Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

How to make your own alcohol inks

by

header-homemade-alcohol-inks-markers-dreamalittlebigger

Have you ever found yourself frustrated when your favorite markers run out of ink? It can be disappointing to toss them away, especially if they have unique colors that you can’t find in any other set. However, instead of throwing them out, you can recycle your dried up markers into usable ink again. This not only saves money but also helps reduce waste in the environment.

There are many tutorials available on how to recycle dried up markers, but one that stands out is the technique of cutting open the interior foam part. This tutorial is a great way to repurpose your markers and create alcohol ink that you can use for a variety of art projects. The technique involves disassembling the marker and extracting the ink-soaked foam from the interior, which is then mixed with rubbing alcohol to create a vibrant and versatile ink.

This technique is especially useful for markers with unique or interesting colors that you can’t find in traditional ink sets. It’s a great way to customize your ink and make it truly one-of-a-kind. If you’re interested in trying out this technique, be sure to check out the tutorial on the blog Dream a Little Bigger. The tutorial is easy to follow and provides step-by-step instructions for creating your own alcohol ink from recycled markers.

In conclusion, recycling dried up markers into usable ink is a great way to save money and reduce waste. By cutting open the interior foam part of the marker, you can extract the ink and mix it with rubbing alcohol to create a versatile and vibrant ink. This technique is a great way to repurpose your markers and create custom ink colors that you can’t find anywhere else. Be sure to check out the tutorial on Dream a Little Bigger and give this technique a try for your next art project.

Pop on over to the blog Dream a Little Bigger for the tutorial on how to make your own alcohol ink.

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

 

 

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!