Making crafts out of old or used materials is a great way to reuse and recycle — think aluminum cans, plastic bottles, old shoeboxes, empty toilet paper rolls, unused fabric, paper scraps … anything, really.
By making use of items that are no longer needed in fun and creative ways, not only are we being mindful of Mother Earth, but we're flexing artistic muscles as well. The next time your child sends up the “I'm boooooored!” signal, look around your house and yard, collect some materials and get creative!
3 Kid-Friendly Crafts Made With Recycled Materials
1. CD Photo Frame
With music now widely consumed on streaming platforms, it's likely your old CDs are collecting dust. Before you toss them in the trash or sell them at the used music store, turn them into something else instead. This activity allows you to reuse the CD and give away a cool gift, too! Here is what you need to get started:
- Old CD
- Flour/Salt Dough
- Photo of family
- Scissors
- Double stick tape
- Adhesive back felt
- Tacky glue
- Paint
- Piece of cardboard
First mold a base by using the flour/salt dough. It should be at least 1 inch deep and 2 inches around. Mold it into any shape you want and cut a slot in the base. As you cut into the base, wiggle so that it gets wider as you move down. Let it dry and then paint it.
Cut the photo into a 3-inch circle. Attach it to the front of the CD using the double-stick tape. Use the adhesive back felt to cover the back of the CD. To secure everything in place, use the tacky glue. Now you have a funky frame made out of an old CD!
2. Aluminum Can Candle Holder
When you're done with the food that comes in a can, turn the can into a beautiful candleholder. Any size aluminum can will work, but a small 5 oz. can will work best. Here's what else you'll need:
- Printed-out clip art
- Rubber bands
- Hammer
- Nail
- Spray paint
To make your can nice and smooth, first wash out any leftover sauce or food particles, fill it with water and put it in the freezer to freeze. While that's freezing, have your child pick out some cool clip art on teh computer and print the pieces out.
Once the water in the can has frozen solid, remove it from the freezer. Cover the can with the clip art and secure it with a rubber band. Using the hammer and nail, poke holes in the can along the clip art lines so that the clip art image is created on the can with holes.
Let the ice melt, and then dry and spray paint the can. Finally, add a tea light candle, light it and enjoy the beautiful glow that emerges from the holes.
©iStock.com/MTStein
3. Soda Can Pen Holder
This craft is about as easy as they come! If you have a favorite type of soda or canned beverage, showcase your affinity by turning an old can of it into a pen, pencil, crayon or marker holder. Here's what you'll need:
- Old soda cans
- Can opener
When you have finished enjoying your beverage, use a can opener to remove the top from the can while leaving the lip intact. Rinse the can with soap and warm water to make sure it's clean. Once clean and dry, fill your new vessel with your preferred writing utensil and put it on display! MWT TIP: To weigh the can down, throw some washers to the bottom.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©iStock.com/MTStein.