24 Cheap Recycled Crafts for Adults to Make

A List of 24 Cheap Recycled Crafts for Adults to Make

Everyone has jars, magazines, old books, and cardboard tubes laying around the house.  Even though these things are normally trash we throw away, with a little imagination you can upcycle them into something new and useful… literally trash to treasure.

When I first started blogging I didn’t have any money to put into crafts, so the thrifty side of me figured out how to get by. It became a creative challenge that I love even today. Even better, it became a large focus of DIY Inspired.

What to Save

First, keep these items handy to upcycle!

• Aluminum Cans
• Plastic Containers
• Old Flooring planks
• Damaged Books
• Paper Towel and Toilet Paper Rolls
• Reusable Sacks or Bags
• Wine Corks
• Magazines and Newspaper
• Sauce Jars
• Bottle Caps
• Shoe Box Lids

What to Make

These 24 (or more) tutorials are cheap recycled crafts for adults to make, all done by yours truly.  I hope you find some inspiration in one or two or three! Most, if not all, can be created with items around the house and a few supplies. Enjoy!

Upcycled Plastic Bottle Plant Pots– Cheap and easy!

Recycled Can Centerpieces with Succulents – Great for party centerpieces that the guests can take home.

DIY Repurposed Coasters – Ceramic tiles can be purchased at second hand stores like the Habitat for Humanity ReStore

Recycled Coffee Bean Sack Pillow – I found these old sacks at a flea market.

Recycled Book Page Wreath Tutorial– This is a great project for a damaged book.

Repurposed Paper Towel Roll Napkin Ring – You would never guess these are made from cardboard tubes.

Recycle Bags Turned Reusable Snack Bags – Make these with old recycle bags that are falling apart.

Recycled Duck Tape Storage Boxes – Great for kid’s room storage.

DIY Recycled Wine Cork Wine Charms – or earriings! Ha!

Recycled Magazine Bowl – Save all those magazines and turn them into art!

Easy Coffee Filter Paper Flowers – This is an inexpensive project and looks fabulous.

Recycled Mason Jar Lantern – Spaghetti and other sauce jars work great for this.

Repurposed Yoghurt Container Turned Succulent Pot – Any sour cream or yogurt cup will work for this project.

DIY Outdoor Mason Jar Chandelier – This one was practically free!

Recycled Book Page Butterfly Wreath – One of my favorite book page upcycles.

Upcycled Map DIY Birthday Banner – Made this one for my dad’s birthday party.

Need More? I Have More!

Recycled Magazine Frame – Easy craft for kids and great boredom buster.

Upcycled Gift Card Charms – Save your used gift cards to make jewelry.

Paint Color Sample Bookmarks – Free at any home center!

Repurposed Bottle Cap Magnets – Use pictures, stickers, or any paper image.

Recycled Can and Mason Jar Vases – These look great all year long or for party centerpieces.

Gold and Glittered Mason Jar Centerpiece – Change up the colors for any occasion.

Hollow Book Safe How To – Another cool DIY for a damaged hardcover book.

 Shoe Box Lid Wall Art – Who knew an old shoe box could look so good?

Like it? Pin It!

I’d love it if you would share these ideas on Pinterest. Thank you in advance!