42 Ways to Reuse Materials for Crafting and Save

Do you know the three words starting with R that will make the biggest environmetal impact? They are reduce, reuse and recycle, in that order of importance. Though we cannot directly reduce waste in how products are produced, we can make re-using a more cherished part of our lives and thus reduce the amount of trash we produce.

Before environmental concerns became the reason for these tenants, our grandparents and great-grandparents re-used and re-purposed everything from clothing to food packaging to stretch every dollar. In our present economy, such frugal practices are once again becoming standard.

 
Crafting is the perfect way to re-use instead of tossing materials, especially un-recyclable plastics and other trash. In addition, you can enjoy your favorite hobbies and entertain family and friends, while saving money on crafting materials. Here are our favorite ideas for craft projects that re-use:

Paper

Junk Mail

Rolled Paper Beads

Homemade Paper

Newspapers

Comic-Wrapped Decorative Balls

Newspaper Beads

Papier-Mache

Greeting Cards

Gift Tin

Recycled Christmas Cards

Easy Recycled Christmas Ornament

Recycled Paper Ornaments

Magazines

Collage Frame

Decoupaged Accessories

Toilet Tubes

Napkin Rings

Calendars

Calendar Page Envelope

Metal

Aluminum Cans

Tin Can Luminaries

Tin Can Critters

Cookie/Snack Tins

Treasure Tins

Mint Tins (Altoids)

For You Gift Container

Plastic

Plastic Bottles

Cat Bottle Bank- Made from a 1-liter bottle!

Plastic Bottle Lid Art

Milk Bottle Cap Ornament

Pumpkin Luminaries- Made from 1-liter bottles

Jewel Cases (On CDs, Software, etc.)

Jewel Case Hanging Picture Frame

Plastic Containers

Shrink Plastic Jewelry

Plastic Fruit/Applesauce Cups

Table Favors

Plastic Cup

Plastic Cup Flower Vase

Yogurt Cups

Recycled Yogurt Cup Bud Vase

Foam Trays

What to Do with Foam Trays from the Supermarket

Glass

Bottles

Beaded Bottle

Jewel Tone Glass Bottles

Wine Bottles, Corks and Labels

Faux Dichroic Glass Bottle

Wine Cork Board

Wine Label Coasters

Clothing

Check out 10 Ways to Refresh Clothing You Already Own!

Sweaters

Make Felt with Old Sweaters

Recycled Sweater Throw Pillows

Belts

Recycled Belt Leather Bracelets

Jeans

Jean Pocket Pot Holders

Miscellaneous

CDs

Altered CD for Kids

Beaded CD Ornaments

Holiday Ornament

Letter Holder

Records

Vinyl Record Bowl

Old Toothbrush

10 Crafty Uses for an Old Toothbrush

Old Light Fixtures- Really!

Hammered Bowl