• 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 recycled teddy bear jar Christmas light decorations

November 29, 2016 by Stefanie Girard

teddy-bear-jar-decoration-stefanie-girard

Ho Ho Ho my recycled teddy bear cookie jars say! With an easy coat of paint with an  Testors AirBrainz Airbrush Kit , Mini Powairpod AirBrainz Air Compressor  and some free downloadable graphics from below you too can upcycle a bunch of Animal cracker teddy bear jars into a fun light up Christmas decoration. Smaller ones are available on Amazon and larger ones are available at Target.

teddy-bear-christmas-lights-stefanie-girard

I can’t decide which way I like them better, lit up at night or during the day when they look like giant gummy bears.

airbrushed-teddy-bear-jar-decoration

These were so easy to make. I simply airbrushed them using a variety of Testors Craft Acrylic paint.

gummy-bear-decoration-light

This is what it starts out looking like after one coat of Testors Ultra Gloss green paint.

how-to-paint-a-teddy-bear-jar-light

Then after two coats.

teddy-bear-cookie-jar-airbrushed-decoration

Here is the red bear complete using Testors red matt paint completed and the green one almost done. You can see the difference in the green gloss and the red matt finish.

giant-gummy-bear-jar-light-painted

Simply keep airbrushing light layers until you have full coverage.

teddy-bear-christmas-decoration-girard

Lighter colors like the Testors Ultra Gloss White feature the bear’s details better than the darker colors.

Once you have your recycled teddy bear jars all painted download and print out these labels or make some of your own.

Fill the teddy bear jars with low temp Christmas lights (standard ones will be TOO HOT!!!!) and top off with Santa hats.

ho-ho-ho-graphics

 

Related Posts:

  • Eco-Craft Fun: 25+ Sustainable Activities to Teach…
  • Creative Ways to Teach Kids About Recycling
«
»

Have you read?

Build Big Memories on a Budget: DIY Cubby House Using Recycled Pallets

There’s something special about a cubby house. For kids, it’s more than just a backyard structure—it becomes a pirate ship, a secret hideaway, a miniature home, or a quiet spot to read and imagine. And for parents or grandparents, it’s a chance to create something meaningful that encourages outdoor play and creativity.

I recently came across a fantastic step-by-step guide from the team over at Bunnings Workshop that shows exactly how to build a DIY cubby house using recycled pallet timber. It’s a simple yet incredibly rewarding project that turns discarded timber into a charming play space your kids will absolutely love.

What I really appreciate about this project is how accessible it is. It doesn’t require a big budget or expensive materials. By using pallet timber, you not only save money but also help reduce waste—making it a great example of sustainable DIY. The cubby design is solid and safe, with a layout that leaves room for personal touches like paint, planters, or even a chalkboard wall.

This is the kind of project that can grow with your children. You might start with a basic structure and then add onto it as their play evolves—maybe a little deck area, a set of stairs, or some creative decor like a mini letterbox or curtains. It’s also a great opportunity for families to work together. Even young children can help with painting or handing over tools, making it a fun and collaborative experience.

The Bunnings Workshop tutorial provides a clear guide with a materials list, tool requirements, and helpful photos throughout. Whether you’re an experienced builder or a DIY beginner, the instructions are easy to follow and adaptable to different backyard sizes.

If you’ve been looking for a weekend project that adds charm to your outdoor space and creates long-lasting memories, this might be just the thing. Building a cubby house is a wonderful way to connect with your kids, encourage imagination, and spend time outdoors—without needing to buy another plastic playhouse.

You can explore the full project and instructions here:
DIY Cubby House Using Recycled Pallet Timber – Bunnings Workshop

If you do give it a go, I’d love to hear how it turns out. Share your cubby house photos and ideas—I know many readers would be inspired to see how each one takes on its own unique personality.

Book Review – DIY Wood Pallet Projects: 35 Rustic Modern Upcycling Ideas to Personalize Your Space

Painted pallets make an arena

Winner-DIY Wood Pallet Projects book

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

  • Amazon Deal Roundup – CraftGossip Picks!
  • Chats on Needlework by Emily Leigh Lowes – A Vintage Stitcher’s Treasure Trove
  • Designer Spotlight: Haunted Frames
  • Press Bubble Animals Crochet Kit with keychain
  • Build Big Memories on a Budget: DIY Cubby House Using Recycled Pallets
  • 12 Handmade Stamped Card Ideas Featuring Bears
  • How To Sew a Banner from felted wool sweaters
  • A Sweet Skater Dress to Knit
  • Printable Animal Flash Cards
  • 20 Cowl Crochet Patterns For Winter Gifting

Pick Your Blog

  • Sewing
  • Knitting
  • Quilting
  • Crochet
  • Home & Garden
  • Recycled Crafts
  • Scrapbooking
  • Card Making
  • Polymer Clay
  • Cross-Stitch
  • Edible Crafts
  • Felting
  • Glass Art
  • Indie Crafts
  • Kids Crafts
  • Jewelry Making
  • Lesson Plans
  • Needlework
  • Bath & Body
  • Party Ideas
  • Candle Making
  • DIY Weddings
  • Not Craft
  • Free Craft Projects

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