Need some inspiration to repurpose items in your house? These recycled household item crafts transform common household items into fun, functional, and creative diy crafts. Empty containers, cardboard, jars, cans, kitchen items or anything else that may be found around the house can be recycled with a little creativity.
You can also easily upcycle items from your home to make inexpensive home decor without throwing away any extra trash. Best of all, many of these projects require just basic materials like paint, glue, scissors, string, fabric scraps or markers.
If you enjoy hands-on projects, you can also try these 20 Easy Air-Dry Clay Crafts for Beginners to Make at Home for another creative DIY activity.
1. Recycled Household Item Crafts: Turn Glass Jars Into Decorative Planters
Make Decorative Planters Out Of Glass Jars.Create decorative planters from glass jars.
Glass jars can be used to grow herbs, flowers or small indoor plants in an attractive planter.
Wash jars well and peel off the labels. Then add paint, twine, ribbon or plain designs to the outside. If you like a more natural appearance, leave the glass mostly clear and label with a small label indicating the plant name.
2.Recycled Household Item Crafts: Make a Tin Can Herb Garden
If planting in the jar, ensure that it has proper drainage. Or put the jar as an ornament over a small nursery pot.
Simple upcycled home decor idea for kitchen, windowsills, balconies or garden shelves.
Wash the cans, remove sharp edges, and decorate the outside with paint or waterproof labels. Add appropriate drainage holes if you plan to plant directly in them.
Use them for herbs such as basil, mint, parsley, or rosemary, depending on your growing conditions.
Arrange several cans together to create a simple recycled container garden that adds greenery without requiring expensive planters.
You can also explore these 25 Easy Paper Crafts: Simple DIY Ideas for Beginners for more fun and creative projects you can make at home.
3.Recycled Household Item Crafts: Create a Bird Feeder From a Recycled Container
A simple bird-feeding station can be easily constructed from a household empty container.
Use a sturdy bowl and openings that enable birds to get to the food without harm. If needed, place a perch into the design, and hang it from a sturdy branch or other appropriate spot.
Ensure the feeder is kept clean and that the appropriate bird food is provided in it.
This project is particularly suitable for family involvement as children can help decorate the feeder, and observe visiting birds through a window.
You can also try these 20 DIY Crafts With Old Clothes That Are Easy to Make for creative ways to reuse unwanted clothing at home.
4. Recycled Household Item Crafts: Upcycle Plastic Bottles Into Garden Decor
Empty plastic bottles are surprisingly versatile for outdoor crafts.
Instead of sending them straight to the recycling bin, consider turning them into decorative garden pieces. They can be painted, cut, shaped, or combined with other recycled materials to create colorful flowers, hanging decorations, or simple garden ornaments.
Use outdoor-safe materials when possible so your project can better withstand moisture and sunlight.
For another way to reuse plastic containers outdoors, you can also explore garden projects made from plastic bottles when planning a larger DIY garden project.
You can also explore these DIY Crafts That Look Expensive: 20 Elegant Ideas on a Budget for stylish projects that create a luxurious look without spending a lot.
5.Recycled Household Item Crafts: Make Colorful Bottle-Cap Flowers
Save used plastic bottle caps and turn them into cheerful flowers for your garden.
Tie several together around a larger one to make a flower shape, then glue them to a heavy backing or tie them around a stake in the ground.
Leave them in their original colors or paint them in coordinating colors.
These recycled crafts are a great way to use cheap craft supplies that can brighten up your outdoor space.
6. Recycled Household Item Crafts: Turn an Old Pallet Into a Vertical Planter
Save used plastic bottle caps and make happy flowers for the garden.
Tie several to a larger one, as a flower shape, and glue them to a heavy backing or tie around a stake in the ground.
Let them be the color they are or paint them coordinating colors.
Good crafts to use inexpensive craft supply items that will cheer up your garden.
7. Make Garden Plant Markers From Old Silverware
Mismatched or unused silverware need never be tossed.
Old spoons and forks can be fashioned into unique DIY garden markers.
Carve names of herbs, flowers, or vegetables into their handles or some other suitable surface.
Use weather-resistant materials if the markers are to be used outdoors.
This project is a good way to help keep a gardener’s square foot garden organized, and it helps put old items to good use.
8. Repurpose Can Lids as Plant Markers
Small metal lids from food cans can be used as versatile garden labels. Clean them well and decorate each with a name of a plant, attaching the finished product to a stick, metal or other supports.
