Laundry Detergent Lid PlanterHere is an inexpensive craft for Mother's Day easy enough for pre-schoolers to do.
Easy Earrings from Vintage ButtonsDo you have any beautiful, old buttons in your collection that either don't number enough for the front of a shirt, or just don't seem to match any fabric you have? You can turn them into unique earrings quite easily.
Make Magnets from ClippingsThis is a fast, easy way to use up old National Geographic magazines, newspapers, or stamps -- with some acrylic medium and a magnet sheet, you can create customized magnets!
Make Your Own Spaceship or SubmarineGot a garage full of broken electronics? Turn them into your child's dream toy! Broken remotes, radios, telephones, smoke detectors, and the like may seem like so much junk to you, but to a child they're the makings of a spaceship, a time machine, or a submarine!
Cardboard Do-Dad DrawersNo place to store all that costume jewelry used in dress ups? Need a space to put that sticker collection? How about a someplace to store crayons and other art supplies? This cute set of drawers will fit the bill no matter what you want to store!
Tin Punch LanternHere's a simple way to turn old coffee or vegetable cans into lovely garden lanterns.
T-Shirt PillowThese are a great way for you to preserve your old t-shirts rather than keeping them in a drawer. Often our t-shirts have messages that bring us back to events in our lives with fond memories.
Mini-book on Financial WisdomEver wonder what to do with those sample credit cards sent your way to entice your business?
Jeans Skirt with RuffleThe distressed look is very popular with young folks. This skirt definitely has that distressed look and is a fun and easy project for your budding clothes designers.
Nylon Stuffed PillowWait! Don't throw away the stockings with the runs in them. Hold on to those socks that allow your big toe to peek out and shout "hello". These seemingly useless articles can add a touch of elegant décor to your home. Please don't hang them on the lampshade. Here's a better idea.
Painted Wine BottleThe movie "Sideways" got you wine tasting, and even wine drinking... now what do you do with all those wine bottles that are starting to accumulate? Keep them - they are good for something. Take a look at what you can do with them with a little spray and brushstrokes.
Credit Card "Piggy Bank"The other way we can use those sample credit cards is to make a "piggy bank" to teach your kid that an alternative to credit cards is to save up before spending.
Preserve Memories With A T-Shirt BlanketAs I was getting ready for college, I realized two things: one, I had too many t-shirts. Two, I loathed parting with said T-shirts. Here's how to keep those well-worn memories fun and useful.
Juice Pouch Tri-Fold WalletHere are instructions for making a tri-fold wallet out of Kool-Aid Jammer or Capri Sun juice pouches.
Capri Sun or KoolAid Jammer Pouch...Making crafts out of Capri Sun or KoolAid Jammer pouches can be a lot of fun. You can make cool and durable gifts. Below are instructions for making a checkbook cover that I made.
Sock Can HolderIf you are like my family, then you would have a lot of "orphan" socks (one of the pieces got lost or something). Or you may have a collection of worn-out socks (specially on the sole and toe areas). You are saving them for something you could use it for in the future.
Juice Pouch Lunch BagThis lunch bag is easy to make and durable. It makes great use of Kool-Jammer or Capri Sun pouches.
Unique Milk Jug BackpackIf you always seem to be "on the go" then you surely understand that kids don't go anywhere without their "stuff." That is why this craft idea is so handy. With this easy-to-make backpack, your child can take their treasures with them wherever they go!
Juice Pouch Gift BagThis gift bag is easy to make and durable. It makes good use of Kool-Jammer or Capri Sun pouches. It's very similar to the lunch bag I published in the past, but instead of a Velcro enclosure, it uses eyelets and ribbon to make a gift bag handle.
"Ice Cream Cone" BanksI made these piggy banks for gifts this year for Christmas. I saved my empty Juicy Juice containers (46 oz.), washed them out, cut out a slit in the side for the money, and painted them. Acrylic paint is the best.
Button BraceletThis is an easy gift you can make with all those leftover buttons you have lying around.
CD and DVD BeadsThese beads were made from recycled CDs. When you make them, they are a bit stinky so use a well ventilated area or a mask.
Wool Sweater PurseYou have a great old wool sweater that you just love and can't part with. But it is too small, has holes in it, and accidentally was washed and shrunk. You make it into a purse that you can carry with you everywhere.
Monopoly Money BeltHere's a belt that is sure to impress your crafty friends. It's a belt made out of Monopoly money and vinyl.
Teacup PlantersThis simple project is a wonderful way to use the china teacups gathering dust on your shelves. Filled with soil and ivy they make dainty and long-lived planters.
