Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Book Review – Make Your Own Zoo

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Giveaway- Make Your Own Zoo: 35 projects for kids using everyday cardboard packaging. Turn your recycling into a zoo!

Leave a comment in today’s post by June 22, 2016 and you are in the running for this awesome book packed full of cute projects you can make with recycled packaging.

Open to U. S. residents only please.

More about the book from the publisher:Get ready to turn your recycling pile into a colorful cardboard zoo! With just a few cardboard tubes, egg cartons, and a dash of creativity, you can craft a whole menagerie of charming animals from around the world.

Start your adventure on Safari with a pride of majestic lions, a stylish zebra, a towering giraffe, a sturdy rhino, and a flamingo full of flair—all made from everyday cardboard. Next, swing into the Jungle to meet a wide-grinning crocodile, a playful chimpanzee, and a tree-swinging orangutan.

Travel to the Arctic to create a frosty family of egg carton penguins, a snuggly polar bear, a cheerful seal, and a walrus lounging in the snow. Then head to the Aviary, where vibrant parrots, sweet lovebirds, and even a bold bald eagle fill the skies with color and sound.

Dive into the Aquarium to discover gliding manta rays, stingrays, a joyful dolphin, a floating jellyfish, and a curious octopus, along with many more ocean friends.

Finish your crafty expedition by building homes for your animal creations—learn how to make enclosures, scenery, trees, rocks, grass, flowers, and even icebergs. With easy-to-follow instructions, clever tips, and eco-friendly materials, you’ll be able to craft a complete cardboard zoo right at home. Let the wild crafting begin!!”

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Comments

  2. Make Your Own Zoo looks like it has so many ideas that would be so much fun to make with my grandson and granddaughter. I just love all the ideas/projects that you share with the rest of us. Thanks!

  6. This book would be great for something to make with my grandsons! As I don’t see them as much as I want ,this would be a great project for us to make good memories!!

  8. This looks like something fun my son and I would enjoy using together!!!’

  11. My 4 year old granddaughter lives with us and we would have so much fun making these!! Thanks for the chance to add to Meemaw and Jenna’s creative adventure!! Oh, theplaces we go in our imaginations! Fingers crossed!

  13. My daughter and I are totally into paper crafts she’s also completely into zoos and animals. We would love to win this!

  15. Just started a new job in the youth services department of the local library. This would be a fabulous addition to my growing story time collection. Also love the idea of being able to recycle and to show people how make treasures from everyday things. Thanks!

  22. Oh this looks wonderful and like so much fun for me and my daughter. she loves crafting & is getting better every day but with her still being quite young its hard to find crafts for her to enjoy. I think this would be a hit with her, she loves animals! 😀

Have you read?

Build Big Memories on a Budget: DIY Cubby House Using Recycled Pallets

There’s something special about a cubby house. For kids, it’s more than just a backyard structure—it becomes a pirate ship, a secret hideaway, a miniature home, or a quiet spot to read and imagine. And for parents or grandparents, it’s a chance to create something meaningful that encourages outdoor play and creativity.

I recently came across a fantastic step-by-step guide from the team over at Bunnings Workshop that shows exactly how to build a DIY cubby house using recycled pallet timber. It’s a simple yet incredibly rewarding project that turns discarded timber into a charming play space your kids will absolutely love.

What I really appreciate about this project is how accessible it is. It doesn’t require a big budget or expensive materials. By using pallet timber, you not only save money but also help reduce waste—making it a great example of sustainable DIY. The cubby design is solid and safe, with a layout that leaves room for personal touches like paint, planters, or even a chalkboard wall.

This is the kind of project that can grow with your children. You might start with a basic structure and then add onto it as their play evolves—maybe a little deck area, a set of stairs, or some creative decor like a mini letterbox or curtains. It’s also a great opportunity for families to work together. Even young children can help with painting or handing over tools, making it a fun and collaborative experience.

The Bunnings Workshop tutorial provides a clear guide with a materials list, tool requirements, and helpful photos throughout. Whether you’re an experienced builder or a DIY beginner, the instructions are easy to follow and adaptable to different backyard sizes.

If you’ve been looking for a weekend project that adds charm to your outdoor space and creates long-lasting memories, this might be just the thing. Building a cubby house is a wonderful way to connect with your kids, encourage imagination, and spend time outdoors—without needing to buy another plastic playhouse.

You can explore the full project and instructions here:
DIY Cubby House Using Recycled Pallet Timber – Bunnings Workshop

If you do give it a go, I’d love to hear how it turns out. Share your cubby house photos and ideas—I know many readers would be inspired to see how each one takes on its own unique personality.

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