Kids love getting messy with crafts, but have you ever looked at the aftermath and thought, “Great, now I’ve got a landfill’s worth of glitter and plastic?” Fear not, these eco-friendly crafts are fun, sustainable, and won’t make you feel like you’re personally responsible for climate change.
Using upcycled and natural materials, these projects will keep little hands busy while secretly teaching them about sustainability. Win-win!
Egg Carton Flower Wreath
What You’ll Need:
- Empty egg cartons
- Non-toxic paint
- Child-safe scissors
- Glue sticks
- Paper plate
How to Make It:
- Cut the egg carton into flower shapes.
- Paint them in bright colors and let them dry.
- Cut the center out of a paper plate to create a wreath base.
- Glue the flowers onto the wreath.
- Hang it up and enjoy the compliments.
Toilet Paper Roll Bird Feeder
Recycled Paper Beads
What You Need:
- Old magazines or newspapers
- Glue
- Toothpicks
- Elastic string
How to Make It:
- Cut paper into long, thin triangles.
- Roll them tightly around a toothpick.
- Glue the end and slide off the bead.
- String them together for a stylish, planet-friendly necklace.
Nature Collage Suncatcher
What You Need:
- Clear contact paper
- Leaves, flowers, petals
- Paper plate
- String
How to Make It:
- Cut a hole in the center of a paper plate.
- Stick one side of the contact paper onto the plate.
- Arrange the leaves and flowers.
- Seal with another layer of contact paper.
- Hang in a sunny window and admire.
Tin Can Planters
What You Need:
- Empty tin cans
- Paint
- Potting soil
- Seeds or small plants
How to Make It:
- Remove labels and clean the tin cans.
- Paint and decorate them.
- Fill with soil and plant seeds.
- Water occasionally and hope for the best.
Cardboard Tube Binoculars
Sock Puppets
What You Need:
- Old socks
- Googly eyes
- Fabric scraps
- Glue gun or fabric glue
How to Make It:
- Glue or sew on googly eyes.
- Cut out felt pieces for a mouth, tongue, and ears.
- Add yarn hair if you’re feeling extra.
- Put on a puppet show and make your toddler the star.
DIY Nature Paintbrushes
What You Need:
- Small sticks or twigs
- Leaves, grass, or flowers
- Twine or rubber bands
- Washable paint
How to Make It:
- Gather twigs and natural materials.
- Tie leaves, flowers, or grass to one end.
- Dip into paint and experiment with textures.
Upcycled Crayons
What You Need:
- Old broken crayons
- Silicone molds
- Oven
How to Make It:
- Peel the paper off the crayons.
- Break them into small pieces and place them in the mold.
- Bake at 120°C (250°F) for 10-15 minutes.
- Let cool, pop them out, and enjoy brand-new crayons.
Newspaper Seedling Pots
What You Need:
- Old newspapers
- Glass jar or tin can
- Potting soil
- Seeds
How to Make It:
- Cut newspaper strips and wrap around a jar.
- Fold the bottom to make a pot shape.
- Fill with soil and plant seeds.
- Once seedlings grow, plant the whole thing outside!
Final Thoughts
Crafting with kids doesn’t have to mean piles of waste and plastic. These eco-friendly crafts are fun, simple, and best of all, they make use of things you already have lying around.
So next time your child says, “I’m bored,” hand them an empty toilet roll and say, “Make art.” You’ll be raising a creative, eco-conscious genius in no time.
Happy crafting! Let me know which one your kids enjoyed the most.
