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15 Recycled Crafts You Didn’t Know You Needed

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As the state of our environment continues to worsen, I’ve started including environmentally-friendly habits into my lifestyle. For example, if I need to be somewhere nearby, I’ll walk instead of drive. Whether you believe it or not, small habits can go a long way. Maybe you can’t save the planet on your own, but switching to a greener lifestyle will definitely contribute to conserving our environment.

Although you have so many possibilities for helping the earth, green crafting is a great way to reduce pollution and waste. One of the biggest contributors to the environment’s current state is landfills. We throw so much garbage away daily that we don’t know what to do with it anymore. Even recyclable materials such as plastic and paper aren’t always recycled. Instead, they’re mixed with all of the other trash.

Recycled Crafts You Didn't Know You Needed

Recycled Crafts You Didn’t Know You Needed

To eliminate this large amount of waste, we should start repurposing recyclable materials. And this 15 Recycled Crafts You Didn’t Know You Needed will help you do that. From toilet paper roll to wine bottle crafts, this list of recycled crafts will provide you with so many environmentally-friendly craft ideas. Instead of throwing your glass or cardboard in the recycling bin, you can create a beautiful craft that you’d never expect. Whether it is a vase, footstool or a planter, these DIY recycled crafts will reduce your daily waste and make your home a little greener. And the best part is that these upcycled crafts aren’t useless! All of these recycled crafts have a practical use that you’ll really appreciate.

  1. Toilet Paper Roll DIY Rose Scented Sachets
  2. Coffee Pot Homemade Terrarium
  3. Recycled DIY Toothpaste Tube Pouch
  4. Wine Cork Bulletin Board
  5. Cardboard and Twine DIY Vase
  6. Recycled Jeans Tin Can Planters
  7. Upcycled Backpack Rain Covers from Umbrella
  8. Wine Cork Planter Magnets
  9. Recycled Plarn Tote bag
  10. Chicken Wire Chandelier
  11. Denim Needle Case
  12. Recycled Wine Crate Footstool DIY Home Decor
  13. How to Make a Washboard
  14. DIY Newspaper Mirror Frame
  15. Radiant Ribbon DIY Candles

What are some of your favorite upcycled crafts? Let us know in the comments below!

15 Perfect Spring Felt Projects You’ll Want To Make

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When you think of craft supplies, you likely envision markers in an assortment of bright colors, glittery sequins, and colorful beads. But what about felt? The unsung hero of craft supplies, felt is sturdy and flexible, and can be folded, sewn, and cut into decorations, accessories, and so much more. Despite its versatility and ease of use, this material is one that you might not be using all that frequently. So why not shake things up a bit? This year, you’ll want to put spring felt projects at the top of your crafting to-do list.

15 Perfect Spring Felt Projects You’ll Want To Make

Perfect Spring Felt Projects You'll Want To Make

Spring into a new season with felt projects! Clockwise from top left: Felt Flower Corsage Craft, Faux Flower Bouquet, Felt Rose, Bunny Peeps Bunting, Pillows from Felted Sweaters. Center: Bunny Rabbit Felt Case

Hop To It And Make These Easter Felt Crafts

Easter is almost here! Are you ready? If you could use some cute decorations for the holiday (and who couldn’t?!?), then take another look at felt. While you could use paper to make decorations, it’s important to keep in mind that the material has a fleece-like feel to it. There really isn’t a better option for making fuzzy lambs, ducks, and bunnies! Your Easter felt crafts will look and feel soft. In addition, these projects will be an adorable addition to the festivities.

Flower Felt Projects That Will Always Be In Bloom

The calendar might say it’s spring, but you might live in an area where warm weather and blooming flowers won’t return for a while. With that in mind, you can still add flowers to your home when you make flower felt projects. The material can be folded over and over in an assortment of ways without losing its shape, resulting in a design that is both intricate and unique. The softness of the material also gives the flower a more realistic appearance, too. When selecting colors for your flower felt project, consider opting for material in vibrant colors. Need a little help on creating felt flowers? This video tutorial on the Felt Flower Corsage Craft can get you started.

Repurpose Sweaters With DIY Felt Projects

Are you in the midst of spring cleaning and have discovered sweaters that have seen better days? Don’t pitch those sweaters! You can repurpose those sweaters and other knit or crochet items into felt, which can be used for future craft projects or repurposed into comfortable pillows or other home décor items. And how do you make felt, anyway? Whether you want to toss that old sweater in hot water or use another method, our helpful guide on felting can get you started. Reusing a beloved item in a new way is eco-friendly and an inexpensive way to add to your craft supplies. Win-win!

