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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!

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Link Love: Crafty Uses for a Mason Jar

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Mason jars truly are a crafter’s best friend. If you are simply using them to store food or other items, you’re missing out on great DIY opportunities. And no, you don’t need power tools or heavy machinery to alter these glass jars. In fact, you can use fabric, paper, paint and so much more to create a pretty decor item for your home. But wait, there’s more! Did you know that you can also decorate a mason jar from the inside out? Turn a simple glass receptacle into an aquarium or a snow globe with only a few easy-to-find supplies. Mason jar projects are perfect for frugal living enthusiasts and eco-friendly crafts. We can all cut a few corners, especially when it comes to the cost of craft supplies, so why not save big and reuse your glass jars?

We here at FaveCrafts love mason jars just as much as the next crafter. That’s not true – we’re actually obsessed with mason jars and love finding new, inventive ways to use them in craft projects. One reader-favorite DIY idea is Mason Jar Vases, which only requires four supplies. These look great as a centerpiece on a picnic table or in a dining room – you can even add more feminine touches and use them as wedding decorations. Girly Pink Collaged Mason Jars make great candleholders or catchalls for jewelry. Since spring cleaning season is just around the corner, it’s important to remember that you can use mason jars for organizing your craft or office supplies. Our roundup of 5 Mason Jar Ideas to Keep You Organized will help you take control of your space and clear your clutter once and for all.

It’s time to join in on the trend that’s taking over the craft community. Save up those mason jars or buy them in bulk at your local home goods store – they serve so many important purposes and can be customized to fit anyone’s home decor. As long as you have Pinterest and FaveCrafts at your disposal, you’ll never run out of crafty ideas for mason jars – we promise!

Crafty-Uses-for-a-Mason-Jar

 

  1. Memory Jar from Bespoke Bride
  2. Etched Mason Jar Glasses from Sometimes Homemade
  3. Simple Painted Glass Jars from Just a Girl and Her Blog
  4. Glitter Mason Jars from Cassandra Monroe
  5. Hanging Mason Jar Planter from The Three R’s
  6. Mason Jars With A Blue Patina from Surbuble
  7. Gumball Jar from We Made That
  8. Mason Jar Aquarium from Hello Wonderful
  9. Gilded Mason Vases from Mom Makes Things

 

Remember, if you enjoyed these organizational mason jar crafts, then you’re going to love what’s in store for you inside our free eBook, 20 Crafts with Mason Jars: Wedding Ideas, Centerpieces, Decor, and More! Download your own free copy today!

 

 

 

 

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Crafty Ways to Clear Your Bookshelf

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This post is brought to you by Edward Stuart.

To say I love books and art is an understatement. What would be a better word? Obsessive? Enchanted? In either case, if I could sit  in a library all day, it would be wonderful. I love being around books. End of story.

Book Wreath

Now, for you book and art lovers like me, I really wanted to incorporate old and vintage books into some type of art project. There is a great bookstore located in Boise, Idaho that I always travel to (Hyde Park Bookstore) that is filled with vintage books, and that old book smell (come on, you know you love that!).  As I was slowly passing by each bookshelf, I found myself wanting to integrate all of these books into art projects—and hey, some books need attention after being set on a shelf for so long!

Now, don’t get scared. I know that some people really, really hate destroying books. I get it! I do too— we all know those people that completely rip out pages and turn them into origami (eeeeek!). We want to die inside when we see this–but this is for the greater good of art, and technically, you aren’t destroying a book if you’re reusing it, right? Maybe “destroy” isn’t the best word… construct, produce, redesign.

Telephone Book Wreath

Creative Ideas to Reuse Old Books:

 

Headboard (Cork Board, Multiple books, Nails)

Estimated Time: 30 minutes

You can do this easily by purchasing a cork board as your headboard (cheap and still effective).

  1. Open up the book to the page you want shown on your headboard (do these for all of the books you are hanging up).
  2. You’ll need strong nails for this next part—and don’t worry, the books will still live wonderfully after this step.
  3. Next, you set up your headboard exactly how you want it to look with all the books you have open.
  4. Set the nails on EACH corner of the book; this way, they won’t flap and fall over, or annoy you.

