Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Giveaway- Washi Tape and how to make a recycled container mobile

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Go Washi Tape

Giveaway- 3 Packages of GoWashi.com Washi Tape

Leave a comment in today’s post by Feb. 25, 2016 and you are entered to win:

1 Pack Victoria

1 Pack Sewing

1 Pack Photograph

of Designers Choice GoWashi tape.

Open to U. S. residents only please.

GoWashi tape recycled container mobile

Using washi tape to cover recycled containers is a great way to transform them into stylish home decor items. That’s just what I’ve done to a cardboard container. Simply by slicing it up and covering with washi tape I have made a fun mobile perfect to display fun little figurines.

how to make a cylinder mobile

The first step is to slice the container into sections.

First I cut the metal part off the top.

how to cut a cardboard cylinder

I used a seam gauge to mark 1 3/4 inch sections with a pencil.

how to cut a carboard container Dremel

I used a combination of an X-Acto knife and a Dremel.

sand cardboard edge with nail file

To make the edges smooth I used the high-tech tool, a nail file (emery board). I also pealed the paper label off as much as would come off easy and then sanded sown the rest with the emery board.

Alton Go washi tape mobile

These packs of Washi tape from GoWashi come with cutting edge on the dispenser. How cool! You can see all the different packs and more washi tape projects at their site.

Go washi tape cutting tip

Cover each section with strips of washi tape. I like to cut the tape from the back side so the edge of the scissors is flush to the edge of the cardboard. This makes a perfect flush cut.

On the last piece of washi tape I put on the cylinder I slipped one end of button thread under it with a bit of white glue to secure.

Once the glue is dry tie the other end of the thread to an embroidery hoop and use a bit more thread to hang the hoop.

I plan on switching out what I display in the mobile. The variety of prints on the washi tape will allow me to mix up my decorations throughout the year.

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Comments

  7. I LOVE this idea … so clever and cute while keeping cardboard containers out of the landfills … an adorable win-win!

    Thanks so much for the chance to win some really unique washi tape … you’re the best, CraftGossip!

  11. Oh Mercy! To say I’m smitten is a way understatement. It’s the type of lovely art aesthetic application where it’s actually simple in the amt of elements, but it’s the “most bang for the buck” impact, y’know? I could see this done up in all manner of seasonal decor, but also lots of possibilities for a baby room mobile, or any kind of personalized kid or teen room decor, piece, ’cause you’re certainly not limited to the number of rings to design up! Anyhoo, can you tell I just love this? LOVE THE PRETTY TAPES. Thanks much for the giveaway & blessings to all! 🙂

  15. Luv the colors of the washi tape! Would like to try this, would be my first time-very interesting.

  22. I just discovered this wonderful craft accessory at Christmas time this year and your idea is great! I would love to win this great prize and make some spectacular gifts and crafts! Thank you for the opportunity and for sharing!

  24. What a wonderful reuse of containers, and I love the Washi tape! So many great things can be done with it. Thank you for sharing this idea and for giving us the opportunity to win some of that cute tape!

  28. I am new to Washi tape and only one roll but am loving all the creative ways to use it, so I may have to venture out for some more!

  30. your project turned out so cute! I would love to win this tape – it would be perfect for prettying up all the new organization stuff I’m presently working on!

  31. My friend’s little daughter is in love with washi tape. She stuck a piece of her red and yellow chevron washi tape on my phone case to make my phone look pretty. It was a very sweet gesture. Since then, I’ve been buying washi tape to send to my friend for a surprise care package. 🙂

  39. I love how the Washi tape comes in so many different colors and widths. I would love to win this prize.

Have you read?

Barefooted Welder: Turning Scrap into Sculptural Statements

Today, in honor of ANZAC Day, we’re shining a spotlight on a truly unique Australian artist — The Barefooted Welder, aka Michael Dudley. Based in North Queensland, Michael is known for his raw, imaginative sculptures made entirely from scrap metal. His work is bold, unapologetically rustic, and deeply rooted in both environmental and emotional storytelling.

What makes his work so compelling isn’t just the way he repurposes over seven tonnes of steel, copper, and aluminum — it’s the intention behind each piece. Michael doesn’t just weld metal; he breathes new life into forgotten fragments. From massive animals to symbolic figures, his sculptures are a mash-up of chaos and beauty, and they demand attention.

One piece that especially caught our eye (and hearts) this week is his striking metal poppy wreath, a tribute for ANZAC Day. The wreath, made from rusted salvaged metal and sculpted entirely by hand, is a stunning and deeply moving symbol of remembrance. It captures the essence of sacrifice and memory, but through a sustainable lens that makes you think twice about what we throw away.

Michael has a way of breaking the rules with his art — he even describes his process as “messy,” which we think is the perfect kind of energy when working with unpredictable materials. He creates without blueprints, often barefoot, guided more by instinct than plan — which somehow makes his pieces feel even more alive.

Whether it’s his life-size Bengal tiger sculpture created to raise awareness of endangered species or a delicate flower made of rusty washers, the Barefooted Welder is a reminder that art can be powerful, messy, meaningful, and sustainable all at once.

So, on this ANZAC Day, we celebrate artists like Michael who use their creativity to honor the past while also protecting the future — one sculpture at a time.

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