More Felt Projects To Make

Posies for My Toesies Shoe Embellishment

Welcome warmer weather with Posies for My Toesies Shoe Embellishment!

Feeling inspired? If you’re looking for felt projects to make, then you’ll want to check out our list of ideas! Many of these projects are easy to make, so you could work on a spring felt project with your child.

  1. Felt Flower Corsage Craft
  2. Bunny Peeps Bunting
  3. Easter Bunny Decor — Too cute!
  4. Bunny Candy Cone
  5. Bunny Rabbit Felt Case
  6. White Rabbit Napkin Rings
  7. Felt Rose — So colorful!
  8. Felt Flower Mini Tote
  9. Fun Flower Pins
  10. No Sew Felt Flower Ornament — Kids will love making this one!
  11. Posies for My Toesies Shoe Embellishment
  12. Felt Princess Flower Crown — What a dreamy and romantic felt craft project!
  13. Felted Posy Flower Bag
  14. Faux Flower Bouquet
  15. Felt Floral Plastic Bottle Bracelet
  16. Bonus: Felting Wool Sweaters
  17. Get Started with Felting Materials: 5 Types of Felt 101

What is your favorite spring felt?

Use Clip-On Earrings to Update Any Outfit In 5 Minutes

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This post is brought to you by Brianna Balesso.

Clip-on earrings have so many uses. Okay, I know what you’re thinking- “Really, clip-on earrings?” Yes! Clip-on earrings are making a huge comeback and best of all, you can make a pair yourself without ever leaving home!

 

If you’re ready to start creating your own fabulous accessories but don’t have any clip-on earrings, don’t worry! I usually get an old pair from my grandmother or mom, but have also found some great hidden vintage treasures at garage sales and thrift stores.  If buying used isn’t your thing, the website Emitations offers affordable clip-on earrings in current and trendy styles.

To make your own trendy clip-ons, you’ll need:

  • Needle-nose pliers
  • An old pair of clip-on earrings

Using pliers, simply bend the clip to make it as flush as possible to the earring back.  If the clip is not flush with the back, you may experience some uncomfortable rubbing.

Add your new clip-ons to:

  • Heels / Wedges
  • Scarves
  • Shirt collars
  • Waist belts
  • Clutch / Purse

 

What clothing items would you decorate with sparkly clip-ons?

clip-on-earrings-uses

Brianna is a recent college graduate working on expanding her portfolio.  While studying to obtain her undergraduate degree, she became an avid crafter and DIY-er in order to stretch her budget as far as it could go.

Link Love: Coffee Cozies

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I can’t live without my morning cup of coffee. The second I wake up, I immediately head to my kitchen so I can start brewing a fresh cup. On the weekends, I love sitting down with a cup of coffee and a newspaper – it really is the perfect combination. I drink hot coffee all year long and as I’ve found, when the temperature decrease, it’s hard to keep my hot coffee, well, hot.

Luckily, there are plenty of coffee cup cozies to make for the upcoming winter months. You can crochet them, knit them or even sew them. You can also use upcycled materials for this project, so there’s no need to splurge on fabric. Coffee cup cozies can be understated and simple, like the Cabled Coffee Cozy, or they can feature memorable designs like the Snowman Mug Hug. Coffee cozies also make great gifts, especially during the holiday season. The Manly Coffee Jacket is a great option for that hard-to-buy-for person in your life. Dads, bosses and friends will definitely appreciate this simple cozy, especially because the pattern makes it look like a muddy tire.

You might think it’s a little early for coffee cozies, but fall and winter are just around the corner! Don’t get caught sipping cold java – make one of these cozies and keep it close by just in case. While you’re at it, make a few and give them away as gifts throughout the fall and during the holiday season.

  1. Greensleeves Coffee Cozy from Cornflower Blue Studio
  2. “Warm Heart” Coffee Cozy from The Perfect Pear Pair
  3. Pick a Pocket Cozies from Simply Notable
  4. Easy Crochet Mug Cozy from Akamatra
  5. Slate Coffee Sleeve from For the Makers
  6. Diagonal Knot Mug Cozy from Purl Avenue
  7. Felted Coffee Cozy from This Heart of Mine
  8. Mustache Cup Cozy from Luv in the Mommyhood
  9. Valentine’s Coffee Cozy from Setting for Four

Link Love: Recycled Bottle Crafts

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25 Cool Things to Do With Wine BottlesHappy Earth Week! Who says you only need to celebrate the Earth one day a year? We’re partying on the FaveCrafts Blog for five full days and bringing you brand new giveaways, tutorials and even a Blog Hop! Use this week to explore the world of eco-friendly crafts – once you go green you never go back!