And done! Now you have an awesome, knowledgeable headboard.

Secret Hiding Spot (Book, Box Cutter, Glue, Paint Brush)

Estimated Time: 1 hour  

  1. First, pick out the first couple of pages in the beginning of the book that you don’t want cut out.
  2. Next, mix a solution of glue and water (just enough to make the glue a little runny)
  3. Dip the brush in the solution, and coat the outer layer of the pages with this. Place something on top after coating for extra pressure, and allow fifteen minutes of drying time
  4. Open up the book, and outline a box on the first page you want cut. Cut within the lines.
  5. Keep cutting the pages until you get to the back cover. Be slow with this process: the cleaner and smoother it is, the better.
  6. Bring out the solution of glue and water again, and paint the inside of the cut pages to keep those glued together. Allow 10 minutes of dry time.
  7. Place your secret stash in this book!

Pen Holder (Yellow Pages Book, Knife, Glue)

Estimated Time: 30 minutes

This might seem complicated, but it’s really simple!

  1. Using a knife, cut the front and back cover of your book so you just have the spine and all the pages with it.
  2. Do these to four books—then connect the spines together by gluing the spins and twirl the pages around.

These are just a few ideas that you can use with your old or vintage books. Remember, it’s not destroying if you’re reusing it for artful purposes.  Books are more than just reading and gaining knowledge from; they are just as beautiful and important as art itself! Books and art go hand in hand, and these projects help demonstrate that.  Have fun with these projects!

Guest post by Edward Stuart whose writings are sponsored by the canvas art supplier canvasgalleryart.com. He frequently blogs on the topics of art, art history, design, home remodeling, and his kids.

 

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Link Love: Tote Bags

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Summer is the season of totes. You can take them to the beach, the market or out on the town – they’re just so versatile. Since there’s so much room in a standard-sized tote, you can store everything from a book to a beach towel. You can even throw your computer in a tote bag and head to your favorite corner cafe – is there a better way to spend a summer afternoon?

Now is the perfect time to make your own summer tote bag. You can use brand new fabric for your project or upcycle an old t-shirt. Add fun words, phrases or designs to your bag so it sticks out from a sea of store-bought items. T-shirts are an ideal resource if you want to create bags and save money at the same time. You can maintain the design on a shirt or, if you’re feeling artsy, you can make a Groovy T-Shirt Tote and create your own image using paint. You don’t have to stick with t-shirts to create a fabulous tote, though. Outdated velvet wall hanging work well when creating a sturdy but attractive Repurposed Fabric Tote. Not in the mood to sew? Gather up your yarn and a hook and crochet a Beach Tote Bag using bright, summer colors.

Tote bags are versatile, fun to wear and easy to make – who could ask for more? Start summer with a brand new bag and wear it all season long. When it’s time to head out the door for some summer fun, you can throw all of your belongings into your handmade tote and hit the road!

  1. Polka Dot Tote from Tinkerfinca
  2. Fussy Cut Tote Bag from Wag Doll
  3. Beach Tote from Fabric, Paper Glue
  4. Dip Dyed Tote from Kristine Eldridge
  5. Repurposed Vintage Tablecloth Crossbody Tote from My So-Called Crafty Life
  6. DIY Bird Stamped Canvas Tote from A Bird’s Leap
  7. Monster Tote Bag from an Old Cushion Cover from My Poppet
  8. DIY Canvas Tote from Liz Marie
  9. DIY Compartmented Produce/Farmer’s Market Bag from La Vie DIY

 

For more free tote bag patterns, download our free eBooks!

How to Make a Purse: 20 Patterns for Sewing Totes, Bags and More

12 Beautiful Tote Purse Patterns

Sewing Bags: Tutorials You’ll Love & 15 Free Purse Sewing Patterns

 

How to Make a Purse: 20 Patterns for Sewing Totes, Bags and MoreSewing Bags: Tutorials You'll Love & 15 Free Purse Sewing Patterns

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Save Big, Craft More: Use Upcycled Materials for Your Next DIY Project

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This post is brought to you by Mary Egan of Craft Foxes.

