Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Wanted: Recycled Projects for Book

by

Here’s your chance to be published. Author-to-be Lynn of GreenHalloween.org is seeking recycled craft project ideas for a forthcoming book. See below for details, including the submission deadline of Jan. 15:

Lynn writes,

“My daughter and I are writing a book tentatively titled, “Green Celebrations.” I plan on contributing most of the craft ideas, but I thought it would be fun to spread it around a bit. So if anyone has an original idea for a “green” craft they’d like to contribute, let me know.

I already have enough for Christmas, Halloween and birthdays. I’m especially interested in ideas for July 4th, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and New Year’s, but will consider others as well. (Anniversaries, baby showers, Thanksgiving etc.)

What do I mean by “green?” All parts of the item(s) must be made using Earth-friendly or people friendly or recycled items. So for instance, if you were to suggest a candle decorated with pine cones, the candle would need to be a soy candle. Recycled articles are excellent as long as they can be commonly found. Ideas using plastic grocery bags, glass, cardboard boxes, metal etc. are great. The fewer components necessary to create the item, the better.

ITEMS MUST BE SPECIFIC TO A PARTICULAR HOLIDAY OR CELEBRATION. Please do not send me a suggestion and say, “This could be used for any holiday.”

I’m hoping to get ideas in two categories, 1. decorations and 2. crafting activities that families/people could do together as part of the celebration.

In exchange, if we use YOUR idea, we will mention your name, location and a link to a website on our contributors page and/or with the item. Also, we will probably offer a live link on our website, but can’t promise that yet since we’re not at that point.

If you know others who are not on this list and might want to participate, please feel free to pass on this message.

*NOTE: If I get flooded with ideas, I might not be able to respond to those that are not going to work for us. Also, in the case of several people contributing the same idea, I’ll have to go with the first submission. Please note that you may have the same idea as I have had or someone else. I am not going to steal anyone’s idea and use it without attribution. But it’s entirely possible that you could submit something and see it in the book because either I or someone else had the concept as well. By emailing me your idea, you accept that it may or may not be used.You also warrant that to your knowledge, the idea is original to you.

Please email submissions to [email protected].

Deadline: JANUARY 15, 2008.”

Related Posts:

Comments

  1. Hi! Another idea. Some of the potato chips bags have a silver lining. You use wash these really good and turn them inside out for a gift bag. I usually only tie with ribbon. Mary Hall

  3. Thanks for the suggestion, Mary. To ensure that Lynn, the author, receives your idea, please e-mail it to the address listed at the end of the post. Thanks!

Have you read?

DIY Paper Bag Mushrooms – A Creative Upcycled Craft for Kids and Nature Lovers

There’s something magical about mushrooms — maybe it’s the fairy-tale vibes or their cozy woodland charm. Either way, turning ordinary brown paper bags into mushrooms is a fun, hands-on craft project that kids (and adults) will enjoy. The best part? You’re reusing materials that might otherwise go to waste. Win-win!

This easy tutorial walks you through making your very own forest of recycled mushrooms using simple supplies you likely already have around the house.

What You’ll Need:

  • Brown paper lunch bags (you can even use grocery bags cut to size)

  • Scrap paper or newspaper for stuffing

  • String, yarn, or twine

  • Scissors

  • Paints (acrylic or tempera work best)

  • Paintbrushes or sponges

  • Optional extras: markers, stickers, googly eyes, craft glue

Step-by-Step: How to Make Your Mushrooms

Step 1: Create the Mushroom Top
Start by opening your paper bag and gently crumpling up some newspaper or scrap paper. Stuff it into the bottom of the bag — not too tight, just enough to give it a rounded shape that will form the mushroom cap.

Step 2: Form the Stem
Once the top is nice and puffy, hold the bag just underneath the stuffed section and twist it lightly to shape the stem. Tie a piece of twine or string around this part to hold the form. You’ll now have a mushroom top with a long paper bag hanging down — that’s your stem.

Step 3: Trim to Size
If the stem looks too long or uneven, grab your scissors and snip it down to your preferred height. You can even experiment with making some taller and some short and chubby for a little mushroom variety.

Step 4: Paint and Decorate
Time for the fun part — painting! Flip the mushroom cap upright and paint it any way you like. Classic red with white spots? Go for it. Bright blue with glitter? Why not! Use brushes or dabbers to add spots, swirls, or patterns. Let kids express their creativity — there’s no wrong way to decorate a magic mushroom!

Step 5: Let It Dry
Place your mushrooms somewhere safe to dry. You can use a sheet of newspaper or cardboard to avoid mess. Once dry, they’ll stiffen a little and hold their shape nicely.

Step 6: Display Your Mushroom Garden
Line them up on a windowsill, add them to a play area, or build a fairy village in the corner of a room. You can even glue them to a cardboard base and add moss, pebbles, and tiny paper critters for a full scene.

Extra Ideas:

  • Add flags or tiny doors to make mushroom homes.

  • Draw faces or names on the stems to turn them into characters.

  • Use cotton balls or pom-poms for fluffy mushroom spots.

Why This Project Rocks:

This is one of those crafts that doesn’t need a trip to the store or fancy tools — just a little time, a few basic supplies, and a bit of imagination. Plus, it encourages kids to see the creative potential in everyday materials — a great step toward more mindful, eco-conscious crafting.

So go ahead, raid the recycling bin and bring a mini mushroom forest to life.

How to make giant toadstools out of recycled tires

How to make champagne cork toadstools

How to make recycled Easter egg mushrooms

How to make recycled toilet paper tube mushrooms

How to make a rainbow forest of adorable recycled mushrooms