Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

How to make your own paintballs and learn a little science

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How to make your own paintballs

Okay, I have to share this totally fun idea I came across—it’s part science experiment, part messy outdoor art project, and 100% kid-approved. If your kids are anything like mine, they love any excuse to get outside and get a little messy. And let’s be honest, so do I… especially if there’s some sneaky learning involved!

These homemade paintball bombs are such a cool way to mix science and creativity. You’re basically turning your backyard into a colorful science lab. Think bright splashes of color, mini explosions, and kids who are amazed at what they just created. It’s like sidewalk chalk meets vinegar-and-baking-soda volcano, with a big splash of art thrown in.

What I really love is how simple it is—you probably already have everything you need at home. And while the kids are having a blast, they’re also learning about chemical reactions, pressure, and a bit of color mixing too. It’s the kind of activity that checks all the boxes: educational, creative, and seriously fun.

If this sounds like something your kids would go crazy for, you’ve got to check out the full how-to over on Teach Beside Me. She walks you through exactly how to make these colorful paint bombs—and trust me, you’ll want to make a whole bunch!

. Pop on over to the blog Teach Beside Me for the step by step tutorial on how to make your own paintballs  perfect for summer fun and learning.

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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!