Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Giveaway: Playing With Surface Design book and set of 24 recycled colored pencils from Tombow

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surface design book recycled color pencils tombow I had no idea there were colored pencils made out of recycled material. How cool is that? Another thing that is really cool, the new book:

Playing With Surface Design: Modern Techniques for Painting, Stamping and More by Courtney Cerruti.

You can enter to win a copy of Playing With Surface Design and set of  24 Tombow colored pencils by leaving a comment in today’s post by May 8th, 2015.

Open to U. S. residents only please.

Want another chance to win a copy of Playing With Surface Design and a set of Tombow Dual Brush markers along with a tutorial on a scribble art word decoration pop on over to Craftside.

And to see a whole bunch of great projects pop on over to Tombow’s Tips and projects site.

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Comments

  3. It’s so awesome that the pencils are made of recycled material! The book looks very intriguing, too! Count em in on the contest to win these fab products!

  8. I love that they are made from recycled materials. Who knew that could be done? This set sounds exciting and I would love to win it.
    Thanks!

  13. Thanks for the momentous giveaway! The pencils particularly have a lovely earthy aesthetic. I thrive on crafting & would be thrilled & blessed to win this great stuff. Happy Mayday tomorrow to all. 🙂

  15. this looks like a super book! our home is a crafty kind of home and we love new inspiration….looks like this book has plenty!

  20. Oh, yes, recycling fabric with color/stencling/rubbings….surprising what you get sometimes!

  21. Looks like a wonderful summer activity with my friends! Thanks for the chance to win.

  23. Awwww ……. not fair to tease me like this and then tell me this contest is only open to U.S. residents ……. ????

  25. I never associated colored pencils with application to any surface, sounds cool.

  28. I have never used recycled pencils before and I would love for the chance to try them.

  30. I am just getting started doing greeting cards and the book sounds like a good resource for beginners. Recycled colored pencils is a good idea and I love the look of colored pencils. Thanks for the chance to win these.

  31. sounds like a book filled with ideas for my greeting cards and my mixed media projects. Love the idea that the pencils are made from recycled material. thanks for the chance to win both.

  32. This looks like it would be
    great to win and lean how
    to use them!
    Carla from Utah

  33. AWESOME Recycling! Love these cool pencils & would looove to win them! I use colored pencils for making cards…these would be so special! : )

  41. I would love to win this prize package. The book looks very interesting, and Tombow products are great!

  42. The book looks great, and I really like the recycled pencils — neat idea! Thanks for the chance to win. 🙂

  43. Oh my, a new art supply! I would love to win the book and pencils! thanks for the chance to win.

  49. I had no idea there were colored pencils made from recycled material. Very cool. And I want to win the book too!

Have you read?

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 recycled Easter egg mushrooms

How to make recycled toilet paper tube mushrooms

How to make a rainbow forest of adorable recycled mushrooms