• Home
  • Suggest A Craft
  • DIY Newsletter

Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

  • About CraftGossip
  • Our Network
    • Bath & Body Crafts
    • Candle Making Ideas
    • Crochet Ideas
    • Cross Stitch
    • Edible Crafts
    • Felting Patterns
    • Glass Art
    • Home & Garden Ideas
    • Indie Crafts
    • Jewelry Making
    • Kids Crafts
    • Knitting Patterns
    • Lesson Plans
    • Needlework
    • Party Ideas
    • Polymer Clay
    • Quilting Ideas
    • Recycled Crafts
    • Scrapbooking
    • Sewing Patterns
    • Card Making
    • DIY Weddings
    • Not Craft Ideas
  • Giveaways
  • Roundups
  • Store
  • Search

How to make iridescent Fairy wings

April 6, 2015 by Stefanie Girard

UPDATE Jul 2020: The original website has been taken down. We have saved a PDF copy of this tutorial that you can download: How-to-make-iridescent-wings.

Fantasywing18

I love it when I look at something and think it is made with some special product only to read the tutorial to find out it is made out of recycled elements I already have in my stash.

These pretty iridescent wings are just such a project. Pop on over to the website OOAK sculptor for the tutorial on how to make iridescent wings along with a tutorial on how to make wired wings and software to design wings! This technique would be great for all sorts of mixed-media projects and designs.

Making iridescent fairy wings can be a fun and creative activity for kids or adults, and there are a few different methods you can use to create these magical wings. Here’s a simple tutorial for making iridescent fairy wings using materials you can find around the house:

Materials needed:

  • Plastic takeaway packaging
  • Scissors
  • Glue
  • Acrylic paint (in iridescent or metallic colors)
  • Clear plastic wrap
  • Optional: glitter, sequins, or other decorative items

Instructions:

  1. Begin by cutting out the shape of the wings from a firm clear plastic, I like to recycle takeaway containers. Clear lids of gift boxes also work well. You can use a template or draw your own design.
  2. Once you have the shape of the wings cut out, use glitter glue to coat the entire wing as the base color This will give the wings a shimmering, iridescent effect.
  3. Once the glue has dried, use acrylic paint to add color and detail to the wings. You can use iridescent or metallic paints for a more realistic effect, or you can mix and match different colors to create your own unique look.
  4. If desired, you can also add glitter, sequins, or other decorative items to the wings to give them an extra touch of sparkle and shine.
  5. Once the paint and decorations have dried, your iridescent fairy wings are ready to use.

With a little bit of creativity and some basic craft materials, you can create your own beautiful and unique iridescent fairy wings. Whether you’re dressing up for a costume party or just want to add a touch of magic to your everyday life, these shimmering wings are sure to delight and inspire.

 

These wings are easy to make and can be adapted for Christmas angel wings and fairy wings too. I think these DIY wings would love adorable on Christmas angels just with changing the shape of the design.

 

Related Posts:

  • Upcycling or Hoarding? Why Your DIY Projects Could…
  • How to make recycled clothes pin puppets
«
»

Comments

  1. Theresa says

    April 7, 2015 at 11:30 pm

    The instructions for the wings look easy to do but the link provided for the wiring does not work.

  2. Donna says

    July 19, 2020 at 4:08 pm

    I cannot see the wing patterns

  3. Vikram Goyal says

    July 25, 2020 at 5:41 pm

    Hi Donna – At the top of the post we have saved a PDF copy.

  4. Mary Brown says

    July 27, 2020 at 7:48 pm

    Where do you get the file to print out the diagram of the wings?

Have you read?

45 amazing ways to reuse and recycle old playing cards

upcycled playing card ideas

If you’ve got a pile of old playing cards sitting around — maybe they’re from incomplete decks, game nights gone wild, or just worn from use — don’t throw them out! Instead, consider turning those old playing cards into clever DIY projects. Playing cards are the perfect material for upcycled crafts thanks to their glossy finish, durability, and instantly recognizable designs. Whether you’re looking for sustainable craft ideas, eco-friendly decor, or handmade gifts, recycled playing card projects offer endless creative potential.

Recycling playing cards is a fantastic way to reduce waste and embrace a more eco-conscious lifestyle. Crafting with old playing cards is not only budget-friendly, it’s also a great opportunity to create unique home decor, personalized gifts, and fun DIY accessories. From upcycled wallets and purses to holiday ornaments and party banners, these projects make excellent use of something you’d otherwise toss in the trash. And the best part? Many of these playing card crafts can be done with supplies you already have at home.

Crafters around the world are discovering how easy it is to transform playing cards into DIY masterpieces. Want to make a recycled playing card wreath? Looking for a way to craft a handmade Valentine’s Day garland? Curious how to create a one-of-a-kind playing card clock or a quirky jewelry holder? Old playing cards are the answer. Their size, sturdiness, and vintage appeal make them ideal for crafting everything from bookmarks and gift tags to photo frames and tabletop decorations.

These upcycled playing card projects are perfect for holiday decorating too. Create a festive playing card Christmas tree, fold a deck into a Valentine’s Day heart wreath, or string together a DIY party banner for a casino-themed birthday bash. Playing cards lend themselves to all kinds of seasonal creativity, and the results are always charming and memorable. If you love making holiday decorations from recycled materials, don’t skip over that forgotten deck in your junk drawer!

