Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

How to crochet recycled wood beads

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Over at Krishna’s blog Decorating and Cooking for Christmas there is a tutorial on how to crochet beads using recycled wood beads as a base.

We used cotton thread with 1.75mm hook to crochet around beads.

Recycle wooden Car seat cushion
Figure 1.1

For making this beautiful crochet necklace you only need to know basic crochet stitches.

 

Terms used in pattern

ch = chain

sc = single crochet

sc2tog (invisible) = invisible single crochet decrese

st = stitch

 

Pattern to crochet around wooden beads of car seat cushion:

Start with Chain 3, and slip stitch in to the first chain to form a ring.

 

Round-1 : make 6 sc into the ring (6)

Round-2 : 2sc in each sc (12)

At the end of round-2 your work will look like part-1 of the Figure 1.2. Using a contrasting yarn add a stitch marker.

Round 3 : Sc in first st, 2sc in next repeat 6 times (18)

At the end of round 3 your work will look like part-2 of the Figure 1.2.

crochet wooden bead
Figure 1.2

 

Round-4 to 7: Sc in each Sc(18)

At the end of round 7 your work should look like part3 (bottom) and part 4(top)  of figure1.2.

Insert the bead and start round -8

Round-8: sc in next st, sc2tog in next , repeat 6 times(12)

Ronnd-9:sc2tog 6 times (6)

Now, cut the thread leaving around 6 inch long tail. Using a needle join stitches tightly to finish the bottom. Pass the needle through the top and cut the yarn. You can checkout this video for understanding finishing.

Crochet about 7 or 11 beads.

 

diy necklace
Figure 1.3

Using black thread make a string of beads leaving a loop at the end of the string.

diy crochet necklace
Figure 1.4

Attach black string to the ends.

diy crochet necklace
Figure 1.5

Your DIY crochet necklace is ready to wear!

 

diy crochet necklace
Figure 1.6
Let us know your views on how did you find this tutorial and pattern.

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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.