Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Giveaway: Adult coloring book and Meditation Journal

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adult coloring books meditate journal I am L.O.V.E.-ing adult coloring pages and mandalas. So much so I have started to design my own coloring pages based on quotes that you can download for free.

If you are into them to you will love this giveaway.

Leave a comment in today’s post by May 25th, 2015 and you will be in the running for a copy of:

Art Therapy: Mandalas: 100 Designs, Colouring in and Meditation

and

Meditate: A Guided Journal.

Open to U.S. residents only please.

These two books are a great combo for you to spend some relaxing coloring time and a read a bit about how to center yourself, get focused with a place to take some notes.

More about the books:

Art Therapy Mandalas:

We all look for ways to manage the pressures of everyday life, and to alleviate feelings of stress. Mandalas provides not only a wonderfully creative outlet, but also a way of focusing attention away from external stress, thereby encouraging a sense of relaxation and increased wellbeing.

Used for centuries across different cultures and religions, a ‘mandala’ is a spiritual symbol used in Buddhist and Hindu traditions to represent the universe, and is often used as an aid to meditation. Mandalas can therefore be spiritually healing and help to create a peaceful state of mind. Although sometimes basic in design, they are often extremely intricate. Traditionally, the mandala consists of an outer circle, sometimes shown on fire to represent the universe and the dangers it holds, and an inner ‘palace’, housing deities and the enlightened. With 100 patterns based on Tibetan and Hindu traditions, as well as some original designs, this beautiful art book will enable you to relax and rediscover the pleasures of being creative.

and

Mediate: A Guided Journal

Store your notes, journal entries, and daily meditation records, observations, and to-do lists within the pages of this beautiful and inspirational journal. The best meditations on earth– this guided journal is the perfect tool for you to keep your thoughts, meditations, inspirations, sketches, to-do lists and more. Quotes and illustrations on each spread complement the helpful tips, anecdotes, and ideas from meditations experts, Dr. Hart and Skye Alexander. This guided journal is not only a useful tool, but the perfect keepsake for inner thoughts and inspirations.

Coloring in sheets are a great way to calm the busy mind, as you focus on the coloring techniques your brain is actually able to calm itself and focus on less. Coloring is used to help relax and calm anxiety and stress. Coloring keeps out mental health in check and allows us to develop of creative brain. We highly recommend Copic markers or Faber castell coloring pencils .

Comments

  7. I’d love to have this to pass the time while recovering from my recent surgery!

  8. I love the fact you’re doing your own designs based off of quotes. Think that’s darn clever and very much in love with adult coloring books.

  12. I can already see myself enjoying these in amongst the Cedars & Pine trees at our new home. Enjoying the birds singing and the calm. ????

  18. Great giveaway! I also love coloring mandalas and have created quite a few of my own. Its relaxing and can be very meditative. Great for stress relief or just relaxing.

  19. I find it very providential that adults coloring has become popular at the same time I am rediscovering the joy of crayons and colored pencils.

  33. My idea of me time after a long day teaching special ed. Single mom coming home to my 14 year old son who has Asperger’s. My work at night, his homework, dinner, … this is just what I need to help me relax.

  34. Mary M: Inspirational duo – Mandalas and meditation journaling. How life changing these might be.

  37. What a lovely set… I am new to adult coloring, but have taken to it quickly!

  39. I would love to win this. I am a Counselor so this can come in handy in sessions.

    Thanks,
    Diana C

  41. There is a chance that this might potentially prevent me from jamming a pen in someone’s throat for being stupid. Ok, I wouldn’t really do that, but I might want to, and this might help. A lot.

  44. A mind escaping, creative outlet to discover a much needed inner peace. Love it!

Have you read?

Recycled Crafts That Sell: Eco-Friendly Ideas for Makers & Etsy Shops

Let’s be real — turning trash into treasure has never been trendier… or more profitable.

As shoppers become more eco-conscious, the demand for sustainable and recycled crafts is booming. According to Etsy’s 2024 Marketplace Insights Report, listings with the keywords “eco-friendly,” “zero waste,” or “upcycled” saw a 29% increase in views year-over-year, and the handmade category for recycled home goods grew by 38%. So if you’ve been thinking about going green in your handmade biz, now’s the perfect time.

Personally, I started dabbling in recycled crafts after realizing how many offcuts, fabric scraps, and jars were piling up in my studio. Instead of tossing them, I started creating — and to my surprise, those items started selling faster than some of my newer supplies! Eco-conscious buyers are out there, and they’re willing to pay for thoughtful, sustainable creations.