Now more than ever, people are reusing old plastic and glass bottle to create functional yet adorable craft projects. You can use bottles for home decor projects as well as crafts for your kitchen.You can paint the bottles, cover them with glue or saw them in half – don’t be afraid to get creative. To celebrate the popularity of glass bottle crafts, we’ve even created a brand new free eBook, 25 Cool Things to Do With Wine Bottles, which is available to download now.

While you’re thinking green, why not dig into your recycle bin and create so eco-friendly crafts using discarded glass and plastic bottles? Start with a few pretty DIY accessories that you can wear well into the summer. Embossed Water Bottle Bracelets are a fun alternative to bangles and can be customized to fit your personality. You can also cut off the bottom of a plastic bottle and use the design as the bases for an Oversized Drink Bottle Pendant. If glass bottles are taking over your space, you’re in luck! Using a few simple supplies, you can create your own Tissue Wine Bottle Vases and display them on a mantel, table or countertop.

Earth Week will be over soon but that doesn’t mean you have to give up on green crafting. Save some crafty ideas for later and turn Earth Week into Earth Year – the planet will thank you for it.

recycled-bottle-crafts-link-love

  1. Coke Bottle Soap Dispenser from Keep Calm and Decorate
  2. Sumo Plastic Bottle Bowling Pins from Pink Stripey Socks
  3. Ballard Design Demijohn Knock Off from Cameo Cottage Designs
  4. Upcycled Izze Bottle Flower Vase from See Vanessa Craft
  5. Reclaimed Wood Wine Bottle Vase Trio from Saved By Love Creations
  6. Chalkboard Bottles from Bespoke Bride
  7. Painted Bottle Vases from Garden Therapy
  8. Ombre Frosted Wine Bottle from Saved By Love Creations
  9. Miniature Bud Vase from Sketchy Notions

Wine Bottle Herb GardenFeeling extra crafty? These recycled bottle crafts make the earth smile!

  1. Plastic Bottle Bathroom Storage
  2. 10 Things to Do With Old Wine Bottles
  3. Wine Bottle Herb Garden
  4. Plastic Bottle Birdhouse

Link Love: Pumped Up Kicks

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Bye, bye boots! I am officially ready to retire my winter kicks and pull my sneakers out from the back of my closet. However, nothing ruins the excitement associated with spring clothing quite like the realization that your wardrobe is, well, boring. Luckily, there are so many ways to refashion a pair of plain sneakers and create a colorful, eye-catching pair of shoes that will last all season long. Whether you’re rocking a pair of lace ups or prefer some slip-ons, there are so many simple crafts to try. This is a great way to save money – no need to hit the shoe store when you have these craft projects at your disposal!

A lightweight pair of sneakers can be a great wardrobe staple during the spring. Create your own pair of Upcycled Vans – you only need two fabric paint colors to change the look of your shoes. Not a fan of black and white? Colorful Upcycled Sneakers are loud, proud and so much fun to wear. Best of all, these sneakers will get you in the mood to work up a sweat! Toms shoes a great accessory for the season and you can easily customize them with a few inexpensive supplies. Tutorials for Over the Rainbow Shoes and Simple Shoe Makeover will help you get started and think outside the box.

Unleash your creativity and add doodles, symbols and more to a plain pair of tennis shoes. Your one-of-a-kind creation is sure to get you noticed all season long.

  1. Spring Time Sneakers from A Lion’s Nest
  2. Miu Miu Inspired Glitter Sneakers from Love Maegen
  3. Aztec Inspired Shoes from C.R.A.F.T.
  4. Mystic Shoe from The Daily Telecraft
  5. Polka Dots Sneakers from Born In Eighty Two
  6. Altered Art Shoes from Robayre
  7. Tribal Tennies from Dream a Little Bigger
  8. Floral Canvas Shoes from Henry Happened
  9. Chevron Shoes from Time for Tea Beads

Make Chores Fun With a DIY Clipboard Chart

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This tutorial is brought to you by Latrice Murphy from Any Occasion.

 

If you’re like me and you have kids between the ages of three and eight, you know that they are not super helpful unless there is a set goal. I have tried different version of chore charts, behavior charts and more, but then I’m stuck trying to remember to give stickers or keep it updated. I searched Pinterest for ideas and found one idea that got my wheel turning… a chalkboard chore chart that they can mark off!!

