 delightfully deranged sock creations. From two-headed beasts to wild-eyed monsters and quirky quadrupeds, these characters push the boundaries of weird in the most wonderful ways. Whether you’re working with a single sock or going all out with a four-sock masterpiece, there’s a project here for every level of crafter.

Don’t worry if you’re new to creature-making—John’s clear instructions and playful tone make everything feel approachable (even Piethagorus, the pie-loving creature that’s only slightly intimidating).

John Murphy, the creative mind behind Stupid Creatures, has been making oddball plush monsters since 2003. His creations have been featured in ReadyMade magazine and the Washington Post, and he’s taught workshops across the country. When he’s not crafting bizarre beasts, John works as a counselor for at-risk youth—a role he’s as passionate about as he is his monster-making. Check out more of his creations at stupidcreatures.com.

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30 Brilliant Uses for Empty Pill Bottles You Probably Haven’t Tried Yet

Creative and Practical Ways to Reuse Pill Bottles Around the Home

Let’s be honest—those little orange pill bottles multiply like rabbits in the back of the medicine cabinet. And if you’re anything like me, tossing them feels wasteful. They’re sturdy, compact, and practically begging to be reused. So rather than sending them to landfill purgatory, let’s put them to good use!

Here are 30 clever, crafty, and completely practical ways to reuse pill bottles—from home hacks to travel tips and even a few creative craft ideas your grandkids will love.

Home Organization Hacks

  1. Spare change stash
     Pop it in your car’s cup holder, and you’ll never be caught short for a parking meter again.
  2. Emergency sewing kit
     A couple of needles, thread, tiny scissors, and a spare button fit perfectly.
  3. Tiny hardware holder
     Nails, screws, washers—no more rummaging through random tins in the garage.
  4. Safety pin storage
     Stop chasing scattered pins in the bottom of your junk drawer.
  5. Toothpick travel case
     Because no one wants loose toothpicks rolling around in their handbag.
  6. Matches + striking strip
     Glue a match striker to the lid and toss it in your camping kit.
  7. Mini first-aid kit
     Band-aids, alcohol wipes, and a few painkillers—all in one waterproof spot.
  8. USB or SD card holder
     Label the lid and keep your data safe and dry.

Craft & DIY Ideas

  1. Bead storage
     Perfect for sorting small amounts by color or type.
  2. Glitter containment
     Finally, a way to store glitter without it taking over your whole craft drawer.
  3. DIY travel paint pots
     A little dab of acrylic in each bottle = no mess on the go.
  4. Mini crayon case
     Snap a few crayons in half and toss them in for road trip fun.
  5. Yarn needle case
     Stop losing your large eye needles in the couch cushions!
  6. Button collector
     Keep vintage buttons or those extras from clothing tags neatly sorted.
  7. DIY air freshener
     Punch holes in the lid, fill with baking soda and essential oils, and tuck into smelly corners.

Gardening & Outdoors

  1. Seed storage
     Keep heirloom seeds labeled and moisture-free between seasons.
  2. DIY watering scoop
     Cut the bottom off and use it to water seedlings gently.
  3. Slug bait traps
     Fill with beer, bury level with soil. Say goodbye to slug-munched lettuce.
  4. Travel spice holder
     Take your garden herbs camping with labeled, sealed bottles.

Travel & Purse Essentials

  1. Earbud holder
     No more tangled cords in the bottom of your handbag.
  2. Travel pill sorter
     Instead of dragging the whole cabinet, portion out what you need.
  3. Hair ties and bobby pins
     A small bottle keeps these sneaky little things together.
  4. Lotion or sunscreen decanter
     Much cheaper (and smaller) than travel bottles from the store.
  5. Jewelry protection
     Pop your rings or earrings in a cotton-padded bottle while swimming or traveling.
  6. Breath mint container
     No more rattling Tic Tac boxes—just sleek and quiet.

Kids, Pets, & Emergency Prep

  1. Pet treats
     Handy for walks or training sessions. Clip to your keychain or leash.
  2. DIY “I’m bored” game pieces
     Write fun challenges on slips of paper and store them for school holidays.
  3. Mini flashlight storage
     Tuck in a tiny torch and a few batteries—great for glove compartments or emergency kits.
  4. Tooth fairy bank
     My kids used to leave the tooth and the bottle under the pillow. Easier for the fairy to find!
  5. Message in a bottle
     Classic beach day fun. Bonus points for sealing it with wax.

A Quick Safety Note

If you’re using old prescription bottles, make sure to remove or cover the label completely—personal info should stay your business. And give each bottle a good wash before repurposing.

There’s something deeply satisfying about finding new life for old things. It’s frugal, clever, and let’s be honest—there’s a certain joy in telling someone, “Oh this? It’s just a pill bottle I upcycled.”

Have you found a genius way to reuse pill bottles? Share it in the comments or tag us @CraftGossip on Pinterest or Facebook—we’d love to see your ideas!