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Making Popsicle Stick Playing Cards – Surprisingly Fun and Totally Charming!

May 15, 2025 by Shellie Wilson

Okay, I’ll be honest — when I first saw the Popsicle Stick Playing Cards project floating around on Instructables, I wasn’t entirely sold. Popsicle sticks and playing cards? Sounds like a summer camp throwback, right? But curiosity got the best of me (as it usually does with anything slightly crafty and slightly quirky), and I decided to give it a whirl.

And let me just say: I loved this project way more than I expected to.

At its core, this DIY is super simple. You’re basically fusing old playing cards with humble craft sticks to create chunky, tactile “cards” that are durable enough for little hands — or just to enjoy as a cool novelty set. The end result? A full deck that feels a little bit rustic, a little bit retro, and totally unique.

What I really appreciated about this project was how accessible it was. You don’t need anything fancy to get started — just some basic glue, scissors, popsicle sticks (standard size worked fine for me), and of course, a deck of cards that’s either past its prime or missing a few members. We all have one of those lying around somewhere, right?

I ended up using an old UNO deck that was looking pretty rough around the edges, and it turned out great. The cards stick well to the wood, and once everything’s dry, you get these sturdy, chunky pieces that have such a fun hand-feel. It almost reminds me of vintage tile games or big wooden dominoes.

This would be such a great project for kids — whether it’s as a rainy-day craft, a classroom activity, or even as part of a DIY learning game (think memory matching or number recognition). I can see this also being a hit with older adults or people who need cards with a little more grip or visual clarity.

Plus, if you’re a DIY gift-giver like I am, imagine pairing these with a handmade fabric pouch or wooden box for a personalized twist. It would make a really thoughtful and low-cost present for a game lover or nostalgic friend.

Now, one tiny tip: make sure to let everything dry completely before stacking or using them. I rushed a bit on my first batch and ended up with a few cards stuck together. A bit of sanding or sealing would probably help prevent that too, especially if you want them to last.

Overall, this craft hit all the right notes — easy, upcycled, fun, and surprisingly satisfying to hold in your hands when they’re done. It’s a fantastic way to breathe new life into something old, and I honestly can’t wait to make a few themed sets as gifts.

So if you’re on the fence, give it a try. It’s playful, it’s practical, and hey, it might just be your new favorite weekend project.

Related Posts:

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35 Creative Ways to Make Bowls from Recycled Materials – Genius Eco-Friendly DIYs You Can Actually Use

You know that super satisfying moment when you make something beautiful and save it from going in the trash? That’s the vibe I live for—and honestly, recycled bowl crafts hit that sweet spot perfectly. Whether you’re upcycling old magazines, leftover fabric, broken vinyl records, or even plastic toy animals (yes, really), turning trash into treasure has never looked so good on a shelf or coffee table.

I started making recycled bowls during a rainy weekend when I was stuck at home with a hot glue gun and a guilt-inducing stash of craft leftovers. I figured I’d try a fabric scrap bowl just to feel productive, but before I knew it, I was experimenting with egg cartons, paper mache, and even confetti (it totally works!). Not only did I end up with a bunch of adorable little storage solutions, but my house looked like an Anthropologie knock-off… in the best way.

This roundup is full of creative ways to make bowls using things you probably already have lying around. And here’s the best part: most of these projects are low-cost, kid-friendly, and shockingly therapeutic. There’s something about shaping something with your hands that’s just good for the soul, especially when it’s helping the planet too.

Scrap Fabric Pots

Vinyl LP Record Bowl — CraftBits.com 

DIY Rope Basket – Easy Therapy Craft — CraftBits.com 

Easy Fall Craft Idea: Leaf Bowl — CraftBits.com

Faux Stone Pottery Bowl — CraftBits.com

Paper Mache Bowl – Sunflowers — CraftBits.com

Vinyl LP Record Chip & Dip Bowl — CraftBits.com 

Fabric Bowls: Make a Beautiful DIY Gift with Recycled Fabric!

Magazine Bowls 

Recycled Magazine Bowl – DIY Inspired 

Tutorial: Coiled Magazine Paper Bowls – Frugal Upstate  

Recycled Magazine Page Nesting Bowls! – creative jewish mom 

DIY: Recycled Magazine Bowl 

Balloon Mod-Podge To Halloween Candy Bowl — CraftBits.com

Make Tissue Paper Bowls, Easy, Inexpensive Craft

Easy DIY Paper Mache’ Bowls Jennifer Perkins

Make a storage basket or bowl from fabric scraps & old clothing!

Handmade Scrappy fabric bowls by Kristin Peterson 

Turn an old sheet into a bowl: Blow up a balloon and wrap it with fabric strips

DIY Fall Gold Seashell Holder

 DIY String Bowls – Homey Oh My

DIY Confetti Bowls

Make a Fabric Coil Bowl – We Are Scout

Egg Carton Bowls – How to – Caroline Webley 

egg carton bowl – Felting and Fiber Studio 

https://juliemeasures.com/recycled-blue-jean-bowl/

How To Make An Upcycled Plastic Animal Toy Bowl – HomeJelly

Scrap Fabric Bowls

Plastic Army Men Fruit Bowl : 7 Steps (with Pictures) – Instructables 

Egg Carton Paper Mache Bowls Project 

Going Globe-bowl

Trash to Treasure DIY: Repurposed Globe Bowl

Sheet Music Bowl 

Whether you’re looking to tidy up your space, need a thoughtful handmade gift, or just want an excuse to use up those crafting leftovers, these recycled bowl ideas are going to be your new obsession. I mean, who knew an old LP record could become a funky chip bowl? Or that fabric scraps could look so chic?

Personally, I’ve used mine to hold jewelry, snacks, keys, cotton balls in the bathroom—you name it. They’ve even made it into my gift baskets and craft fair booth. And every time someone asks where I got them, I get to proudly say, “Oh, I made it. From trash.”

So grab a balloon, some glue, that crumpled-up magazine you’ve been meaning to recycle, and let’s get crafting. I guarantee you’ll be looking at your recycling bin a little differently after this. If you end up making any of these, tag me—I’d love to see what kind of gorgeous bowls you whip up!

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