Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Mixed-media scrap wood bud vase

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Making things out of unconventional and unexpected materials is pretty much what we recycled crafters are all about. This cute little bud vase is made out of a scrap piece of 2×4 and something that I bet not too many crafters have worked with….are you intrigued?

I thought I’d try embossing that freshness seal that comes on the top of canisters of things like coffee creamer. It feels like a combo of metal and plastic.

As you can see embossing powdered coffee creamer lids works great with a Crafter’s Companion gun metal (diamond plate) embossing folder.

In addition to the diamond plate I thought I’d decorate my wood block vase with my favorite letter “Y” that I die cut out of black cardstock using Leonie Pujol letter set.

I die cut the letter area out with the largest Die’sire mixed media tag die.

To make the vase part I drilled a hole in the top of the wood block the same diameter of a straw.

Then to hold the water in I sealed the end of the straw with a bit of hot glue.

I glued the embossed creamer lid, die cut letter tag, a bit of ribbon and a pearl bead onto the wood block vase.

Then all that was left to do was pop out to the yard and find a flower to put in my new recycled vase.

Looking for more fonts? Check these out at Fontbundles.com

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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!