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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DIY Paper Bag Mushrooms – A Creative Upcycled Craft for Kids and Nature Lovers

There’s something magical about mushrooms — maybe it’s the fairy-tale vibes or their cozy woodland charm. Either way, turning ordinary brown paper bags into mushrooms is a fun, hands-on craft project that kids (and adults) will enjoy. The best part? You’re reusing materials that might otherwise go to waste. Win-win!

This easy tutorial walks you through making your very own forest of recycled mushrooms using simple supplies you likely already have around the house.

What You’ll Need:

  • Brown paper lunch bags (you can even use grocery bags cut to size)

  • Scrap paper or newspaper for stuffing

  • String, yarn, or twine

  • Scissors

  • Paints (acrylic or tempera work best)

  • Paintbrushes or sponges

  • Optional extras: markers, stickers, googly eyes, craft glue

Step-by-Step: How to Make Your Mushrooms

Step 1: Create the Mushroom Top
Start by opening your paper bag and gently crumpling up some newspaper or scrap paper. Stuff it into the bottom of the bag — not too tight, just enough to give it a rounded shape that will form the mushroom cap.

Step 2: Form the Stem
Once the top is nice and puffy, hold the bag just underneath the stuffed section and twist it lightly to shape the stem. Tie a piece of twine or string around this part to hold the form. You’ll now have a mushroom top with a long paper bag hanging down — that’s your stem.

Step 3: Trim to Size
If the stem looks too long or uneven, grab your scissors and snip it down to your preferred height. You can even experiment with making some taller and some short and chubby for a little mushroom variety.

Step 4: Paint and Decorate
Time for the fun part — painting! Flip the mushroom cap upright and paint it any way you like. Classic red with white spots? Go for it. Bright blue with glitter? Why not! Use brushes or dabbers to add spots, swirls, or patterns. Let kids express their creativity — there’s no wrong way to decorate a magic mushroom!

Step 5: Let It Dry
Place your mushrooms somewhere safe to dry. You can use a sheet of newspaper or cardboard to avoid mess. Once dry, they’ll stiffen a little and hold their shape nicely.

Step 6: Display Your Mushroom Garden
Line them up on a windowsill, add them to a play area, or build a fairy village in the corner of a room. You can even glue them to a cardboard base and add moss, pebbles, and tiny paper critters for a full scene.

Extra Ideas:

  • Add flags or tiny doors to make mushroom homes.

  • Draw faces or names on the stems to turn them into characters.

  • Use cotton balls or pom-poms for fluffy mushroom spots.

Why This Project Rocks:

This is one of those crafts that doesn’t need a trip to the store or fancy tools — just a little time, a few basic supplies, and a bit of imagination. Plus, it encourages kids to see the creative potential in everyday materials — a great step toward more mindful, eco-conscious crafting.

So go ahead, raid the recycling bin and bring a mini mushroom forest to life.

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