Trash to Treasure Crafts for Kids
Using Recycled Materials for New Creations
Keeping old boxes, worn out jewelry, and other things you would normally throw away can become great crafts for kids. Here are some ideas for recycled materials.
Everyone is talking about being "green," or environmentally aware. Why not look around your house to see what kind of crafts you can make out of things you would normally throw away? Not only are trash to treasure recycled crafts environmentally sound, but they are easy on the pocketbook, too. Instead of throwing that "junk" away, think about the object in a new light. Get creative and make something unique.
Lid Picture Frames
There are so many things you can make with plastic lids, whether they are big or small. Think about the plastic lids that come on Pringle cans, butter containers and small single serving ice cream containers. These are perfect for turning into a craft. Clean the lid well and if you like, paint the lid in acrylic paint (or spray paint if you are making several). Find a picture that you like. This can be a picture of your child, or a picture out of a magazine. Cut it the size of the inside the lid and glue into place. Punch a hole at the top and make a hanger out of string. You can also add lace or ribbon to the outer edge of the lid for an added touch. You may even consider making some gifts for teachers or Mother’s Day. Print out a nice poem and glue it instead of a picture.
Frozen Food Container Bat
If you eat single serving frozen meals, save the plastic trays and turn them into a fun craft. Make a bat by cleaning the tray. Cut two wings out of craft foam and glue to the front of the tray (the underside of the tray will be the bat’s face). Turn the tray to the other side and glue eyes and ears. Punch a whole at the top and hang.
Pringle Can Backpack Organizer
How many times has your child come home with precious art work smashed or torn from being stuffed inside a backpack? Let your child make a backpack organizer out of a used Pringle can. Clean the can out very carefully. Wrap the can with pretty scrapbook paper or construction paper. Let your child decorate using stickers, glitter glue or foam shapes. When you child goes to school, she can roll the artwork up and place it inside the can for easy and safe transportation.
Artwork Place Mats
Your child probably brings home a lot of artwork from school. You probably have piles of papers that you don’t want to throw away, but you aren’t quite sure what to do with it either. Here is a solution. Turn your child’s artwork into placemats. If the artwork is larger, simply have it laminated. If it is small, choose several papers and glue onto a large sheet of construction paper. Have them laminated and use as table placemats. These also make cute gifts for grandparents.
