Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Happy St. Patrick’s Day – How to make a ribbon shamrock

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shamrock ribbon woven 1

St. Patrick’s Day is a festive holiday that many people look forward to each year. Whether you’re Irish or not, it’s a time to celebrate the culture and traditions of Ireland. One way to add a touch of St. Patrick’s Day decor to your home is by creating a ribbon shamrock. This simple DIY project can be made with just a few materials and is a fun activity to do with family or friends.

As you may already know, shamrocks are a type of clover plant that is known for its three-leaf structure. The term “shamrock” comes from the Irish word “seamróg,” which means “little clover.”

Shamrocks are commonly associated with Ireland and are often used as a symbol of St. Patrick’s Day. According to legend, St. Patrick used shamrock to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity to the Irish people.

Today, shamrocks are still a popular symbol of Irish culture and are often used in St. Patrick’s Day decorations and festivities.

With that in mind, I hope you all have a fun “green” day for it. As a recycled crafter we pretty much are green everyday 🙂

This little ribbon shamrock is the perfect little project to whip up today, perfect to finish off your outfit or embellish a gift.

Pop on over to the blog Potlucks on the Porch for the step-by-step tutorial on how to make a St. Patrick’s Day ribbon shamrock.

 

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How To Make A Milk Carton Village – A Recycled Craft for Kids

Ready to turn your recycling bin into a colorful, miniature village? Grab those empty milk cartons and let’s create a town filled with tiny houses, shops, and even a school or bakery! This craft is perfect for kids of all ages and encourages imagination, storytelling, and eco-friendly creativity.

 What You’ll Need:

  • Empty milk or juice cartons (washed and dried)

  • Paints or markers

  • Paintbrushes

  • Craft glue or glue stick

  • Scissors (adult supervision recommended)

  • Colored paper or old magazines

  • Bottle caps, buttons, or plastic lids (for windows or decorations)

  • Sticks, straws, or skewers (for flag poles or chimneys)

  • Optional: glitter, stickers, washi tape, cotton balls (for snow or clouds!)

 Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Clean and Prep the Cartons
Make sure your milk or juice cartons are washed and completely dry. Remove any plastic lids or caps and keep them for decorations!

Step 2: Plan Your Village
Decide how many buildings you want to make. Each milk carton becomes a house, shop, or whatever your imagination dreams up. Arrange them side by side or in a circle like a real village square.

Step 3: Cut Out Doors and Windows
With the help of an adult, carefully cut small door and window shapes into your cartons. You can also glue cut-out shapes from colored paper if you’d rather not cut into the carton.

Step 4: Paint and Decorate
Use paint or markers to bring your buildings to life. Make brick patterns, colorful siding, or roof tiles. Let each child choose their own theme – rainbow bakery, monster house, fairy home, or tiny fire station!

Step 5: Add the Roofs
You can paint the top pointy part of the carton like a roof, or glue on cardboard triangles to create overhangs. Want to add a chimney? Glue a straw or cardboard roll on top!

Step 6: Make Flags and Signs
Cut small flags from recycled plastic or paper and tape them to straws or sticks. Glue your flags to the rooftops. You can even create tiny signs for each building – “Toy Store,” “Library,” or “Super Cat’s House.”

Step 7: Build Your Village
Place all the finished buildings together on a large piece of cardboard, tray, or table. Use bottle caps for stepping stones, cotton balls for bushes or clouds, and draw roads with marker.

Step 8: Play!
Now that your village is built, use little toys, action figures, or LEGO people to live in your new town. Create stories and adventures—your Milk Carton Village is officially open!

 Learning Bonus:

This craft is not just fun—it also teaches recycling, fine motor skills, creative thinking, and storytelling. Plus, it’s a great group activity for playdates, classrooms, or family craft nights.

Let your kids’ imaginations run wild—and remember, no two villages need to look the same. Each one tells its own story!