So if you’re looking for profitable craft ideas that are good for the planet and your wallet, here are 10 tried-and-true recycled craft ideas that not only sell — they sell well.

 

Upcycled Tin Can Planters

Why they sell: Houseplants are hot (thanks, millennials), and Etsy searches for “recycled planters” rose by 18% last year. Decor that’s functional and sustainable? Win-win.

What to make: Soup cans turned into painted herb pots, candle holders, or desk organizers.

 T-Shirt Yarn Baskets & Rugs

Why they sell: Crochet and textile lovers go wild for handmade baskets and pet beds. Listings using “T-shirt yarn” saw a 22% higher conversion rate on Etsy in 2023.

What to make: Chunky woven rugs, bowl organizers, colorful plant hangers, or trivets.

 Recycled Wine Bottle Candles

Why they sell: Candles are a top-performing Etsy category, and when paired with recycled materials, they stand out. Sustainable candle listings saw a 33% jump in sales in Q4 alone.

What to make: Soy wax candles in cut wine or beer bottles. Customize with scents, herbs, and labels.

Broken Jewelry into Boho Accessories

Why they sell: Boho and eclectic jewelry shoppers love unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. Bonus: Recycled jewelry gets featured in Etsy gift guides often.

What to make: Statement earrings, charm bracelets, or keychains using thrifted beads and findings.

 Reclaimed Fabric Bunting

Why they sell: Perfect for nurseries, weddings, and eco-conscious home decorators. Handmade fabric bunting is consistently a bestseller in the party decor and nursery decor categories.

What to make: Reversible fabric garlands using vintage sheets, denim scraps, or offcuts.

 Recycled Paper Notebooks

Why they sell: Stationery lovers and journaling fans are obsessed with sustainability. In fact, Etsy searches for “handmade recycled journals” were up 41% last year.

What to make: Cereal box covers + rescued copy paper = your new best-selling sketchbooks.

Jar Lid Magnets

Why they sell: These make affordable gifts and awesome stocking stuffers. Magnet sets using recycled materials often land in Etsy Editors’ Picks during the holidays.

What to make: Resin-sealed photo magnets, pressed flower lids, or cheeky collage art.

Pallet Wood Signs

Why they sell: Rustic home decor is here to stay, and buyers LOVE a reclaimed wood story. Sellers who highlight “salvaged materials” often command higher prices — up to 20% more per item.

What to make: Family name signs, wedding signage, or inspirational quote plaques.

Sweater Mittens & Upcycled Cozies

Why they sell: Cozy always sells in fall/winter. Listings that included “upcycled wool” sold 2x faster than generic items in Q4 2023.

What to make: Felted wool mittens, cup cozies, or microwaveable heat pads with rice filling.

Thrifted Frame Makeovers

Why they sell: Upcycled wall art continues to climb in popularity. Etsy shoppers are searching for “eco wall decor” and “salvaged frame art” in record numbers.

What to make: Paint, decoupage, or mosaic vintage frames for mirrors, prints, or cork boards.

 Selling Tips to Maximize Your Recycled Craft Profits:

Use rich keywords: Include “eco-friendly,” “sustainable,” “zero-waste,” and “reclaimed” in your titles and tags. These terms get more Etsy search traffic than ever.

Tell your materials story: Shoppers want to know the origin — was that wood salvaged from a local barn? Are those fabrics vintage thrift store finds?

Up your photo game: Recycled doesn’t mean ragged. Style your shots with greenery, natural textures, and warm lighting to create a cozy, polished vibe.

Eco packaging: Buyers love when the packaging matches the product’s mission. Kraft paper, twine, and reused shipping boxes are all Etsy-buyer approved.

 

Recycled crafts are more than just a trend — they’re a movement. And if you’re a maker who loves meaningful creativity, you’re in the perfect position to grow a business that’s both profitable and planet-friendly.

Whether you’re stitching together scraps or turning bottles into boutique-worthy candles, your craft has value. People want what you’re making — and with a little storytelling and smart selling, you can stand out in a saturated market and do some good in the process.

Got a recycled craft idea that’s been a bestseller in your shop? Or a “trash-to-cash” story to share? Drop it in the comments — or better yet, tag me on Instagram. I’d love to feature you!

Until next time, stay creative, stay conscious, and keep making the world a little greener.