Pop Tab Necklace (Choker)Make a fashion statement with some pop tabs and ribbon!
Reusing A Cornflake BoxReusing A Cornflake Box. I am presently working on a 100 other uses of cereal boxes but I will just give you the best one of them.
Treasure Boxes from Wine CratesI noticed my neighbor regularly discarding wooden wine crates in the alley. On one of my evening walks with my dogs, I dragged one of the crates home, and the rest is history.
Silverware WindchimesUse old silver silverware for the best "sounds", and usually they are more ornamental than what you find in a dollar store or such.
Halloween CandleholdersCandleholders made from glass beer or soda bottles.
Patio Paver ScarecrowCute scarecrow made from a patio paver, paint, felt, foam, and raffia.
Record Album Cover Shoulder BagHere's a fun project. I got some cheesy record album covers from a thrift shop for 50 cents each, some vinyl, plastic tubing and grommets and made this record album cover shoulder bag.
Electric Popcorn CraftGlue unpopped popcorn onto a recycled lightbulb for an interesting conversation piece! Sit it in a candle holder or hang it for display. I call mine "electric popcorn"!
"Stained Glass" LettersDeli lids and scraps of tissue paper can make beautiful "stained glass" window decorations for your kid's room.
Tape Roll Finger DrumThis one stems from the fact that I now have to use masking tape across the top of my daughter's nappy for it to stay on! It's a home made percussion instrument. A finger drum.
Capri Sun PurseThis is the cutest purse. I have removed the glue and cleaned the packs. Slice the bottoms fill sink with warm soapy water. Rinse and set in bucket to dry over night. I set it outdoors.
Decorated Gift ContainerDecorated Gift Container Instructions. Give your gifts in this huge WOW factor container.Cover the container with contact paper to eliminate any label. Alternatively, spray or craft paint the container and let dry.
Jar SnowmanHere's a cute, easy to make Snowman you make from a jar, some flannel, and raffia.
Driftwood Wind-CatcherIf you enjoy recycling and can operate a cordless drill, you will enjoy this craft. By making use of reclaimed fishing line and pretty beach treasures, your craft will be capable of displaying the magical energy of wind.
Recycled Tin ManHere's a cute Tin Man made from recycled food cans. First spray paint all cans and paint nose and mouth and pop tops black.
Toddler's Dress Clothespin HolderIf you have a leftover toddler's dress or buy one at a garage sale, here's a cute way to recycle it into a clothespin holder.
Bucket from an Empty Juice BottleAs the mother of a toddler, I have 8 million empty apple juice bottles lying around. So instead of tossing them, I decided to recycle them. This particular bucket was made by cutting the top off the apple juice bottle with an X-Acto knife.
Cheater's Felted PurseNo Knitting Required! I'm a cheater, I made a felted purse out of a really too bright mens XL sweater I bought at a second hand store. Has to be 100% wool, no blends.
CD Candle HolderAdd a little candlelit sparkle to your evenings with this easy-to-make candle holder. Use the marker to trace the bottom of your glass candle holder on felt. Cut out your felt shape and glue it to the bottom of the glass candle holder.
Book AngelsFirst of all I would like to just say I love making these for any occasion. They are cheap and easy to make and best of all its a great way to recycle all those hard cover books you don't read anymore or the ones you can get at a yard sale for dirt cheap.
Moo-La BankFor those looking for crafts from glass jars, this is a bank to store your "MooLa" in. Made from mayonnaise jars, you may use either the pint or the quart size.
Creative Storage ContainersEasy ways to create attractive storage from "cast-offs" from your house or those you pick up at garage sales. This was an old wicker lunchbox and is now my sewing basket. Spray painted pink, then craft painted on the flowers by just dabbing the brush on the basket to make circle-flowers and leaves
Pin Cushion HolderPin cushion holder that resembles an ol' fashioned Easter hat. Cover 6 inch round circle with plain fabric and glue in middle-flatten. Take tuna can, add stuffing cover with printed fabric, make sure fabric is flattened underneath and glue to 6 inch circle.
Homemade Oil Diffuser/WarmerI made my own oil diffuser/warmer. I recycled all of the items I used. This is really cool.
Pin Cushions from Recycled QuiltDon't throw away your old quilts; recycle them. Create pretty, heart-shaped pin cushions. You can add lace, buttons, etc. to decorate them. These would be great to sell at bazaars or craft shows.
Uses for Wool SocksUses for wool socks. Cut off the bottom part & use it as leg warmers or the men could wear it under their pants in the winter as an extra layer for warmth.
