Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Tiny Tabletop Gardens: 35 projects for super-small spaces?outdoors and in

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Giveaway- Tiny Tabletop Gardens: 35 projects for super-small spaces?outdoors and in

Leave a comment in today’s post by June 28, 2017 and you are in the running for this fun book filled with all sorts of great ideas for unusual containers to plant all sorts of your favorite flowers and other growing green things!

No matter how small your space you will find these 35 projects simple and achievable.

Be inspired by Emma Hardy’s beautiful ideas for tiny tabletop displays. Why not try some indoor projects on rainy days; plant some little ferns under glass domes, make Japanese moss balls for the roots of some colorful orchids, or why not create a unique water garden in glass goblets? Make use of any outdoor space you have with hanging lantern planters, little place name pots for a party, a tower of plants, and a beautiful chandelier with small planted glasses. The edible plants chapter has easy-to-grow delicious treats including potted blueberries, an alpine strawberry centerpiece, and much more. Every project has helpful step-by-step instructions and aftercare tips from expert gardener Emma Hardy, so now even those with a minimum of space can enjoy the benefits and joys of gardening.

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Comments

  1. Living in a tiny space, my only plants inside right now are some air plants and I would like to have some more greenery, so this book looks really awesome. I added to my list of books I want to read.

  3. I’m wheelchair bound so having a small container garden is perfect for me.

  8. What fun projects to make from everyday idems one can find around your own house, garage or your neighbor’s yard sale. This book is just what I could use to make that special gift.

  13. I love the look of this; it is absolutely adorable and will be perfect for our front entrance way. I love the way the containers are used; between the upcycling and the size of them they can be tucked in anywhere for a colorful accent.

  14. I recently downsized to a small apartment. This would be perfect to get me started. Thanks for the chance.

  16. Oooooooooo! I need this in my life! I am starting to get interested in terrariums and would love to have this book to help me get started! That way I might get it right the first time instead of getting the wrong plants or plant combination! Thanks for the chance to win this book! TFS!

  18. I’d love to win this fabulous sounding book! Being older, I’ve tried all sorts of things over the years, but none as appealing as the ideas this book has to offer. I have two daughters who could also benefit from ideas in this book. Thanks for the chance to win.

  22. I love to garden and the more the merrier I always say! Looking forward to receiving my free book. Lol

  25. Always looking for ways to brighten up a tiny corner with life! Mahalo for the op to win this book for our public library.

  28. Looks like some great ideas for small places. Gardening doesn’t have to be in a large area! Thanks for the opportunity to add this book to my small library on gardening.

  29. Now here’s a book that excuses all the little tins and containers I save up for no apparent reason! This book is now on my wish list!

  31. We live in an apartment so this book would be amazing. Plus the grand kids would love to help by making things in this book! Thank you for the offer!

  36. I am always looking for practical gifts for my friends and coworkers. This would be a delightful book to have I think
    it would inspire me.

  37. This gardening book looks like the PERFECT way to combine fun crafts and fun gardening!!!

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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