 

We all know that times are tough and you can’t always afford to buy new crafting materials or supplies. But never fear – there are crafting supplies and opportunities right under your nose! Your teacup collection can become a new dessert stand and old sweaters can become smart accent pillows for the couch. The possibilities are endless when you start to view everything through the lens of upcycling. Upcycling is a great way to create new and exciting items out of things you already own and may not use. Here are four fun upcycling crafts that might just spark your innovative side.

This book purse is one of the most popular upcycled craft ideas. It may pain some bibliophiles to dismember their favorite stories, but this is a great way to show your appreciation of the written word and display your crafting skills. For this craft, you’ll need an old book, some fabric to line the inside of your handbag, glue, a utility knife, and a sewing machine. It’s a great craft for book lovers of any age, but also a great craft for teens. Use this craft as an opportunity to teach them that they can make their own fun and unique handbags without spending a great deal of money.

Let’s face it—we all have t-shirts lying around that could use some jazzing up. Rather than leaving that blank, white t-shirt all crumpled at the back of your dresser drawer, why not upcycle it and create a whole new piece of clothing? This cool, DIY t-shirt design can be done simply with some fabric paint and the eraser on a pencil. Simply dip your eraser into the paint and begin creating a pattern you’d like on your T-shirt. Create any shape or design — it’s up to you! For more great upcycling ideas, check out 11 Creative T Shirt Crafts for Kids and Teens on FaveCrafts.

Visit CraftFoxes for more information on how to upcycle an old T-shirt!

Teacups are a beautiful accessory to keep around the house and you can even use them to create new home decor pieces. For instance, teacups make great candleholders! They can become light fixtures, flower pots, dessert stands or even wall clocks. The great thing about teacups is that they come as ready-made crafting pieces. They already have gorgeous designs on them—all they need to add is your imagination. Once you’ve finished creating a Teacup Candleholder, create a Teapot Flowers Topiary for your table.

At the end of winter, you might find that you have some sweaters that no longer fit you, or you simply don’t like the look anymore. Here is a fun and frugal way to recycle those sweaters and create a pretty patchwork accent for a couch or armchair. You’ll need to cut your sweaters into eighteen 7-inch squares to cover a 20-inch square pillow form. Simply sew the squares to the pillow and you’ve got a great new piece with which to decorate your home. Still in the mood to create? Check out another creative tutorial for Recycled Sweater Throw Pillows.

 

Have you tried any upcycled crafts lately? What did you make?

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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

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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

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Say No To Snow: Start Working On These Spring-Inspired Crafts Now

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This post is brought to you by Mary Egan from CraftFoxes.

 

As springtime approaches, crafters are sure to be switching their focus from sweaters and wreaths to flowers. Whether you’re sewing flower-patterned sundresses or looking to upcycle some old items from your winter closet, there are plenty of crafting opportunities in the spring. You may not be able to plant flowers just yet, but at least you can crochet some tulips and daisies in the meantime! We’ve rounded up some spring-inspired crafts to help you get started.

Spring Chickens

In the spring, Easter is a favorite holiday for many people. This adorable pattern for crocheted chicks is simple and perfect for crochet beginners looking to get into the springtime spirit. Though it’s a simple pattern, These little chicks would look on a windowsill even before the flowers begin to sprout outside!

Check out this CraftFoxes for all the details on these crochet Easter chicks. FaveCrafts also featured a variety of crochet crafts for Easter. You can create a large decorative piece like an Easter Egg Wreath or Crochet Bunny Peep and make a huge impression when the day arrives.

Spring Cleaning & Upcycling

People often associate warmer air and sunnier days with spring cleaning! When the cold weather is carried away, it’s nice to freshen up your home. Upcycling is one way to streamline your space without breaking the bank. For example, old jeans can become a denim rug, refashioned t-shirts can be stitched together into a quilt, and those winter sweaters can be made into a messenger bag.

