Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Decorate Mason jars with embossed and gilded papers

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Stefanie Girard Crafter's COmpanion, recycled Mason jar

I’m pretty sure there are endless ways to embellish Mason jars. In this case all you need are some pretty colored papers, a snowflake embossing folder and a bit of silver gilding wax to make some awesome sparkly jars that can be used for all sorts of fun things!

emboss snowflake Crafter's Companion, stefanie Girard mason jar

To embellish a mason jar with colored paper is easy.

First up to get the paper to have the dimensional snowflakes you simply run them through the Crafter’s Companion Gemini Die Cutting machine with the Snowflake Embossing folder.

To enhance the dimension rub a bit of silver gilding wax on the paper. It can be fun to vary the amount. In some areas I put a very light coat and in others I went pretty heavy.

Then I placed the ring of the mason jar lid onto the snowflake paper and picked a spot that featured the snowflakes. Then I slid the original insert into the ring, removed the ring and then traced the insert.

Then I cut out the circle by hand.

I die cut the stars but you could easily cut those out by hand as well.

I punched a hole in one point of the star and tied it onto the lid along with a few jingle bells with some cording.

These jars are perfect for gift giving, decorating around the house or pop a battery powered tea light in and they would be really festive at night!

 

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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.