Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Make your own printing press with a surprising home improvement tool

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Have you wanted to get into printing? I have started carving my own stamps and 3d printing images to print and now emboss with after I make this cool printing press with a surprising home improvement tool.

I also think I may make it with a recycled wine crate.

A little history of printing press

The printing press is one of the most important inventions in human history, as it revolutionized the way information was disseminated and made knowledge accessible to the masses.

The earliest form of printing was developed in China around 1040 AD, using carved wooden blocks to print on textiles. The technique was later adapted for printing on paper.

In the 15th century, a German goldsmith named Johannes Gutenberg revolutionized the printing process by inventing the first movable type printing press. This allowed for much faster and cheaper production of printed material, as individual letters and symbols could be rearranged and reused for different texts. Gutenberg’s invention was instrumental in the spread of the Renaissance, the Reformation, and the Scientific Revolution.

Over the centuries, the printing press continued to evolve, with improvements in the technology and processes leading to even greater speed and efficiency. Today, printing remains an essential component of modern society, with digital printing technology allowing for even greater flexibility and accessibility.

Can I make one at home?

While it’s unlikely that you can build a full-scale printing press at home, there are definitely ways to make your own simple printing press for small-scale projects.

One popular method is to use a technique called linocut printing, which involves carving a design onto a linoleum block and then using it to print onto paper or fabric. You can make your own linocut block with some linoleum, a carving tool, and a design to work from.

Once you have your linocut block, you can ink it up with printing ink and then use a brayer or roller to transfer the ink onto your paper or fabric. You can do this by hand or use a small press or even a simple DIY press made from materials like cardboard, foam, and a wooden spoon.

This one we saw at Makify looks fun to make. I don’t know what all I would make with it but it sure looks like something to try.

Pop on over to Makify and watch the video on how to make a printing press.

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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!