Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Cool Recycle Fashion Show at The Urban Institute for Contemporary Art

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noshnight4If you are in the Grand Rapids Michigan area (I wish I was) check out this cool recycle event at the

Urban Institute for Contemporary Art

NOSHNIGHT: RECYCLED RUNWAY
August 8
5–7 PM Material Afterlife Carnival
7–9 PM Noshnight: Recycled Runway!
$5 admission (includes 1 drink ticket)
NoshNight events bring West Michigan’s creative community together. The events focus on art and design in the broadest sense, and showcase the area’s finest architects, designers, and artists. The first NoshNight was a smashing success enjoyed by over 300 creative professionals.

As the second installment of the NoshNight series, UICA is hosting Recycled Runway and Street Party. Recycled Runway will feature innovative clothing made from recycled and repurposed materials. Come and see the area’s best and brightest fashion designers’ wearable art in a one of a kind fashion show. Indulge in amazing locally grown food by Bar Divani, Tommy Fitzgerald, 616, Bistro Bella Vita and The Green Well. And enjoy great music and a cash bar while models strut
their stuff on the runway.

Creative Challenge: 20 days, 20 items
Join the fun by creating your own “trashion.” Use you own materials or stop by UICA for a grab bag of 20 items to create your own recycled headgear, footgear, full ensemble or whatever you decide!

From 5–7 PM, there will be a street party with carnival games, live music, and a family workshop. For more information call 616 454 7000 x19

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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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How to make a rainbow forest of adorable recycled mushrooms