Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

How to drill holes in pebbles and pretty projects made with them

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If you’re looking to add a touch of natural beauty to your home decor, then pebbles are a great place to start. These little stones come in all shapes and sizes, and with a little bit of creativity, you can turn them into beautiful works of art.

One of the easiest ways to transform plain pebbles into something special is by drilling holes in them. This may sound daunting at first, but with the right tools and a little bit of practice, it’s actually quite simple. 

Unlike wood or metal, pebbles are naturally uneven and can crack easily if you apply too much pressure. To prevent this from happening, start by marking the spot where you want to drill with a pen or marker. Then, fill a bowl with water and submerge the pebble, making sure that the spot you marked is fully covered. The article below goes into more depth.

While challenging pebbles are so pretty the work can be worth it. I collect pebbles at the beach and they are just waiting for me to try this.

Once you’ve drilled your holes, the possibilities for pebble projects are endless. You can string them together to make a unique necklace, create a one-of-a-kind wind chime, or use them to decorate a picture frame. With a little bit of imagination, you can turn even the most ordinary pebbles into something truly extraordinary.

So if you’re looking to add a touch of natural beauty to your home decor, why not give pebble drilling a try? It’s a fun and easy DIY project that’s sure to impress your friends and family. And who knows, you might just discover a new passion for creating beautiful things with your own two hands.

It will have to wait for spring after it stops raining here in SoCal but I can file this away until then.

Rock and roll over to the blog Mindfully Made for the tutorial on how to drill holes in pebbles and see some of the pretty projects you can make with the drilled pebbles.

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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!