Recycled Materials In Crafts
Where To Find Materials To Recycle For Crafts
Recyclable materials are all around you. If you just look at what you are throwing away, I'm sure you will find something. Knitters, crocheters, and anyone else that uses yarn can make recycled yarn out of plastic bags, clothes that no longer fit, or anything else that can be torn into strips about 1 inch wide. People who do scrap booking can find a multitude of pictures and papers in the trash. Beaders can create bead from the papers that are being thrown out. Go outside and walk along the road or the highway. You can find cans, bottles and other items to make unique items out of and clean up the roads also.
This is also called up-cycling.
Notice all the plastic bags flying around the highways getting stuck in the trees, bushes and fences. Those would make wonderful yarn for a knitter or crocheter. In the picture, you will see plastic strips that have been cut for use as yarn. The kitty says "For ME?"
Photo appears courtesy of "wikiHow Creative Commons"
I was so excited when I received the email on April 1, 2011 informing me that this lens had won a purple star. It is a privilege to receive one of these purple stars as it means you have done a great job on your. lens. Only 1000 of these beauties are given away so they are to be prized. Believe me I am so excited to have won this star for Using Recycled Materials In Crafts lens.
Rag Rugs From Recycled Materials
Made by Braiding, Crocheting, or Knitting
Rag rugs can potentially be made of anything that can be cut into strips. Here are some examples for you: plastic bags, tee shirts, pillow cases, sheets, tights, old clothes (such as blue jeans), scraps from sewing, and anything else that you can cut into strips.
To make these rugs, you can braid, crochet or knit the strips. Just think of the lovely rugs that you can have around your house. Oh, yes, if you are really ambitious, you could loom these rugs on a large loom. My aunt used to make these rugs and we had a good supply of them as I grew up. This is a good way to while away the time while you watch TV. Need a wedding gift that is unique? Make one of these lovely rugs for them.
Photo appears courtesy of "Public Domain"
If yes, tell us what you make and what you use.
Do You Use Recycled Materials For Crafting?
Making Yarn Out Of A T-shirt - Great way to recycle
Books On Crafts From Trash - Learn how to change your trash to cash with recycling
Plastic Bag Crochet - Beauty Can Come From Ugly Plastic Bags on the Highway
Look at this beautiful purse that was created with plastic bags that would have polluted the environment. The plastic bag is now a thing of beauty and useable again.
Photo appears courtesy of "Creative Commons by Toia"
Recycling Plastic Bags - There are so many uses for plastic bag yarn
Fabulous Jewelry From Found Objects - Creative Projects, Simple Techniques
What To Do With Aluminum Cans
You can make many wonderful things with aluminum cans
Do you have a lot of aluminum cans that you throw away because there is no recycling program near you? What can you do with them? I have found a few crafts that you can make with them.
You can make wind chimes out of them (see video below), jewelry, doll furniture, cars, motor cycles, airplanes, pencil holders just to name a few. I am sure there are many other crafts you can make out of them.
Photo appears courtesy of "Creative Commons by urbanwoodswalker2"
Recycled Wind Crafts - From Aluminum Cans
Using Beads Rescued From An Old Garment
To Make Beautiful Jewelry
In my seedbeadersters yahoo beading group, LJ told us to go on by her blogb> and take a look at the necklace she had just created with beads rescued form an old sweater that her sister had.
The yarn from the sweater can be recycled, too.
This goes to show you to keep your eyes open. You never know where you will find the resources to create your crafts.
Photo Credit: LJ, Bead Knitter Gallery
Links To Help You Go Green - In Your Crafting
Recycle Water Bottles by Making Crafts
Make some crafts with your kids with empty clear plastic bottles. This article will show you how to make toys and such with recycled plastic bottles.
- Recycle Tutorial: Woven Rag Rug
Shows you how to make a no-sew version for the non-sewer who like to recycle their bed sheets or de-stash their fabrics to make this feet cozy Woven Rag Rug. - Craft Recycled
Shows how to make your trash into treasures. - Moda Bake Shop: Braided Rag Rug
Author shows how to make a braided rag rug step by step.
Up-Cycling
seems to be a big theme for the shops of the artisans. Look in Etsy, Zibbet, or any shops of this type and you will find them. This is a great way to help the environment.