Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure
I love how modern this framed crayon initial looks! The clever crafter Carol of the blog Frugal Life Project needed teacher gifts. What’s a crafty gal to do? Think about cool things that other crafters had shared and give it a try. She posted a great tutorial here.
[tags]how to make a crayon initial[/tags]
I recently stumbled across this super creative project on Instructables – “Face With Recycled Paper Cylinders” – and I had to share it with you all because it’s just the kind of craft that checks all my favorite boxes: recycled materials, hands-on creativity, and fun for literally any age.
The idea is simple but genius—roll strips of recycled paper (think junk mail, old magazines, leftover printer paper) into cylinders, then arrange and glue them to form a unique abstract face. You can make it funky, realistic, Picasso-inspired—whatever your mood or style dictates!
What I really love is the blend of eco-conscious crafting with true artistic expression. This isn’t just another kids’ project—it’s something you could easily do with a group of little ones, a classroom full of teens, or even as an adult art therapy or weekend wind-down activity. It’s super relaxing and surprisingly satisfying seeing all those paper rolls come together to form something new and expressive.
The tutorial itself is easy to follow, with plenty of visuals to guide you along the way. You don’t need any fancy materials—just glue, paper, scissors, and a board or piece of cardboard to serve as your canvas.
I also appreciate how this project leaves so much room for personalization. Want to make it into a full face? Go for it. Prefer to focus on a single eye or mouth? Totally works. You can even play with color schemes by choosing papers with a certain palette, or painting over them once they’re rolled.
In short: this is a total keeper for anyone who loves crafting with purpose. It’s the kind of project that sparks creativity while gently reinforcing the idea that beautiful things can come from what we usually throw away.
Highly recommend giving it a go—solo or with a group. And if you try it, tag me or drop a pic—I’d love to see your recycled masterpiece!
THat is really cute and clever! I have tons of old crayons that it would be fun to make into something like that but something tells me it wouldn’t look quite so nice.
Thank you so much for this wonderful idea!!! I plan on making one for my daughter’s room, and for my little sister. I LOVE this idea! Especially now when school supplies are on sale at walmart and you can get a box of 24 crayons for .25 cents. You can’t beat this cheap gift (cheap as in price not in cleverness).
There are no words to decsbrie how bodacious this is.