Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Collage, Stitch, Print: Collagraphy for Textile Artists

by

Screen Shot 2015-12-21 at 5.57.29 PM

Collage, Stitch, Print: Collagraphy for Textile Artists

 

Collagraphy is about combining textures—creating collages on fabric—and it’s one of the most popular techniques in textile art. See how to create exciting effects using the almost endless permutations of collage, stitch, and print, and incorporate them into your own stitched-textile work. Val Holmes, a true star of the style, shows how to make a collagraphy plate, choose suitable surfaces, combine paper and fabric, embroider onto prints, and work in series. Illustrated throughout with stunning examples of the form by the finest artists, this book is an inspirational introduction to a technique that could become your latest textile passion.

Related Posts:

Comments

  6. This book looks awesome and aligns with my New Years’ resolution to be more creative and to challenge myself. Thanks so much for the chance to win!

  8. Very intrigued by the cover and description. I love trying new techniques and this looks fun. I need to et my creativity primed for the new year.

  9. This book looks like it might help me out with the new machine felter I bought. Would love to see what all it has, as I want to experiment.

  22. I have art hanging on my walls from the 1950’s & 60’s that are collages using different mediums. I’d love to start creating some of my own!

  23. I have been collecting bits and pieces to do something like this but have no idea how to get started.

    Thank you for this generous opportunity.

  26. Haven’t seen this book yet. Sounds interesting and will hopefully spur my creative spark, which seems to only be focusing on child art and crafts! Grannie of three.

  28. I’m always searching for something new and different to make. this book would be a great inspiration I think.

Have you read?

How To Make A Milk Carton Village – A Recycled Craft for Kids

Ready to turn your recycling bin into a colorful, miniature village? Grab those empty milk cartons and let’s create a town filled with tiny houses, shops, and even a school or bakery! This craft is perfect for kids of all ages and encourages imagination, storytelling, and eco-friendly creativity.

 What You’ll Need:

  • Empty milk or juice cartons (washed and dried)

  • Paints or markers

  • Paintbrushes

  • Craft glue or glue stick

  • Scissors (adult supervision recommended)

  • Colored paper or old magazines

  • Bottle caps, buttons, or plastic lids (for windows or decorations)

  • Sticks, straws, or skewers (for flag poles or chimneys)

  • Optional: glitter, stickers, washi tape, cotton balls (for snow or clouds!)

 Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Clean and Prep the Cartons
Make sure your milk or juice cartons are washed and completely dry. Remove any plastic lids or caps and keep them for decorations!

Step 2: Plan Your Village
Decide how many buildings you want to make. Each milk carton becomes a house, shop, or whatever your imagination dreams up. Arrange them side by side or in a circle like a real village square.

Step 3: Cut Out Doors and Windows
With the help of an adult, carefully cut small door and window shapes into your cartons. You can also glue cut-out shapes from colored paper if you’d rather not cut into the carton.

Step 4: Paint and Decorate
Use paint or markers to bring your buildings to life. Make brick patterns, colorful siding, or roof tiles. Let each child choose their own theme – rainbow bakery, monster house, fairy home, or tiny fire station!

Step 5: Add the Roofs
You can paint the top pointy part of the carton like a roof, or glue on cardboard triangles to create overhangs. Want to add a chimney? Glue a straw or cardboard roll on top!

Step 6: Make Flags and Signs
Cut small flags from recycled plastic or paper and tape them to straws or sticks. Glue your flags to the rooftops. You can even create tiny signs for each building – “Toy Store,” “Library,” or “Super Cat’s House.”

Step 7: Build Your Village
Place all the finished buildings together on a large piece of cardboard, tray, or table. Use bottle caps for stepping stones, cotton balls for bushes or clouds, and draw roads with marker.

Step 8: Play!
Now that your village is built, use little toys, action figures, or LEGO people to live in your new town. Create stories and adventures—your Milk Carton Village is officially open!

 Learning Bonus:

This craft is not just fun—it also teaches recycling, fine motor skills, creative thinking, and storytelling. Plus, it’s a great group activity for playdates, classrooms, or family craft nights.

Let your kids’ imaginations run wild—and remember, no two villages need to look the same. Each one tells its own story!