Inspiration is all around you - even in those used bottles and packages you’re about to throw away. We’ve rounded up 10 recycled craft ideas that the kids and the earth will love you for!

1. Carton houses

Image credit: Kesab

Give your milk and juice cartons a rinse out and turn them into mini houses! All you need to do is seal up the top with PVA glue and start painting.

Tools and materials:

•   Acrylic paint
•   Paint brushes
•   Permanent marker

2. Recycled Put Put

Image credit: Handy with Scissors

Bring together all those bits and pieces that you usually throw out and transform them into a Put Put game. If you’ve collected a few empty containers this week, you can set them up in the yard or around the house as putting holes.

Tools and materials:

•   PVA glue
•   Poster paints
•   Masking tape
•   Hobby knife or scissors (under adult supervision)

3. Egg carton flowers

Image credit: Kiwico

Give new life to egg cartons by transforming them into flowers. This simple idea is great for kids of all ages.

Tools and materials:

•   Poster paints
•   Paint brushes
•   Egg carton
•   Scissor or hobby knife (only use under adult supervision)
•   Pipe cleaners, skewers or sticks
•   PVA glue
•   Pom poms
•   Jar for display

4. Bits ‘n’ pieces grassy head

Do you have an old pair of nylon stockings lying around? Before you throw them away, give this recycled craft idea a go. Cut the stocking to size, stretch it over a mug and put grass seeds in. Next, fill the stocking with potting mix until it’s the size of a tennis ball and tie a knot on the end. You can then use some materials around the house for the body!

Tools and materials:

•   Stocking
•   Grass seeds
•   Potting mix
•   Acrylic paint
•   Paint brush

5. Plastic bottle planter

Image credit: Super Simple

Instead of throwing your empty plastic bottles away, turn them into an eco activity with the kids! Cut the top off your bottles and turn them into planters with some fun designs. To help keep the soil drained, poke some holes in the bottom and use a jar lid as a water dish (or choose a plant that’s in a pot small enough to fit inside your planter). Remember to recycle your off-cuts and keep sharp objects away from little hands.

Tools and materials:

•   Tacky glue
•   Buttons and/or googly eyes
•   Acrylic paint
•   Paint brushes
•   Permanent marker
•   Hobby knife or scissors (under adult supervision)

6. Junk jewellery

Image credit: Handy with Scissors

Collect all those little bits and pieces from around the house and use them for a fun beading activity. You could try using buttons, fabric scraps, cut up toilet rolls, stray beads, decorated cardboard or pasta.

Tools and materials:

•   String
•   Recycled buttons, fabric, cardboard etc
•   Paint (for cardboard pieces)
•   Paint brush

7. Newspaper pictures

Image credit: Super Simple

Next time you’ve finished reading the newspaper, think twice before you chuck it out. It’s great for plenty of fun activities such as paper mache and collages.

Tools and materials:

•   PVA or school glue
•   Markers
•   Paper
•   Acrylic or poster paint
•   Paint brushes

8. Kinetic cardboard mobile

Image credit: Handy with Scissors

If you’re looking for an easy recycled craft idea for kids, give this kinetic cardboard mobile idea from Handy with Scissors a go. Once you’re done, hang it up outside and watch it dance in the breeze.

Tools and materials:

•   Paint
•   Cardboard
•   Paintbrushes
•   String
•   Beads

9. Tissue box monster

Image credit: Super Simple

Hold onto that tissue box because it’s going to make a really fun monster project for the kids. All you need is paint, googly eyes and some other bits and pieces to bring your cute creature to life.

Tools and materials:

•   Acrylic paint
•   Paint brushes
•   Empty tissue box
•   Cardboard from recycled boxes
•   Googly eyes
•   PVA glue

10. Newspaper hearts

Image credit: Kinder Care

Spread the love with some newspaper hearts. This recycled craft idea is great for kids of all ages because their painting can be as messy as they like.

Tools and materials:

•   Watercolour paints
•   Paint brushes
•   Thread
•   Pegs or tape

Do you want to share your recycled craft ideas? Feel free to tag us using @montmarteart on Facebook or Instagram.