Get easy ideas for recycled crafts that adults will want to make! The best part about this project is that they are simple enough for kids too.

I did a thing this past March that I really enjoyed, and you might think it’s silly. Because while I’m happy with the results, and glad that I did it – I’m kind of embarrassed that I had to impose this on myself in the first place.
I did a “no buy March.”
It’s nothing sanctioned by an official body. I just decided to try reducing my overall spending by purchasing nothing extra in the month of March. So I bought groceries, gas, and necessities (I’m not going without toilet paper) but no additional shopping.
Did it work out well? YES! I feel like I saved money. Which I really didn’t (I just didn’t spend it on crap), but it felt good anyway. I felt that by buying less things, I became more choosy when the month was up. There was a ripple effect.
And there was another cool side effect as well.
When I wanted to make something, I got creative. Because I couldn’t buy anything new, I often resorted to going through my craft stash to see what I had. I also decided to go through the recycle bins and find surfaces and materials.
It might not be a big deal to some, but for me it felt really good to not only save money but to also use up stuff from my stash AND keep things going into the trash! And I’m about to make you feel the same kind of positive vibes with these recycled crafts.
I get all the “good feels” from reducing consumption, and if you do too – I think you’re going to love these ideas! I’ve made a list of over 50 DIYs below.
Do you like crafts with recycled materials? I hope you’ll check out these projects and let me know what you think of them. If you have a favorite idea reusing materials, I’d also love to hear that in the comments!
Recycled Crafts
If you love making things on a budget, check out these 40+ recycle project ideas. You probably have a lot of these supplies in your home already.
Recycle Christmas Cookie Tins Into Storage
Use spray paint to revive and upcycle old Christmas cookie tins! Add cork tags and adhesive letters to use them for gift containers or storage. So easy!
Wine Cork Wreath
Saving your wine corks? You should! Learn how to make a wine cork wreath the easiest way possible! This simple DIY wreath takes about 100 wine corks to make and is so pretty.
Upcycled Milk Carton Baskets
Don't throw out your milk cartons! Learn how to turn them into baskets with simple materials like craft sticks, fabric, and a hot glue gun.
How to Make Soda Pop Can Charms
Turn soda pop cans into decorative charms! This simple craft uses the metal from pop cans to create punched tin butterflies, flowers, birds, and more.
Denim Bins From Pants
I save everything, including old pants! Here's how to make recycled denim bins before you send your drawers to the Salvation Army.
Tuna Can Swing Out Storage Tower
One of the many untapped surfaces in the recycling bin is the almighty tuna can! It's a perfect size for storage, especially when you stack the cans. This catchall does just that, and you can access each tin by swinging it out. It's really not hard to make!
DIY Table Lamp from Recycled Ribbon Spools
Learn how to make a DIY table lamp - out of old ribbon spools! You can use this tutorial to make a lamp out of anything. It's really easy!
What to Do with a Used Altoids Tin
There are a lot of ideas out there for how to upcycle used Altoid tins, but this is the easiest. Perfect for storing small items or keeping in your purse.
How to Make Your Own Bird Feeder
You probably have everything you need to make this simple bird feeder sitting in your craft stash right now! All you'll need is a tin can or coffee can.
Make Faux Cacti from Socks
Learn how to make the most fun faux cactus ever using socks! This craft idea is perfect for those laundry castaways without a match.
Magazine Bowl You Can Make for Free
Learn how to make a magazine bowl from a stack of old magazines! This recycled craft is fun and easy – and the tutorial comes with a lid.
DIY Bunting Made From Recycled Denim
Here's another denim idea that could be used for any fabric scraps you'd like to recycle. It's easy to turn them into a DIY bunting! Perfect for a party or for little girls' room decor.
Reusing Wipe Containers
What can you do with those Lysol wipe containers? They're perfect for plastic bag dispensers! Amongst other things. Learn how to make them pretty so you can use them as storage.
Recycle Pill Bottles into Useful Organizers
If you have a giant purse, I have a solution to losing things in the black hole – recycle pill bottles into organizers! So easy to make.
Egg Carton Art on Canvas
If you need an easy kids’ craft idea with great results, this egg carton art is fun and sure to please. This recycled canvas art can be customized for any holiday or decor!
Toilet Paper Roll Phone Stand
Repurposing is all about creativity! A fun and easy way to reuse and recycle those toilet paper rolls, this DIY cell phone holder is both cute and practical.
Easy Yarn Art You Can Make in An Hour
If you are looking for a fun project to do while sitting on the sofa, this yarn art is it. Make yarn wall art out of any word using leftover cardboard and simple wrapping!
Wine Cork Coasters
Learn how to make simple coasters using wine corks that are both heat and water resistant. Easy to make for decor or gifts.
