It’s no secret that we’re constantly digging around in our recycle bin for our craft projects.
So, I thought I would share with you some of my favorite recycle bin supplies.
These are the items that don’t even make it to the recycle bin anymore; they go straight to our craft supplies bin.
1. Old Sheets – A couple of years ago, I purchased an old flat sheet for a dollar from our local thrift store. We use this all the time. I always spread it on the table before we get out the paint, glue, glitter, or other messy craft supply. It’s helpful for catching bits of play dough and also very useful in building forts! It’s easy to wash and it doesn’t matter if it gets stained.
2. Cardboard Tubes – Whether it’s an empty toilet paper tube, paper towel roll, or gift wrap roll, we’ve used them all! They’re the perfect (and most frugal) medium for 3-D crafting.
3. Plastic Lids – These are perfect for holding paint or glue. The large flat surface makes it easy for painting with unusual items, such as sponges, stamps, cardboard tubes, cotton balls, etc. I usually have one lid for each girl with her choice of paint color(s).
4. Egg Carton – There are so many uses for an egg carton. Use it to hold small supplies, such as beads, paper scraps, or beans. They’re a fun addition to 3-D artwork. In addition, they also make a fun, easy-to-hold stamp for print making.
5. Old Cards & Postcards – We use these to make collages, play post office, make paper chains, or even bookmarks.
6. Tissue Paper Scraps – This is another medium we use a lot in collages. We also use it a in our stained glass window crafts.
7. Magazines – Magazines are the perfect place to find pictures to manipulate. Make silly faces on pictures of people. Cut out various pictures to use in collages or other pictures. Use wadded up pages for painting instead of a paint brush. The possibilities are endless!
8. Cardboard Boxes – What can’t you do with a cardboard box? Make sculptures, store craft supplies, cut it up anytime you need a sturdy surface for a craft project, color it, paint it, make a dollhouse, or a barn. If you can imagine it, you can make it with a cardboard box!
Now you’ve seen our favorite craft supplies from the recycle bin. What are your favorites?
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Terri is a writer and mom of two elementary-aged girls. She has a passion for learning and is always looking for ways to make learning fun. You can find her at Better Than Homework where she shares fun learning activities or Creative Family Fun where she shares art, craft, and family fun ideas.
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Large cardboard boxes to make puppet theaters
Large Coffee containers for supplies and toys to create a drum
small yogurt containers
pretty cards for collages or to cut out characters for letter box, etc.
I love many of the ones you listed as well. We just need to get our hands on it, before hubby throws it away!
Jen from
Creative and Curious Kids!
Great list… we'd add foam fruit and veggie trays for painting and sorting little pieces onto while crafting and also the leftover containers from baby snacks, we made instruments with them. http://theeducatorsspinonit.blogspot.com/2012/01/baby-time-lets-make-music.html
Your list has all of my favorites… but I'd add bottle caps, plastic gallon milk jugs and old calendars. 🙂
I pinned it!