Recycled Crafts

Want to find new ways to keep the kids entertained but don't want to go out and buy new materials? We've got you covered with these recycled crafts that use common household items such as old socks and empty tin cans!

This is a simple to teach children about the value of materials and the impact waste has on our planet.

How to make POI

Materials:

• 1 ankle sock
• A few strips of materials
• String
• Tape
• Filling (corn sized grain)

Method:

1. Tie a knot near the toe of the sock.
2. Add filling to sock.
3. Tie another knot as close to the top of the filling as you can to create a ball.
4. Cut off elasticated top of sock.
5. Take string and measure from your hand to just beyond the elbow and cut.
6. Tie string tightly around heel knot and wrap tape round to secure.
7. Tie other end of string in the middle of elasticated sock from earlier so there are two finger holes and secure with tape.
8. Add strips of material to toe knot to create tails.

How to make a Tin Can Plant Pot

Materials:

• Tin can
• Scrap paper
• Paintbrush
• PVA

Method:

1. Clean can and remove any labels.
2. Add a layer of glue to the outside of the can.
3. Decorate your can by sticking on any scrap bits of paper.
4. Brush on a layer of PVA to cover the paper layer.
5. Leave to dry.
6. Fill them with soil and plant seed or small plant.

How to make a Cardboard Caterpillar:

Materials:

• Scrap paper
• Choice of:
  • Cardboard background
  • Cardboard cut to shape of caterpillar
• PVA glue
• Lolly sticks

Method:

1. Cut circles out of your scrap paper until you have 4-6 (or more if you want a really long caterpillar!)
2. Using your chosen background, stick the circles down slightly overlapping with PVA glue to create the caterpillar shape.
3. Alternatively, you can ditch the background and add a lolly stick to the head and tail of the caterpillar to make it more dynamic!
4. Once dry, you can decorate your caterpillar.

How to make a Flag:

Materials:

• Fabric
• Stick
• Felt tip pens
• Fabric glue
• Staple gun

Method:

1. Choose your fabric.
2. Decorate your fabric however you like.
3. Once you are happy with your design, place your stick on the left hand side of the fabric, leaving an inch margin.
4. Place a line of fabric glue on the left hand margin and fold the fabric over the stick.
5. Secure the stick with staples.
6. Fly your flag high!

How to make a Braid or Bracelet:

Materials:

• 2-3 strips of fabric depending on style preference

Method:

1. Select material and cut to length depending on what you would like to make (Friendship bracelet = Wrist size + 4 inches).
2. For a braided bracelet, tie 3 strips together and braid to the end, tying to secure.
3. For a twisted bracelet, tie 2 strips together and twist them to the end, tying to secure.