Recycled Crafts
Before you throw it away, look again. Cardboard, jars, bottles and fabric scraps can become organisers, toys, decorations and gifts.
Cardboard Desk Organiser
Turn a pile of delivery boxes into a tidy home for pens, scissors and sticky notes. This is a satisfying weekend project that older kids can manage with minimal help.
What you need
- Medium-sized cardboard box
- Ruler and pencil
- Craft knife or sharp scissors
- PVA glue or hot glue
- Paint or coloured paper to finish
Steps
- Cut the top flaps off your box so you have an open tray.
- Measure and cut smaller cardboard pieces to divide the tray into compartments.
- Glue the dividers in place and hold them until dry.
- Cut a second box into shallow trays for paper clips and small items.
- Paint or cover the organiser with coloured paper. Let it dry before using.
Tip: Reinforce the corners with extra cardboard strips so the organiser keeps its shape.
Jar Lanterns
Clean glass jars become gentle bedside lanterns or outdoor table decorations. Use battery-operated tea lights for safety.
What you need
- Clean glass jars with labels removed
- Tissue paper or crepe paper
- PVA glue thinned with a little water
- Paintbrush
- Battery-operated tea light
Steps
- Tear the tissue paper into small pieces.
- Brush glue onto a small area of the jar and press a tissue paper piece on top.
- Continue overlapping pieces until the jar is covered.
- Brush a final thin layer of glue over the whole surface.
- Let the jar dry completely, then place a battery tea light inside.
Tip: Leave the bottom third of the jar clear so the light reflects upward beautifully.
Bottle-Cap Magnets
A quick craft that uses up metal bottle caps and small drawings. Kids love turning their artwork into fridge magnets.
What you need
- Metal bottle caps
- Small drawings or stickers
- Clear-drying glue
- Small magnets
Steps
- Wash and dry the bottle caps thoroughly.
- Cut a tiny drawing or photo to fit inside the cap.
- Glue the picture into the cap and seal it with a layer of clear glue.
- Once dry, glue a magnet to the back of each cap.
- Display your mini artworks on the fridge.
Tip: Use a strong craft glue for the magnet so it stays put when the fridge door opens.
Craft with less waste
- Rinse food packaging before storing it for craft projects
- Flatten cardboard boxes so they take up less space
- Keep a small "craft scrap" box for ribbons, buttons and paper off-cuts