I thought I could totally do that. My two older kiddos have five tasks they have to do every week besides having good behavior. They can earn more stickers (like money to them) if they complete all six tasks by the end of the week. I decided to create a clipboard using the chalkboard idea.

 

Materials:

  • Plain clipboards
  • Chalkboard paint
  • Sticker paper
  • Die cutting machine
  • Washi tape
  • Chalk
  • Reward cards

 

 

Instructions:

  1. Mask off the clip part of the clipboard to prevent it from getting paint on it.
  2. Spray the entire clipboard with chalkboard paint, letting it dry between coats about 20 minutes. I did three coats. I did not spray the back.
  3. While your paint is drying head over to your die cutting machine and die cut small circle, list items and name.
  4. Now you’re ready to assemble. Starting at the bottom adhere all the words and circles with Washi tape lines in between.
  5. Make your reward cards from thick cardstock, washi tape and staples. Clip these to the top.

 

chalkboard2

 

The bottom row of circles is for parents only. You will mark here when the days items are completed.

 

This is a really is an easy DIY project that your kids will love and it will get you a teensy bit more organized. I know I need it!

 

 

Paper or Plastic? How to Craft with Recyclables

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My name is Rachel and I’m a plastic bag hoarder.

Yes, it’s true.  I have so many grocery store bags stashed in my kitchen drawer that it literally got stuck the other day.  That’s how I knew I had a problem.

But now that I’ve come to terms with my problem, I’ve decided to figure out a way to make use of those plastic bags.  A crafty way, of course!

I’ve collected a bunch of fun ideas for crafts to make from recycled materials and I think you’re really going to like them.  So keep reading if you want to find out how to reuse your plastic, paper and more!

Plastic Bag Crafts:

I love the look of these Pom Pom Flowers, and the fact that they’re made out of recycled plastic bags makes them that much cooler!  If you can get your hands on different colored plastic bags you can create a whole assortment of blooms to hang in your backyard. I’m planning a backyard barbecue for Memorial Day this year and I can’t wait to make a bunch of these flowers to decorate with!

 

Who would have thought plastic bags could look so great as a door decoration?!  This fun Recycled Shopping Bag Wreath is super simple to put together and a great way to get rid of those bags you probably have piling up. I have a friend who recently decided to only use reusable shopping bags and this wreath was her way of using up all the plastic bags that were cluttering up her house.

 

Recycled Paper Crafts:

There are tons of flower craft ideas out there, but one of my favorites has to be these Pretty Recycled Paper Flowers. I love that they’re made out of old store catalog pages. I always feel so wasteful when I toss my mail after barely giving it a glance. At least now with this flower craft tutorial, I can turn the colorful catalog pages into something beautiful to decorate my home with. You could also use these flowers to accent your gift wrap, or turn them into a cute accessory!

 

If you know someone who loves comics (or “funnies” as we call them in my house), these Awesome Comic Wrapped Decorative Balls are a great gift to make them!  All you need are some colorful cartoons printed on newspaper, a dash of Mod Podge (or glue and water), and a few hours on a rainy day and these cute decorative spheres basically make themselves!  I think they’re so fun looking and are such a unique idea for a gift!

More Recycled Paper & Plastic Crafts:

When I first saw these Plastic Cup Dangle Earrings, I seriously thought they were from a boutique. But no, these chic accessories are actually made from a plastic cup covered in pretty fabric scraps!  Even if you’ve never made jewelry before, you can easily customize your own pair by following these simple instructions. I think I’m going to make a couple to match some of my favorite outfits.

 

These Plastic Bottle Flowers make me so happy. They’re so cheery and bright, and just looking at them in my front yard puts me in a good mood. Before I made these, I never really realized how many cool crafts you can make using recycled plastic bottles, but now I’m hooked!  Since we drink a ton of bottled water at my house (not good, I know!), I can feel a little better about my carbon footprint if I turn them into something useful rather than just tossing them.

 

So tell me:  Would you make any of these crafts?  Which one is your favorite?

 

Meet and Make: Lisa DeNardi

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Today’s Meet and Make is Lisa DeNardi, a craft designer for AllFreeHolidayCrafts.

Lisa’s passion lies with creating something awesome from something neglected. For her, it’s all about time-honoured, classic possessions that never really go out of style. Sometimes she restores them to their original loveliness, other times they are re-purposed and reused into something fresh and fabulous. What started as a hobby and has turned into a small part-time business for Lisa.

