Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Giveaway- String Craft: Create 35 fantastic projects by winding, looping, and stitching with string

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Giveaway- String Craft: Create 35 fantastic projects by winding, looping, and stitching with string

Leave a comment in today’s post by October 6th, 2016 and you are in the running for this cool book filled with all sorts of new and innovative projects.

Open to U. S. residents only please.

Transform your home and make unique gifts using string!

Follow Lucy Hopping’s simple instructions to create a whole host of stylish home accessories to update your decor. In the first chapter “Display and decorate,” you’ll be able to make a cool geometric lampshade, get organized with embroidered storage baskets, or revamp a bare wall with a large piece of wall art that consists of lots of little canvases which combine to make an impressive deer. Wrap your furniture in string too. There are projects to transform your chairs, decorate a table, and stitch rainbow curtains.

All the creations in the second chapter “Accessories and Jewelry” can be worn, so you can be a walking work of art! There are embroidered buttons to embellish a cardigan, a vibrant neon necklace that makes a statement, and even a cute pineapple purse that will liven up any outfit.

In the final chapter, “Artful gifts,” you can use all your new skills to make your friends and family beautiful gifts such as pretty stitched notebooks for the student in your life, a trendy arrow cushion for a new home, ceramic hanging decorations for Christmas, and why not whip up gift boxes and gift tags as the perfect finishing touches?

Start with the simplest projects and progress to more complex designs such as the intricate string art owl, guided every step of the way by clear step-by-step illustrations and a comprehensive techniques section.

Looking for more ways to upcycle furniture? Check out these Upcycling Furniture Books we found on Amazon.

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Comments

  3. This sounds like an absolutely amazing book and I would love to have it! Jadahlgr at Yahoo dot Com

  6. This is so cool, I’ve be trying to teach my young grandchildren different crafts so that they have something productive to do instead of playing with electronics. This would be great for them. I think I would really enjoy it also

  7. I love to learn new crafts. Would love to learn this as it looks like a portable craft to take with you!!! Maybe I will be the lucky one to win!

  10. OMG, you have turned that plain notebook into a piece of art!!! What a clever crafty way to use up leftover embroidery thread..Would love to know how and pass on to my grand nieces.!

  25. I would love to have this book! I’m always looking for new ideas on crafting with my grandchildren. Thanks for the opportunity.

  44. This book looks very cool. The projects look very fresh and fun. I love the yarn bowl, the lampshade, and the book on the cover. Pick me!

Have you read?

DIY Kids Craft Project – Upcycled Cardboard Box Sandcastle

kids-upcycled-cardboard-sandcastle

Looking for a creative way to keep the kids entertained this summer without spending a fortune? Turn your trash into treasure with this fun Recycled Sandcastle Craft Project! Using cardboard boxes, plastic lids, glue, and a bit of imagination, kids can build their very own sandcastle kingdom – no beach required!

 

What You’ll Need:

  • Cardboard boxes (cereal, tissue, shipping boxes – any size)

  • Toilet paper rolls or paper towel tubes

  • Plastic lids (yogurt containers, jar tops, etc.)

  • Paper or plastic straws, twigs, or sticks

  • Scrap plastic, paper, or fabric for flags

  • Craft glue or a hot glue gun (with adult supervision)

  • Scissors

  • Sand or beige paint (optional for decoration)

  • Markers, stickers, or leftover craft supplies to decorate

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Recyclables

Head to your recycling bin and pull out clean items that could work as castle parts—boxes for walls, tubes for towers, and lids for turrets. Cut down the boxes into smaller sections if needed, and make sure everything is dry and ready to work with.

Step 2: Plan Your Castle Layout

Before gluing anything down, lay out your castle design on a flat surface. Decide where the towers, walls, and “gate” will go. You can make it symmetrical, or go wild with a quirky kingdom layout!

Step 3: Glue the Main Structure Together

Use craft glue (or hot glue if you’re working with older kids or want faster drying). Start attaching the boxes and tubes together to form the base of your sandcastle. Stack tubes on top of boxes to create turrets. Use plastic lids as domes or roof tops.

Step 4: Add Decorative Elements

This is where the fun begins! Use:

  • Bottle caps as windows or shields

  • Buttons as faux stones

  • Cutout shapes from scrap cardboard for castle doors or battlements (those square-topped castle walls!) Get creative with what you’ve got – there’s no wrong way to build your dream castle.

Step 5: Make and Add Flags

Cut small triangles or flags from scrap plastic, fabric, or colored paper. Tape or glue these to the tops of straws, sticks, or twigs. Then, glue them onto the tops of towers or castle corners. You can even personalize each flag with a coat of arms or your child’s initials!

Step 6: Add the “Sand” Effect (Optional)

For an authentic look, brush glue over the castle and sprinkle it with craft sand. No sand on hand? Use beige paint, or mix some flour with a pinch of cinnamon for a sandy texture.

Step 7: Let it Dry and Display!

Let everything dry completely—especially if you’ve used a lot of glue. Then proudly display your recycled sandcastle on a shelf, or use it as part of imaginative play time.

Bonus Ideas:

  • Build a whole sandcastle village and connect them with paper bridges.

  • Make tiny “people” out of clothespins or paper scraps.

  • Add fairy lights inside for a magical castle glow at night.

This project is a fantastic way to keep little hands busy and teach kids the value of reusing materials. Plus, it’s just plain fun! Whether you’re doing this at home, in a classroom, or at a summer camp, your recycled sandcastles are sure to be a hit.