Decoupaged Bleach Bottle PiggiesThis is my second year of homeschooling and I wanted to show the girls how to decoupage. After several hours of thinking of what they could do that would be fun as well as useful, I went into my laundry room. And there atop of my washer sat an empty bleach bottle.
Crafts with Baby Food JarsUses for glass baby food jars as suggested from the ThriftyFun community.One year for a craft bazaar idea, we made water globes from them. You just use contact cement (grown ups do this part ahead of time and let dry.
Recycled Denim Tote BagHere is a denim tote bag made from a pair of old recycled jeans. I have a step-by-step tutorial at this link:
Decorated Spray BottleI painted a pump spray bottle with black acrylics (2 coats) and decorated it with gold "accent" paint (.99 on sale at Michael's) to match my bathroom decor. (Wallpaper in the background.)
Baby Food Jar VotiveTake an empty jar (I used the 4 oz.), wash well and remove label. It doesn't matter if all the glue is off as long as all the paper is gone.
Recycled Cookie TinHave you ever been to a yard sale or thrift store and seen a great tin and you knew it would be just the right size to fit that special present, but the tin was decorated with advertising.
Recycled Jewelry OrganizerUse a hunk of Styrofoam packing from one of your technology purchases and a fabric scrap to make this organizer to hang all your baubles.
Recycled Wind ClackersPerfect decoration for your clothes line! Drill four holes around the edge of the lid of a peanut butter jar. Drill a hole in the center of four liquid laundry detergent caps.
Embroidery Hoop Wall HangingMy mom's vintage circle skirt paired up with two of my old fringed Ts that were destined for the ragbag. This was a fun project! Not long ago, there was another similar ThriftyFun post with the cloth in the embroidery hoop for adding a little life to a bare wall.
Soft Sculpture ButterfliesImagine yourself at a yard sale and you just found the most beautiful blouse and they only want a $1.00 for it, but it is dated with those shoulder pads. Ever wondered what you could make with the shoulder pads?
Raggedy Andy Pencil HolderSpray the can with the flesh color paint. Let dry. Add features to face with Sharpies, using picture as a guide. Start eyes about 1-1/2 inches from top of can and leave room for the bow tie at the base.
Paper Bag BasketsDo you need a quick basket for just about anything?
Recycled Frames and Shadowboxes From CardboardUpdated: This idea came to me when I was reading about laminated wood products. I decided to try it out using cardboard and craft glue and came up with a very strong but very light wood substitute. All you do is cut cardboard boxes (cereal, cookies, crackers, etc.) into strips and glue the strips together one on top the other.
Cell Phone/Purse PocketA lot of fun. First, paint your heart. I painted the wood heart to match with acrylic paint. While it dries you, can cut out your pocket.
Recycled Bleached JeansMake your jeans into a fun fashion statement. Make the most unique jeans around! Jeans are tied, scrunched, folded and secured with rubber bands, soaked in bleach and hot water.
Baby Food Jar Tea LightsWondering what to do with baby food jars? Make tea lights! Brush etching cream on jar. No need to do the rim or the bottom. Let sit overnight. Be sure to place the jar on a thick rag or towel to protect your work surface.
How To Make Paper BeadsMaking paper beads is an easy, fun, and timeless craft activity. You can use the beads for jewelry, decoration, or anything else you usually use beads for. This is a great way to recycle paper, especially all that useless junk mail that piles up.
Photo CDThis "CD" is fun to make. I print a photo sent to me. Position the CD over the center of subject and draw around the CD. Cut it. I used Mod Podge to adhere it to the CD. I wrote who is the picture. In this case my pen-pal and her new baby brother. I embellished the outside with a sparkle glue.
Thrifty Jean PursePurse made from teen blue jeans and belt. Step 1: Cut the top of the pants off at crotch seam, rounding sides or squaring whichever is desired.
All-Star Savings BankPaint wooden stars yellow and set aside to dry. Place lid on white foam and use a pencil to trace a circle. Cut out circle. Using red felt tip pen, draw the "seams" of a baseball on each side. Glue craft stick to the front of jar as the "bat."
Aluminum Ant FriendHalloween Candy recycling! Save your M and M tubes to make recycled art. My son won a contest at the library for his aluminum ant friend he created. We used silver spray paint and some pipe cleaners and paper clips for wings.
Puzzle Piece PinsA ways back, someone asked what she could do with puzzle pieces. I tried to describe these, but until I found them, could not do a good job. So, here they are!
Painted BottlesWith the holidays coming up, many people will be celebrating with wine and champagne. Or, if you're like me, sparkling cider. Save those bottles.
Magnetic Greeting Card BookmarksThis is one of the bookmarks I made to go with the less than a dollar new books I picked up on half.com to give as gifts this year.
