Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Wanted: Recycled Projects for Book

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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.”

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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?

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!