Lisa lives in a home that she lovingly refers to as ‘The Money Pit’ since there’s always something to fix, paint, sand down, build up or move around.

Lisa created her blog, Recaptured Charm, when she lost her only sister to breast cancer in 2006. She wanted to turn to something that would occupy her time and her mind. She started with small furniture makeovers and within a year moved to a fixer-upper home and started a blog to chronicle her renovations and furniture transformations. She has been busy ever since.

You can find more about Lisa on her designer profile page.

10 Fun Facts About Lisa:

1. I am most comfortable in my work clothes that smell like Downey but are splattered with paint.

2. My father owned a Queens Plate winner in 1983;The Most Coveted Horse Racing Trophy in Canada.

3. I must see the opening credits of a movie or else I can’t start watching it.

4. I truly believe that square pizza tastes totally different than round pizza.

5. I try to convince all my friends and Mr. Charming that ‘all you can eat sushi’ is good for you.

6. When I hear my daughters come in at the end of the night, I silently thank God for another safe day.

7. I am the sister of a breast cancer victim. She was my best friend and is never far from my mind at any given moment.

8. Can recite every line from When Harry Met Sally and any Bugs Bunny Cartoon.

9. I have severe arachnophobia.

10. I have a hard time convincing my friends that despite my age I don’t have a grey hair on my head.

 

Lisa’s Craft Tutorial: Make a Coffee Filter Wreath

Materials:

  • Styrofoam wreath form
  • Approximately 200 coffee filters
  • Hot glue and glue gun
  • Decorations of your choice (ornaments, pine cones, branches, etc.)

Instructions:

1.  Fold the basket shaped filter in half.

 

2.  Run the filter through your hand to make a flower. Flatten the bottom and apply hot glue.

 

3.  Start gluing filters to the inside of the wreath and work your way out. No need to go all the way around. Leave the back as flat as you can.

 

4.  Using sharp scissors trim any areas that are uneven.

 

5.  Hot glue on any decorations you like.

 

Question:  Have you ever crafted with coffee filters before?  What did you make?

 

Turning Trash into Treasure: Halloween Style!

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In general I don’t consider myself an especially “green” person.  There is, however, one major exception.  When it comes to holiday decorating, I love making crafts from recycled materials.  Not only does it save me some cash (that I can then spend on more important things, like Halloween candy!), but it also lets me get creative, finding unique ways to to turn things from my trash bin into really cool decorations and other fun Halloween stuff.

This year I’m really excited to make a couple of projects in particular.  I’ve literally been stashing away plastic bottles and cardboard boxes since August, and now that Halloween is only three weeks away I can FINALLY start making these cool decorations:

These Plastic Bottle Skull Lights are going to look awesome strung up on my front porch.  I love the way they glow and the little skull faces are too perfect!  I can’t get over how clever this idea is — plus each light comes out to about 50 cents since the only materials you need are empty milk bottles, some electrical tape and battery-operated tea lights.

 

When I first saw these adorable Mummy Boxes, I knew I had to make them for my Halloween party.  Not only are these mummies the perfect Halloween prop because they stand up on their own, they’re also incredibly cheap to make!  Basically all you need is an old white sheet and some recycled cardboard boxes and you can fashion yourself this spook-tacular Halloween decoration in under an hour!

Last but not least there’s my absolute favorite Halloween recycling craft:  this ridiculously clever Broom with Crushed Can Witches.  I’m not a huge fan of wreaths for Halloween — I think they’re just too pretty, and Halloween is supposed to be about all things spooky — so I’m loving this alternative door decoration.  I think it’s so funny how the witches are screaming out for help as they melt into the broom —  or at least that’s what I’m imagining is going on in this scene!  If you’re like me and have a slight addiction to Diet Coke — or any other canned beverage for that matter — you already have one of the key supplies!  Just grab a broom prop from the Halloween store (or use a real one if you want to be really authentic) and gather a few additional supplies and voila: you have an awesome Halloween decoration unlike any other on the block!

I think you can tell how excited I am to make all of these projects.  The idea of a totally “green” Halloween just seems really cool, not to mention trendy.

If you’re interested in going green for Halloween too, check out these 17 Halloween Recycling Crafts.  Go take a peek in your recycling bin and see what kind of treasure you can find.  There’s no sense in letting perfectly good trash go to waste when there are fun Halloween decorations to be made!

I’m curious:  Have you made decorations from recycled materials before?  What have you made?

 

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