What types of things do you recycle? (Poll results will appear at bottom of page...)
I hate to throw anything away, and when I do I try to send it to the recycle bin. But, sometimes, I figure out a way to "recycle" it myself. Usually this happens when I end up with a lot of something and I think "Gee, all of this could go in the trash OR I could make someting useful out of it..." Then my brain goes into overdrive and I try to think of a cutesy craft idea. Some are really silly and some are cool. I'll try to share only the cool ones here, but you be the judge ! =) A lot of these ideas are great for the kiddos!
"Recycled" Item: Tuna cans
You will need: 1/2" dowel rods, in about 3-3 1/2' lengths (or your preference), assorted cans (clean and any sharp edges removed) note: you could use cans from tuna, clams, pineapple, or the small cans from mushrooms, chilies, etc., nails or screws, paint (spray paint, enamels or the new "metal craft paints").
Select your can and dowel length. Screw or nail the can (center it) onto one end of the dowel. Now, you can paint the whole thing with spray paint and detail the can with paints, decoupage, or glue shells on, etc. Use your imagination and have fun! Depending on the cans you use, you can make these into drink holders, candle holders or whatever you want. Stick 'em into the ground and let's party!
"Recycled" Item: Plastic sheets
You will need: a thin sheet of plastic (the insert that comes in the package of bacon is perfect for this! (no laughing!) or you could dissect a plastic milk jug.), an Exact-o Knife, and a pattern. You can either draw your own pattern or trace something you like from a book our magazine. Don't underestimate your creative ability. Trace the silhouette of the design on to you plastic. You can also add detail lines, etc. Carefully cut the design out with the craft knife. Now you have your own stencil! You're ready to decorate everything in the room! (note: Please be careful with the knife. These Exact-o/Craft knives are VERY sharp and should only be used by adults.)Votive Holders
"Recycled" Item: baby food jars
INSTRUCTIONS: Wash and dry the jars. Use enamel paints (ones especially for painting on glass and ceramics/tiles) to either a) sponge paint a random design, b) stencil on a design or c) paint a scene by freehand. Now, you can use other paints, but they may not adhere to the glass as well and they most likey will come off if you need to wash these little buggers! You can usually find a starter kit of these enamel paints at your local craft store or discount store for around $4.00 (US). Insert your candle and get ready for some mood lighting! (Usually I can find the small size votives at the Dollar store for 4/$1.00.) Make a bunch for yourself or give them away as gifts. A good project for the kids, too!
(To take this a step further you could tie (glue) a ribbon around the mouth of the jar or hot glue other doo-dads on to the jar. This could also pose a fire risk, so use common sense. And as always, never leave a burning candle unattended...;0) )
Another idea for baby food jar votive holders is to decoupage them. My friend Nicole, gave me this idea, and she used bits of tissue paper covered with the decoupage medium to give them a ceramic/mosaic effect! Try it out! It's easy and fun!
Yet another way to decorate a baby-food jar for a votive holder... Nicole, my crafty cohort, saw somewhere that you can re-create the look of etched glass without the mess or expense. Mask off the area you want to "etch" and ever so lightly (barely there) sponge the area with white paint. Experiment with this until you get the look just right. A step further would be to take a bottle cutter (can get this as a large craft store or glass craft supply catalog) and remove the threads from the top. But, I haven't decided if these little things are worth *that* much trouble!
"Recycled Item: Tin Cans"
INSTRUCTIONS: After using can contents, remove entire lid (be sure to file down any sharp edges!), discard label and wash thoroughly. Allow to dry. Now decide what kind of lantern you want to make. To make a pumpkin, take paint (I thinkg the new enamel gloss paints would be best, but you could try regular acrylics or even spray paint!) and paint the out side of the can orange. Add features in black and spatter on some black, brown or dark orange for that country look. You could stop here, but why? Take an awl or other sharp object (nail and hammer, perhaps?) and "perforate" around the eyes, etc. You could also just perforate around the circumference of the can or in parallel lines around it. This will allow candlelight to filter through.
I figure by painting the can white or off-white to begin with, you could easily creat a ghost or snowman the same way. You could also paint a background color and add a simple motif (leaves for fall, snowflakes for winter, or what ever you like to collect or decorate with...) By punching two holes across from each other in the top of the can, you can add a "handle" by securing a piece of wire through the holes. Add your votive and enjoy!
Recycled Item: Plastic Powdered Drink Containers
Rinse out an empty plastic drink container and let dry. Using either enamel paints or slick fabric puff paint, make two black coal-looking eyes on the lid, a triangular carrot nose (with orange) and a mouth. Screw the lid back on and then paint on the "coal" buttons down the center of the "body". You can fill these containers with candy, cookies or I filled mine with homemade cocoa mix and spiced tea mix (These recipes can be found at Makestuff.com .) Tie a ribbon around the indent to make the neck and you have a cute gift to give to office mates and neighbors. (If you use the fabric paint, be aware that it will come off with a certain amount of rubbing, scrubbing, etc.)
Easy CandleHolders
Submitted by: jozk@home.com
Recycled Item: bottles
1.) Take an empty soda bottle or wine cooler bottle. A clear or light
color works best. Rinse it out, and soak it so the wrapper comes off.
(May be easier to use "Goo-Gone" or similar product to remove paper)
There are endless possibilities!
2.) Paint the outside w/Patio paint Solid color, marbled look or a hand
painted pattern- be creative(A self sealing, all surface paint avail. at
local craft store or craft section of most stores) or leave it clear and
fill with oils and twigs or flowers, colored sand ect.
3.) Tie a ribbon, a tiny bunch of flowers ect. around the neck. (Hot
glue if needed)
4.) Put a candle stick in top or use as a vase!
Quick ideas:
Holiday & Seasonal Crafts from Recycled Materials
Clever Curriculum Crafts from Recycled Materials
Multicultural Crafts from Recycled Materials
Links to other sites on the Web
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What types of things do you recycle?
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