Take care when using metal lids since their edges can be rather sharp, so it is better to use special tools when processing such materials and protect the skin from possible injuries.
Besides, this idea is a great example of how you can repurpose old household exhibits in your everyday life and create unique decorations for the house or garden.
9. Turn Old Clothespins Into Herb Labels
Have a collection of wooden clothespins you no longer use?
Give them a new purpose as plant labels. Write the name of each herb or flower directly onto the clothespin and attach it to a small garden stake or container.
You can also paint the clothespins first to coordinate them with your garden colors.
Pairing these markers with recycled cans or jars creates an inexpensive and coordinated DIY herb garden.
10. Create a Bird Feeder From an Old Mug
An unused mug or teacup can become a charming addition to your garden.
Choose a sturdy cup that you no longer need and create a secure way to mount or hang it. Fill it with suitable bird food and position it somewhere safe.
Mismatched cups can actually make the project more interesting because each feeder can have its own character.
It is a simple example of creative reuse that gives an old kitchen item a new outdoor purpose.
11. Make a Bottle Waterer for Potted Plants
An empty glass bottle can be reused as a slow watering solution for some potted plants.
Clean the bottle thoroughly and use a suitable watering attachment or carefully prepared opening. Fill it with water and position it securely so the plant receives moisture gradually.
Always check the soil and plant needs rather than relying on a bottle alone, since different plants require different watering schedules.
This idea can be particularly useful when you want to make a simple DIY plant waterer from something already in your home.
12. Turn an Old Colander Into Garden Decor
An old kitchen colander can become more than a forgotten piece of cookware.
Use it as a decorative hanging planter, seasonal display, or creative outdoor light holder. Its existing holes can make it especially convenient for projects where drainage or airflow is useful.
Add rope, chain, paint, or other weather-appropriate materials to customize the look.
For a whimsical garden, an old colander can become an unexpected focal point.
13. Create Garden Art From an Old Whisk
An old kitchen whisk can be transformed into a quirky garden sculpture.
The wire shape already has an interesting form, so you can add beads, recycled metal pieces, colorful objects, or other decorative materials to create an unusual garden character.
Secure everything carefully, especially if the piece will be exposed to wind.
This is a great upcycled garden art idea for anyone who prefers playful and unusual outdoor decorations.
14. Make a Wind Chime From Empty Cans
Save several empty cans and turn them into a homemade wind chime.
Clean the cans and carefully handle any sharp edges. Decorate them with paint or leave some of their original surfaces visible for a more industrial look.
Connect the cans with strong string or cord and hang the finished piece where moving air can create gentle sounds.
You can also combine cans with beads, old keys, wooden pieces, or other lightweight recycled materials.
15. Build a Cardboard Tube Telescope for Kids
Empty paper towel rolls and other cardboard tubes are perfect for simple children’s crafts.
For a pretend telescope, decorate a cardboard tube with paint, paper, stickers, or markers. Children can then use it during imaginative play, nature walks, or backyard adventures.
The project requires very little material and encourages children to look at ordinary household waste as something they can create with.
For younger children, supervise cutting, gluing, and any small decorative pieces.
16. Turn a Shoebox Into a Recycled Guitar
A cardboard shoebox can become a fun pretend musical instrument.
Stretch rubber bands around the box so they cross the opening, then decorate the outside with paper, paint, stickers, or markers.
The finished craft can be used for imaginative play rather than as a functional musical instrument.
This is an excellent cardboard recycling craft for kids because it combines creativity with materials that are commonly found at home.
17. Make a Cardboard Storage Organizer
Before throwing away sturdy cardboard boxes, consider turning them into organizers.
Cut boxes to the desired size and cover them with leftover wrapping paper, fabric scraps, wallpaper samples, or decorative paper.
Use the finished containers to organize craft supplies, stationery, toys, cables, or small household items.
Adding simple labels can make the system even more practical.
18. Create a DIY Photo or Memory Box
A plain cardboard box can become a personalized memory box.
Decorate the outside with photographs, patterned paper, old greeting cards, fabric scraps, or drawings. Then use it to store letters, postcards, children’s artwork, ticket stubs, or other meaningful keepsakes.
This DIY storage idea turns an ordinary box into something useful and personal.
It can also become a thoughtful handmade gift when decorated for someone special.
19. Make a Recycled Mailbox for Kids
A cardboard box can easily become part of an imaginative play area.
