Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

PDF patterns for you to transform paper and cardboard waste into beautiful 3D sculptures

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These 3D patterns are great to make your own paper / cardboard sculptures. It could be an animal trophy to hang on your wall, a paper lampshade, an object to put on your desk or even a mask for Halloween.
It is easier than what it seems, and it is a good way to relax (making this is therapeutic & bring self-reward once done).

First you will have to download a pattern (free paper sculpture templates if you want to try an easy model & they all come with complete instructions in English).
Then, you will have to print it on a thick recycled paper or cardboard.
Once you will have the printed pattern, you will have to check you have the following tools: a pair of scissors, a ruler, white paper glue and a tool to fold the paper (could be a scoring tool / cutter pencil or even a small knife).
Now, just follow the instructions: cut the parts, fold & glue them. It is easy, all the parts of the pattern are identified with edge number guide for easy assembly.
Once finished, you could personalize the sculpture according to your taste.

See them all at Ecogami Shop

Looking for lampshades? Check out these lampshades handmade on Etsy.

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Recycled Paper Cylinder Face Art – A Colorful Win for All Ages

I recently stumbled across this super creative project on Instructables – “Face With Recycled Paper Cylinders” – and I had to share it with you all because it’s just the kind of craft that checks all my favorite boxes: recycled materials, hands-on creativity, and fun for literally any age.

The idea is simple but genius—roll strips of recycled paper (think junk mail, old magazines, leftover printer paper) into cylinders, then arrange and glue them to form a unique abstract face. You can make it funky, realistic, Picasso-inspired—whatever your mood or style dictates!

What I really love is the blend of eco-conscious crafting with true artistic expression. This isn’t just another kids’ project—it’s something you could easily do with a group of little ones, a classroom full of teens, or even as an adult art therapy or weekend wind-down activity. It’s super relaxing and surprisingly satisfying seeing all those paper rolls come together to form something new and expressive.

The tutorial itself is easy to follow, with plenty of visuals to guide you along the way. You don’t need any fancy materials—just glue, paper, scissors, and a board or piece of cardboard to serve as your canvas.

I also appreciate how this project leaves so much room for personalization. Want to make it into a full face? Go for it. Prefer to focus on a single eye or mouth? Totally works. You can even play with color schemes by choosing papers with a certain palette, or painting over them once they’re rolled.

In short: this is a total keeper for anyone who loves crafting with purpose. It’s the kind of project that sparks creativity while gently reinforcing the idea that beautiful things can come from what we usually throw away.

Highly recommend giving it a go—solo or with a group. And if you try it, tag me or drop a pic—I’d love to see your recycled masterpiece!