Looking to get organized with your crafting? Try making a DIY playing card storage box or a desk organizer. Their compact size makes playing cards ideal for crafting stylish and functional items like ribbon holders, mini drawers, or office accessories. Want to go even further? Some crafters have even made earring holders, pencil cases, and tabletops using nothing but recycled playing cards and a little creative flair.

This is also a fantastic way to involve kids in upcycled crafting. Reusing playing cards for kids’ craft projects is fun, mess-free, and educational. Encourage them to make DIY bookmarks, garlands, or memory games using old cards. Not only does this teach creativity and motor skills, it also introduces the value of reusing and recycling materials in everyday life.

Crafting with vintage or recycled playing cards also makes for meaningful gift ideas. From a “52 Reasons I Love You” card flipbook to DIY wallets, photo displays, or trinket boxes, handmade gifts made from upcycled materials show thoughtfulness and care. These unique keepsakes are perfect for anniversaries, holidays, and just-because moments.

With the rising popularity of sustainable living and zero-waste crafting, upcycling playing cards has become a go-to choice for eco-friendly creatives. Whether you’re making a repurposed playing card chandelier, a recycled playing card lampshade, or simple DIY gift tags, there’s no shortage of ideas when it comes to turning old playing cards into new treasures.

So if you’re on the hunt for recycled craft ideas, DIY playing card projects, or eco-friendly handmade gifts, it’s time to dig out those old decks and start creating. With over 45 inspiring ways to reuse playing cards, you’ll never look at your game night leftovers the same way again.

Ready to start your next upcycling adventure? Explore the world of playing card crafts and discover how to transform your clutter into creativity — one card at a time.

Playing Card Wallet — CraftBits.com

Clear Duct Tape Card Purse — CraftBits.com 

Turn old playing cards into decorative elements – Recycled Crafts 

I “Heart” heart Valentine’s Day wreaths – Recycled Crafts

Ribbon Organizers 

DIY Valentines Wreath • Refresh Living 

paper craft – folded decorative playing card houses – full instructions 

DIY UNO Card Game Art – One Mile Home Style 

Upcycling Playing Cards – craftygardener.ca

DIY Handmade Storage Box 

M Is for Memories

12-Card Star — George Hart

52 Reasons I Love You

Playing Card Trinket Box  

Alice in Wonderland Crafts – Card Soldiers – Red Ted Art – Kids Crafts 

How to make a Twisted Alice in Wonderland hair accessory

Playing Card Bookmarks : 6 Steps – Instructables

Holiday How To: Unconventional Wreaths | Brooklyn Limestone

Purposeful Play Time: DIY Playing Card Valentine’s Day Banner

Upcycled Playing Card Dolls Make Great Gifts! • Recyclart

Almost Alice – DIY & Craft tutorials: How to: Playing Card Bow Necklace

Feeling a little punchy today!

StampOwl’s Studio: Playing Card Box Tutorial 

AIM DIY: Playing Card Ornaments – So, There.

Industrial Vegas: Repurposed Upcycled Vintage Playing Cards Wall Art 

Altered Playing Cards 

The Craft Project: More Playing Cards! 

https://myblessedlife.net/2013/08/specimen-art.html 

DIY Drink Charms – Today’s Creative Life

Queen of Hearts Art – A Playing Card DIY – Parties With A Cause

DIY Upcycled Vintage Playing Card Lampshade

DIY Earring Holder – Jewelry Display – Birdz of a Feather

Repurposed Playing Cards into DIY Christmas Tree – Color Me Thrifty

DIY Playing Card Banner – Petticoat Junktion

Craft With Me – Playing Card Frames – A Fun Way To Use Playing Cards 

Party Top-hat Made of Playing Cards : 10 Steps – Instructables

PLaying card GIft Wrap Idea 

Playing Card Wreath – Sarah Hearts

Hair Pins 

Table Centrepieces From PLaying Cards

Playing Cards Clock : 7 Steps (with Pictures) – Instructables

Origami Desktop Organizer From Playing Cards : 7 Steps (with Pictures) – Instructables 

Awesome Wallet Made Out of Playing Cards : 11 Steps – Instructables

Playing card Gift Tags

Explore

books Christmas CraftGossip Giveaways Craft Inspirations Easter glass halloween Home Decor kid crafts mason jar More Crafts Patterns & Tutorials recycled art Recycled Clothing Recycled Jewelry Recycled Sewing Recycled Tutorials Recycling Ideas Recycling Organizing tin can

RSS More Articles

  • Knit a Great Button Down Shirt
  • Allagash Set Hat Crochet Pattern
  • The Ultimate List Of 35 Layer Cake Quilt Patterns
  • 45 amazing ways to reuse and recycle old playing cards
  • Etsy Spotlight – Classic with a Twist: A Dreamy Dress Pattern You’ll Sew Again and Again
  • FREE Beach Huts SVG Cut File
  • Create Your Own Heartfelt Masterpiece: The Carwyn Throw Crochet Kit
  • DIY Upcycled Fabric Bowls and Baskets: A Fun and Functional Craft
  • Make Your Cross Stitch into an Iron On Patch
  • How to Make a Trendy Capybara Card

Copyright © 2025 · CraftGossip | Start Here | Contact Us | Link to Us | Your Editors | Privacy and affiliate policy