Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

How to Make a Recycled Shampoo Bottle Purse and Lots More Creative Upcycling Ideas

by

Recycled Shampoo Bottle Purse

If you like working with pretty colored plastics recycled tubes and bottles are a great source. Pop on over to the blog Eco Green Love for an amazing collection of recycled plastic container projects – both decorative and functional – including this little purse made from a shampoo tube. I will be saving my containers in the new year to make a bunch of these projects.

Love working with recycled items? Check out this amazing recycled Crafts book.

Other Upcycling Ideas for Recycled Shampoo Bottles

Making a purse from a shampoo bottle is just the beginning. Here are a few other ideas for what you can do with your empty shampoo bottles:

Storage Containers: Shampoo bottles can easily be transformed into small storage containers for pens, office supplies, or even small plants. You can cut the bottle to your desired size, decorate it, and then use it as a pen holder on your desk or a storage solution for various small items around the house.

Bird Feeder: Shampoo bottles can make an excellent base for a homemade bird feeder. Simply cut a small hole in the side, thread a string through it to hang, and fill the bottle with birdseed. This is a great way to reuse plastic while helping out your local wildlife.

Watering Can: With a few holes poked in the cap, a shampoo bottle can easily be transformed into a makeshift watering can for your garden. Just make sure to wash out the bottle thoroughly to ensure no soap residue remains before you start watering your plants.

Planter: Shampoo bottles make great planters, especially for small plants or succulents. You can cut the bottle to create a small pot, add drainage holes in the bottom, and then plant your favorite greenery. These make great additions to windowsills or porches.

 

These are just a few examples of the many ways you can repurpose shampoo bottles. By recycling these bottles in creative ways, you can reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future. It’s important to remember that we all have a responsibility to take care of our planet, and by finding new uses for old items, we can help reduce waste and preserve our environment.

 

Related Posts:

Comments

Have you read?

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!