Cut and shape the box into a small mailbox, then decorate it with paint, paper, stickers, or markers. Add a simple opening for pretend letters and notes.
Children can write messages for family members and place them inside, turning the craft into an interactive activity.
This project gives packaging waste a second life while encouraging writing, creativity, and pretend play.
20. Turn Old Fabric Scraps Into Hanging Decor
Don’t discard small pieces of fabric left over from sewing or other projects.
Tie fabric strips onto a sturdy branch, wooden dowel, or recycled frame to create a colorful hanging decoration. Mix different textures and patterns for a relaxed boho effect.
You can hang the finished piece indoors, on a covered porch, or in another protected area.
This fabric scrap craft is an easy way to combine sustainability with soft, colorful decor.
How to Choose the Right Household Items for Upcycling
Not every discarded item is suitable for every craft. Before starting a project, consider these simple points:
- Check the material: Make sure it can safely handle the intended use.
- Clean everything first: Wash jars, cans, bottles, and containers thoroughly.
- Watch for sharp edges: Metal cans, lids, and broken materials may require extra care.
- Choose suitable paint: Outdoor projects may need weather-resistant finishes.
- Reuse what you already have: Look around your home before buying new craft supplies.
- Keep safety in mind: Children should have adult supervision for cutting, drilling, hot glue, or other potentially hazardous steps.
Why Recycled Household Item Crafts Are Worth Trying
Recycled crafts are not only a way to prevent old things from going to the trash can. They also can make the DIY process cheaper and help you think outside the box.
For instance, you can use a glass jar as a plant grower, an old mug as a bird feeder, and a cardboard box as an organizer or kids’ toy.
Moreover, you can make unique decorations in your home or personal area instead of buying something from a store.
Besides, when you do crafts from old things, you can express your creativity and individuality and amaze your family and friends. You can choose the colors, patterns, shapes, and finish you like.
Most importantly, you can give new life to old and broken things.
Tips for Making Recycled Crafts Look Beautiful
A recycled project does not have to look homemade in a messy way. A few simple choices can make a big difference.
Keep Your Color Palette Simple
Choose two or three coordinating colors instead of using every color at once. This can make recycled garden decor and home accessories look more intentional.
Add Natural Materials
Wood, twine, cotton rope, dried branches, and other natural-looking materials can soften the appearance of plastic, cardboard, and metal.
Repeat Similar Elements
If you are creating several planters or garden markers, use the same color or lettering style across all of them. Repetition creates a more coordinated appearance.
Prioritize Function
The best recycled crafts are often both attractive and useful. A planter, organizer, plant marker, bird feeder, or storage box can add practical value while reducing waste.
Before throwing away household items, consider whether they can be reused or repurposed first. The U.S. EPA’s recycling and reuse guide offers practical information about reducing waste and reusing everyday materials. U.S. EPA recycling and reuse guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What household items can be used for recycled crafts?
Many everyday items can be reused, including glass jars, plastic bottles, cardboard boxes, tin cans, bottle caps, old mugs, wooden clothespins, fabric scraps, pallets, and unused kitchen utensils.
What is the difference between recycling and upcycling?
Recycling generally involves processing used materials so they can become raw material for new products. Upcycling gives an existing item a new purpose, often without breaking it down into raw material.
What are easy recycled crafts for beginners?
Simple projects such as jar planters, tin-can organizers, cardboard storage boxes, plant markers, bottle decorations, and fabric hangings are good starting points because they require relatively few materials.
Can recycled household crafts be used in the garden?
Yes. Items such as jars, cans, bottles, old kitchen utensils, pallets, and mugs can be adapted into planters, garden markers, bird feeders, watering solutions, wind chimes, and decorative garden art, provided they are prepared and used safely.
How can I make recycled crafts more eco-friendly?
Start by using materials you already own, avoid unnecessary purchases, reuse leftover craft supplies, and choose durable materials that can withstand their intended use. For outdoor projects, select finishes and adhesives appropriate for the environment.
Final Thoughts
These 20 recycled household item crafts show how much creative potential can be hiding in everyday objects. Before throwing away an empty jar, cardboard box, old mug, tin can, plastic bottle, or unused kitchen item, take a second look.
With a little creativity, paint, glue, and imagination, ordinary household leftovers can become useful organizers, cheerful garden decorations, children’s crafts, planters, bird feeders, and more.
The next time you are ready to declutter, consider upcycling household items before sending them away. You may already have everything you need to create something beautiful.
