Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

The Pillowcase Challenge Book

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The day after I wrote about Lark Books’ upcoming book on recycled plastics I received a message about another chance for recycled crafters to showcase their work (or a chance for collectors to flaunt their stuff). Read on:

The common pillowcase is experiencing a creative transformation thanks to savvy crafters just like you. That’s right, those old pillow toppers you just can’t resist at the flea market, online auction, the back of the linen closet, and even the shelves of your favorite retailer are being repurposed into everything from fashionable clothing and accessories to chic home decor items. To celebrate the forthcoming book from Lark Books, tentatively called The Pillowcase Challenge, we want to hear from YOU.

Share with us your favorite memory of a pillowcase past: perhaps it’s the one you couldn’t part with as a child, a cherished heirloom piece created by a loved one [CraftGossip note: or created by you!], a delightful patterned number that you simply had to have. If we select your written reminiscence for inclusion in the book, you’ll receive credit in the book, a free copy of the book and perhaps we’ll even feature your memory on our web site. Send your pillowcase passion to us in 200 words or less by June 7.

And for the real pillowcase collectors out there, here’s your chance to shine a spotlight on your fabulous stash and share it with the world. Send us a snapshot or two of your prettiest, most beloved pillowcases: floral, striped, polka-dotted, embroidered, whatever. We’ll then select the best of the pillowcase bunch to be shipped to us, photographed and then featured in the book. You’ll get our never-ending thanks, receive credit in the book, get your own free copy, and of course have your pillowcases returned to you. Send your stash shots to us by May 21. Yes, that soon.

To enter visit the Lark Books website, and click on the Submissions page.

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Have you read?

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!