Make Recycled Art with Junk Mail
Use junk mail to create unique typography recycled art. All you need is a few basic supplies and Mod Podge – and some creativity!
Tie Dye Headbands
Learn how to make a tie dye headband out of old, ripped tees three different ways! This is such a cute fashion statement for summer. You can also recycle t-shirts with this infinity scarf.
How to Make a Cereal Box Mailbox
Lindsay has come up with a super inexpensive yet versatile cereal box mailbox to keep your paperwork in one place until it’s ready to be sorted. Set it on an entryway table, a desk or hang on a wall to avoid that dreaded clutter.
Drinking Straw Coasters
Drinking straws don't need to go into the garbage. You can turn them into some pretty interesting looking coasters! Once you've tried this project, you can make a basket and larger items out of the straws too.
Spring Flower Paint Chip Bookmarks
It's so easy to make these leftover paint chip bookmarks that look like spring tulips. Kids will love this craft, and . . . it's budget friendly!
PS - You should check out our cat bookmarks because those are recycled too.
How To Make Potholders From Recycled T-Shirts
I keep potholders around until they are threadbare! But there's really no reason to. If your collection looks worn, grab a $2 loom and learn how to make them from reused t-shirt yarn.
Christmas Candle Holders Look Like Trees
Recycle glass soda bottles into these fun and modern Christmas candle holders made to look like trees! SO easy to make and customize.
Make a Cell Phone Holder from a Lotion Bottle
Not sure where to put your phone while it’s charging? Make a cell phone holder from a lotion bottle using Mod Podge, and keep it near the plug.
Cereal Box Notepads
Cereal boxes are great for turning into notepads and albums! You can learn how to make them here and then put whatever pages in the middle (including pictures) that you like.
DIY Cork Board (Mini)
Use your stash of wine corks to make your own DIY cork board! This cute craft can be put on the wall, doorknob, or fridge (with magnets).
Recycled Plastic Flowers Art
The magic of science makes these recycled plastic flowers beautiful. It's a great project for kids, and you can even display them in their room when done.
Upcycled DIY Christmas Stocking from Pants
This easy DIY Christmas stocking was made from an old pair of fleece pants. You can sew it up in about 15 minutes! So colorful on the mantel.
Wine Cork Stamps
Learn how to make a DIY stamp out of a wine cork with this cool tutorial! It's a perfect indoor craft for kids, but adults will love it too.
Night Light Bulb Christmas Ornaments
Don’t throw away burned out night light bulbs – turn them into light bulb Christmas ornaments with Mod Podge and glitter!
Comic Book Frame
Make a DIY comic book picture frame with recycled comic book pages! It’s a fun, budget friendly project that any comic book lover will enjoy. You can use this same idea with any recycled pages or papers.
DIY Desk Organizer
Use old cereal boxes and toilet paper rolls to create a unique DIY desk organizer! This craft organizer is perfect if you’re on a budget.
How to Make Oscar Statues From Ken Dolls
Create DIY Oscars using throwaway Ken dolls – it’s easy to make them with spray paint and wood plaques. Perfect for Oscar parties or photo booths.
Spray Paint Silverware for Your Next Celebration
Ready to get rid of your old banged up silverware? Wait until you see this. Change it up this holiday season with some cool, spray paint silverware in your favorite colors. It’s so cheap and takes minutes to do!
Pug Life Bag Made with Duck Tape
Learn how to make a “pug life” bag with Duck Tape and an old freebie bag. This project is so easy to make – gift it to yourself or a pug loving friend!
How to Make Pom Poms with Newspaper
This newspaper craft is so easy and budget friendly – make poms that would be perfect for parties or in your home decorating!
Easy DIY Pin Cushion Made from Wine Corks
This DIY pin cushion trendy and inexpensive to make. In this tutorial, Amy shows you how to create this simple craft using wine corks.
Black Duct Tape Cat Craft for a Happy Halloween!
Make these cute duct tape cats for a fun Halloween craft that reuses tin cans. They’re black and spooky but you can use any tape colors you like for this idea. It’s very easy and fun to make for any age!
If you enjoyed this post I hope you’ll take a peek at these other ideas:
- Necktie Crafts: 20+ Unique Projects You’ll Want to Try
- These 20+ Twig Crafts Are Naturally Beautiful
- Easy Plastic Bottle Crafts for Kids and Adults!
- Crafts with Matchboxes that All Ages Will Love!
- The Best Scrabble Tile Crafts You’ll Want to Try
- Upcycled Clothing Ideas: 30+ Ways to Reuse Old Clothes
Mindful Market
Tuesday 14th of March 2023
Thank you for sharing these fantastic ideas. It's so important to find ways to reuse materials and reduce waste, and these crafts are not only environmentally friendly, but they're also a fun and creative way to spend time.