Fused Plastic Valentine's HeartHere is a quick fused plastic bag craft idea for Valentine's Day. This project involves no sewing or crocheting. It's makes a perfect kid's craft project that focuses on using recycled materials.
Advair Doll ChairIf you have empty Advair Diskus inhalers around, start saving them. With just a bit of Super Glue and felt, your Barbies and maybe even larger dolls will have space-age customizable seating.
Craft Project: Snack Pack PurseLittle girls purse made from snack packs.
Two Aprons from One Jean OverallTwo unique and fun aprons from one jean overall.
CD Spindle Toilet Paper HolderThis is a great recycling craft that is easy enough for kids to do with parent supervision. This is an earth friendly craft as we need to recycle, reuse as much as we can to keep plastic out of the land fills.
Ceiling Fan Blade Key HolderThis is an easy way to use old ceiling fan blades, I turn them into key holders. It takes a short time and they are fun gifts to give.
Thrifty Custom Painted SignsThis is a fun way to create custom art using very inexpensive supplies, often things most people have on hand. Great for giving old items new life.
Recycled Flower VaseA recycled flower vase is made from reusing an empty pickle jar. It is very simple to make by taking the most ordinary item, a pickle jar, and turning it into something beautiful with a little bit of paint, time and flowers.
Recycled BottheadsRecycling pop or water bottles into funny faces. The creations can then be used as decor or piggy banks. Making a family of Bottheads is great fun for the kids.
CD Case FramesCreate fun photo or art work frames with CD cases. Kids love doing them and can be very creative by using recycled materials such as wool, ribbon, beans, googlie eyes, etc.
Bird Cage Night LightI bought an old bird cage hanger at an auction. Later found an old bird cage. I had to use them to make something. This is what I came up with. The light is on a timer to turn on and off in the living room each night. I can use as a night light until I go to bed.
Recycled Mosaic MirrorMosaic mirror without the messy grout. This is a great use of recycled cut up credit and gift cards. Plastic cards are cut up and glued onto a painted wood frame that give it a whole new look with dimension, color, and without the messy grout.
Recycled Baking Pan TraysOld baking pans or cookie sheets can be decoratively painted to match your decor and used for all kinds of things. Here a cake pan was transformed into a hot beverage service tray for home or office.
Jar Lid PincushionHandy little pincushions made with quilt batting, fabric and a jar lid or small metal can. Measure the width of your lid/can. Cut a cardboard circle just a bit smaller than this measurement.
Tote Bag Decorator PillowI picked up this tote at the dollar store because it fit in with my country living room, but I wasn't sure what I'd use it for. Then it occurred to me that it would make a perfect sofa pillow.
Drink Mix Container of Pringles Can Pencil ToteA nifty storage container made from an empty drink mix container. A great way for kids to carry or store pencils, pens or markers. Also a neat idea for storing craft supplies, small toys, sewing accessories, crochet hooks, etc.
Recycled CD NotepadThese cute little notepads are quick, easy, and fun to make. Reduce, re-use, and recycle by putting all of your unusable compact discs and scrap paper to good use!
Recycled Decorative VaseMake a vase for artificial flowers by recycling an empty thread cone and a used CD.
Recycled Sweater BagIf you accidentally shrink a 100 percent wool sweater in the washer, don't fret. Create a cute handbag from your mistake. Or shrink a wool sweater that you no longer wear and turn it into a purse.
Recycled Cardboard VaseThis is a really cool use of recycled cardboard and a very funky way to display flowers in your green home.
Recycled Halloween Treat CupA cute recycled crochet treat cup for Halloween that measures 3 inches wide and 3 inches tall with 9 inch handle strap.
Fun Star CrayonNever throw an old broken crayon away again. Renew it's life by making something old into something new. Recycle your old crayons into fun new new ones! Here's how...
Wallpaper BookmarksWanting to have a small thank you gift lead me to make these free bookmarks from wallpaper.
Recycled Gift BottlesSuper quick and cute way to recycle those cool shaped Frappuccino bottles.
Juice Pouch TotesUsing washed juice pouches, sew them all together and make a tote bag. The large ones are great for grocery shopping. Small ones are great for carrying as a purse.
Recycled Sweater Gift BagTurn the sleeve of an old sweater into a personalized gift bag. Place it over a canning jar filled with homemade soup, layered cookie mix, or some homemade goodies and you'll have a warm and cozy gift for a friend or shut-in!
Jewel Case Picture FramesInstead of tossing old CD cases into the landfill, why not make some picture frames from them? Here is a way to do that.
