By the time December rolls around, we usually aren’t thinking about green crafting. The weather outside simply forbids any notion of “green”. As Earth Week rolls around though, Little-Old-Me got to thinking that recycled crafts should be incorporated into Christmas. Here are a handful of recycled crafts to decorate or gift with this Christmas.
Recycled Christmas Card Crafts
I know what you’re thinking, “AllFreeChristmasCrafts, how can I be environmentally conscious when everyone and their second cousin is sending me Christmas cards and letters about their families that I’m obligated to keep for months?” Those cards certainly add up. Then they sit in a basket next to your couch before eventually being thrown away.
Sometimes it’s easy to forget how creative you are. Take these Christmas Card Letters, for example. This is a Christmas card craft you can absolutely accomplish. Plus, you’ll love doing it. Select your favorite designs from your Christmas cards and scrapbook them onto wooden letters of your choice.
I loved this idea from Mama Buzz. This is a great Christmas craft for kids that can be used all season long. Use your Christmas cards to make Christmas Card Place Mats. They are easy to make and can be used year after year.
If you’re thinking that you have enough Christmas decorations in your house, another great idea is Wrapping From Recycled Cards. When you think about it, it’s silly to buy pricey wrapping paper that’s just going to be thrown away. Instead, recycle Christmas cards to make wrapping paper. Just remember not to send someone a present wrapped in the Christmas card they sent you!
Make Your Own Recycled Ornaments
Being the classy lady that I am, I’m a fan of all things toilet rolls. In all seriousness, though, I’m thoroughly charmed by this Toilet Roll Yule Log Ornament. You’ve got toilet rolls constantly making their way to the trash can, so why not give them a little play during Christmas? DIY ornaments are a great way to recycle during the holidays.
These Tin Work Ornaments involve a different media than our DIY ornaments above. Learn how to make ornaments out of aluminum or tin cans that look store-bought. These are beautiful and can easily be Christmas crafts for kids too.
If you have old music sheets around your house, you can use them for this Paper and Lace Snowflake Ornament. I love the way this snowy ornament looks against pine needles. Keep it in mind as you prepare for Christmas.
Recycled DIY Christmas Gifts
Something that snatches the Christmas spirit from me is when I hit the stores in search of a child’s gift. I’ll pick up some terrifying doll with a giant head balancing on a 2-inch body and realize it costs a small fortune. It’s awful, it’s overpriced, and yet I buy it. Don’t waste money on impersonal gifts when you can easily make a homemade present that a child will love. These Recycled Crayons from An Everyday Story are affordable and easy. You can make a bunch of crazy crayon shapes as a pack or simply use them as stocking stuffers. They’re so cool! I might make them as an early Christmas present to myself…
You can also check out this easy sewing project while considering homemade Christmas gifts. Stenciled T-Shirt Sleeve Pouches are the definition of handmade Christmas gifts. They’re super cute and useful too.
This Upcycled Wine Vase is a great DIY Christmas present for friends who are fans of vino. The wine bottle shape is beautiful and can add a stunning decorative element to any home decor.
Keep these ideas in mind as Earth Day approaches. Remember, too, that these are just the tip of the iceberg as far as recycled Christmas crafts go. Our site is full of tons of Christmas crafts for you to explore and enjoy.
When do you start Christmas crafting?
I don’t start Christmas crafting until the day after Thanksgiving, but I’m a traditionalist that way. I think Christmas can wait until after Thanksgiving is celebrated.
I love the idea of using old cards as wrapping paper. My family keeps all of our old Christmas cards, but there’s not much point to doing so minus a small amount of sentiment, so why not use them creatively? And even though my mother has way too many ornaments, I think it would be fun to turn old materials into new, fun ornaments. But what about other materials? Are there items everyone has around the house that could be used?
Wow, thanks so much for mentioning my placemats! Have a great week!