For more details on upcycling old clothes, visit CraftFoxes! Sick of your old sweaters? FaveCrafts features a collection of 15 creative crafts to make them new again.

St. Patrick’s Day Attire

St. Patrick’s Day is another fun spring holiday! It’s always fun to wear some festive green clothing, so be sure to check out these great outfit ideas for St. Paddy’s Day. From the adorable head-to-toe in green outfit for kids to a simple, green, clover-shaped brooch to pin on your shirt, there are so many creative opportunities.

To see all of these great St. Patrick’s Day outfits, visit CraftFoxes! For even more super lucky wearables and crafty ideas, check out FaveCrafts’ collection of 17 St. Patrick’s Day projects.

First Flowers of Spring

For those of us who live in the colder climates, it can take some time before actual flowers start sprouting. Sometimes you need to make your own flowers, and these knitted dahlias are sure to bring some color to your home. For this project, you’ll need green, dark red/wine (or desired color) and yellow-green yarn. This gorgeous little pattern will tide you over until the spring weather arrives.

CraftFoxes offers full instructions to make this knitted flower pattern. Add to your bouquet by creating a Diver Down Flower using a knitting loom.

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Link Love: Crafting With Empty Wine Bottles

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Go ahead – crack open a bottle of wine tonight. Enjoy in our favorite vino and when you’re done, save the bottle and create wine bottles, vases and other decor crafts.

For these crafts, you can not only recycle old glass bottles but also make use of leftover yarn, paint or tissue paper. You can paint the bottles, decoupage them or even wrap them up. You can display them indoors on a table or outside on your porch. Wine bottle crafts are some over the most versatile projects on Earth. Don’t believe me? Check out our roundup of 10 Things to Do With Old Wine Bottles and discover creative new ideas. Make a Faux Dichroic Glass Recycled Bottle that will help you stay organized and neat in the new year. If you’re planning an outdoor party, consider creating your own Wine Bottle Candle Shelter to light up the night.

Whether you’re planning an evening in with the girls or want your nightly dose of anti-oxidants, a bottle of delicious wine can really set the mood. In 2013, make it a point to recycle your empty bottles and make cool decor crafts for all seasons. Say goodbye to guilt and “cheers” to fun wine bottle craft ideas in 2013.

 

  1. Wine Bottle Vases Decoupaged With Tissue Paper from Creative Jewish Mom
  2. Ombre Frosted Wine Bottle from Saved By Love Creations
  3. DIY Upcycled Wine Bottles for Entertaining from Lipstick and a White Tee
  4. Upcyled Wine Bottles from Totally Green Crafts
  5. DIY Yarn-Wrapped Bottle Vase from Inside My Hideaway
  6. Repurposed Wine Bottle Tutorial from Julie Ann Art
  7. Chalkboard Wine Bottle Table Numbers from Bayside Bride
  8. Bottle Lamp from Lana Red
  9. Wrapped Wine Bottles from Crave or Create

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Restyled Jewelry Ornaments, Fun and Funky Pendants and more on Cool2Craft TV!

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Cool2Craft TV - Restyled Jewelry

This week, the Cool2Craft design team is digging into their jewelry boxes to restyle jewelry! Watch your favorite crafters create super cool projects and join in the on-line live chat. Join EcoHeidi Borchers, Tiffany Windsor, Candace Jedrowicz, and Savannah Starr for this week’s online episode.

EcoHeidi is crafting Fun and Funky Cool2Cast Water Bottle Pendants, Tiffany Windsor is creating Restyled Jewelry Ornaments, Candace is sharing an easy technique for transforming a Pin to Pendant and Savannah Starr is upcycling a Chain Necklace into a Headpiece.

It’s easy to watch the Cool2Craft TV Channel right from your computer. Watch craft demos and join in the live chat at showtime at Cool2Craft.com. Monday October 22, 2012 – 9 am Pacific/11 am Central/noon Eastern.

 

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