Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Go Green! Contest

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gogreen.jpgOK, crafters: Let’s make sure the crafting world is represented in the “Go Green!” Contest presented by Instructables, Popular Science and TreeHugger.

An overview of the contest: “We want to know how you’re reducing your environmental footprint, and hopefully saving some cash in the process! Are you modding your gear, simplifying your life, or building something awesome? Tell us what you’re doing to go green, and teach us how- share what you know! … You can reuse vintage floppies, make your own cloth grocery bags, build some recycled modular shelving, a sun jar, a solar heater, or a wind generator. Move onto solar energy, worm compost, or even ditch your car for an electric bike!”

Submit photos and a detailed tutorial (an “Instructable” ) by August 17. This contest offers some great prizes, including the grand prize of a hip hybrid commuter bicycle. So, go green and go craft!

[tags]Go Green, recycled craft contest, Popular Science, TreeHugger, Instructables, hybrid bicycle[/tags]

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Comments

  1. I started an Earth club at my school last year. I started it because I’ve been a Girl Scout for thirteen years, those years have instilled in me a need to find ways to give back at all times. I’ve always felt strongly about recycling and reducing my carbon footprint but after my mother, a photographer, stated taking photos of beach trash from around the world, it’s become an obsession.

    I never realized so many of my peers felt the same way. Since the conception of the club we’ve been working on finding feasible ways to make our high school Earth friendly. We’ve been working on a way to recycle paper in all the classrooms, therefore making even the most reticent student a conscious recycler. We collected cardboard boxes from numerous sources, decorated them in our own personal styles (using earth friendly paint of course!) and have just now started to impliment the concept.

    I’m truly proud of my school!

Have you read?

Making Popsicle Stick Playing Cards – Surprisingly Fun and Totally Charming!

Okay, I’ll be honest — when I first saw the Popsicle Stick Playing Cards project floating around on Instructables, I wasn’t entirely sold. Popsicle sticks and playing cards? Sounds like a summer camp throwback, right? But curiosity got the best of me (as it usually does with anything slightly crafty and slightly quirky), and I decided to give it a whirl.

And let me just say: I loved this project way more than I expected to.

At its core, this DIY is super simple. You’re basically fusing old playing cards with humble craft sticks to create chunky, tactile “cards” that are durable enough for little hands — or just to enjoy as a cool novelty set. The end result? A full deck that feels a little bit rustic, a little bit retro, and totally unique.

What I really appreciated about this project was how accessible it was. You don’t need anything fancy to get started — just some basic glue, scissors, popsicle sticks (standard size worked fine for me), and of course, a deck of cards that’s either past its prime or missing a few members. We all have one of those lying around somewhere, right?

I ended up using an old UNO deck that was looking pretty rough around the edges, and it turned out great. The cards stick well to the wood, and once everything’s dry, you get these sturdy, chunky pieces that have such a fun hand-feel. It almost reminds me of vintage tile games or big wooden dominoes.

This would be such a great project for kids — whether it’s as a rainy-day craft, a classroom activity, or even as part of a DIY learning game (think memory matching or number recognition). I can see this also being a hit with older adults or people who need cards with a little more grip or visual clarity.

Plus, if you’re a DIY gift-giver like I am, imagine pairing these with a handmade fabric pouch or wooden box for a personalized twist. It would make a really thoughtful and low-cost present for a game lover or nostalgic friend.

Now, one tiny tip: make sure to let everything dry completely before stacking or using them. I rushed a bit on my first batch and ended up with a few cards stuck together. A bit of sanding or sealing would probably help prevent that too, especially if you want them to last.

Overall, this craft hit all the right notes — easy, upcycled, fun, and surprisingly satisfying to hold in your hands when they’re done. It’s a fantastic way to breathe new life into something old, and I honestly can’t wait to make a few themed sets as gifts.

So if you’re on the fence, give it a try. It’s playful, it’s practical, and hey, it might just be your new favorite weekend project.