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One More Time Again : Recycled Crafts
It’s easy to observe your children engaged in an arts and crafts project and wonder, "How do they use so many supplies?" Glue, paints, wiggle eyes, chenille stems, fake fur, and fuzzy pom poms seem to disappear as children work. While certain supplies are necessary, you can reduce costs by using recycled materials for craft projects. Try these ideas for creative yet cost-conscious creations:
Decorative Birdhouse Boots
This craft takes a bit of effort on your part, but the result is a craft project you’ll treasure for years. If you’re children have outgrown their rubber boots, use them! Otherwise, check out garage sales where a pair of boots is likely to cost you $1.00 or less. After you have collected boots, let the birdhouse building begin!
Editor's Note: Obviously, it's better to donate usable boots to charitable locations so that children can make use of them. This project is perfect for mismatched or damamged boots.
- Older children can use scissors to cut a 2" circle in the center front arch of the boot. That’s how the birds get into their new homes.
- Cut two pieces of wood, 1/2 inch thick into 7 1/2" by 5" pieces. (Wood will be painted so it can be scrap pieces.)
- With the boot standing upright, staple each wood piece on the end to the boot. Bring top pieces of wood together into a roof shape and secure with two screws.
- Let campers decorate roof and boot with acrylic paint. For a nice shine, spray a coat of lacquer over the birdhouse.
- Let dry.
- Insert an eye hook on top of the roof for easy hanging.
Big Mouth Puppets
Have any old socks laying around your house? Put them to good use by making big mouth puppets. First and most important, be sure to wah the socks.
- Turn clean sock inside out.
- Slip a rubber band into an open safety pin.
- Attach the safety pin to the tip of the toe. (see diagram)
- Slip your hand into the rubber band and turn the sock right side out. The rubber band will pull back the fabric, creating a "mouth".
- Practice making your puppet talk by moving your fingers around.
- After you have an idea where the eyes and mouth of your puppet are, remove the sock from your hand.
- With adult supervision, use a hot glue gun to attach wiggle eyes, yarn hair and other characteristics to your puppet.
- Slip the puppet back on your hand and have the group perform a puppet show.
Quilted Boxes
Children can make special storage boxes from ordinary boxes and wallpaper scraps. Stop by any home improvement store and ask for their outdated wallpaper sample books. They usually are more than glad to get rid of those heavy books. Children will delight in cutting up the various papers featuring a wide assortment of designs and textures.
- Set out an assortment of small to medium sized boxes. If your budget allows, many craft stores sell boxes with lids for under $1.00.
- Fill a shallow pan with water.
- Let children cut up pages of wallpaper into designs or strips.
- Since the wallpaper is pre-pasted, simply soak in water for one minute.
- Remove from water and shake off excess water.
- Place wet wallpaper on boxes. Use a sponge or soft cloth to smooth out any wrinkles. The pre-pasted wallpaper will stick to the boxes.
- Let boxes dry.
There are so many ways to use items that we would normally consider useless. It just takes a little creativity and imagination. Look around your house and see what you can make!
About the Author
As a former camp director, Silvana knows what it is like to plan crafts for hundreds of children. Today as a professional speaker, she helps teachers and recreation professionals understand the importance of creativity and crafts. Visit her website here
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