Eco-Friendly Craft Ideas

I remember when I was a kid, garbage day was the best day in the entire week!!  It had nothing to do with the trucks, like most kids.  I was so excited to see what people were throwing out. 

I admit it, I was a garbage picker!!

At a young age, I was able to see the value in items that others couldn't see at all.  You know the saying, one mans garbage is another mans treasure!!  I took that to heart...

So, I would start my hunting day travels with a bag in hand, ready to pounce on whatever it was that caught my eye.  I wish that I had taken some pictures of my creations, but off the top of my head, I know that I made things like:

• Marionettes out of pop cans
• "Phones" out of soup and juice cans
• Piggy banks out of peanut butter jars

And many other things that I can't think of at this moment.

Now I am a mom, and I dread garbage day...What will my kids come home with?  As of right now, they haven't been so interested in the prospect of picking through peoples trash, and I am ok with it.  I can only imagine what my mom was thinking when I came home with some of the stuff that I picked. 

Now that I am a mom, of 4 girls and 1 boy, I am thinking how can I instill in my kids the creativity to think of something to make and mixing in the idea of less is more.  Less to buy and more of a recycling mentality (but not really from the neighbours garbage and more from ours).

So, I thought I would list some easy to make, eco-friendly, don't have to pick through the neighbours garbage type of crafts that would be fun to make and worthwile keeping.

When I want to put together craft ideas for the kids, I like to make sure they are easy enough for the kids to make on their own, with little supervision.  I always have a toddler that I have to deal with, so I may not be able to stay and help.

BIRD FEEDERS

• For this craft all you need is an old juice carton, milk carton, cereal box, any box type of packaging.  What you need to do is have the kids plan out what style they want to feeder to be.  Make sure there is enough of a well in the bottom of the feeder to hold the seed.  Then just have the kids cut a hole through the carton, with adult supervision if they are younger, and pop out the extra piece.  Then use a pen and poke a hole through the carton, just underneath the bigger opening and stick an old pencil, or pen as a perch for the birds to stand on.  When all that is done, poke a hole in the top of the feeder for the string to go through.  Fill the feeder and hang from a tree.  It is so much fun for the kids to watch the birdlife during any season, and they will feel a sense of pride watching the birds enjoy their creation.
• Another alternative to the carton feeder is to take a pinecone and cover it with peanut butter, then roll it around in the bird seed.  This is easier for smaller hands to make and if they eat any of it, it is ok too!!

WIND CHIMES

• My kids made this at a VBS one summer and we still have it hanging outside!  What you need is an old CD or DVD.  We all have them kicking around.  You will also need some kind of old metal - you can use old forks, old drill bits or screwdriver pieces, be creative and look around.  Some fishing line or string of some kind and a nail and hammer.  Have the kids pick out the pieces they want to use.  Generally there will be 1 disc, about 4 metal items and the string or fishing line.  The kids will use the hammer and nail to poke a hole through the disc.  Just a gentle tap should do the trick.  Then the kids will attach the fork (or metal item of their choosing) to the fishing line, leaving enough so it will dangle.  Then they will attach the end of the line through the hole that they poked in the disc and will tie a knot so it stays in place.  This is done until the desired number of items are hanging.  Then tie 2 pieces of line through the middle hole of the disc and knot them in loops.  This is what you hang it outside with.  I wish I had a picture of this one, but I do not right now.  If you have stickers or foam stickers kicking around, the kids can decorate the disc with them.  It is nice to have something home made outside to welcome all the visitors to your house!!

Pencil Cases/Makeup Bags/Totes

• You need to have some old wool sweaters, the more design or colourful, the better.  You will also need a sewing kit, which will include thread and a needle.  The kids can pick what part of the sweater they would like to use.  If they are younger, and want to sew less then the older ones, they can pick from a sleeve, if they are older and want more of a challenge, they can pick from the middle.  Once they have chosen their piece, they need to cut it out double the size that they want the tote to be.  For example, if they want a pencil case size, they need to cut out a rectangle - doubled.  Then they fold the piece of fabric in half or put it together how they want it sewed and start sewing!  Make sure that they stop where they want the opening to be.  If they are even more creative, they can use other scrap fabric and make a design on the front or back of their tote as well.  With the older kids, you can offer them a zipper to sew on, or if that is too difficult for them, they can use a button instead and make a button hole to match.  It is neat for the kids to be able to see and use the final creation and it is a unique, one of a kind item that they get to show off!!

If you are not so handy, there are other options for eco-friendly products like these ones.  You can freecycle for something you need, and pass on things that you don't want or need anymore.  You could buy kits from a store if money is not an issue and if you are not very good at sewing, you could choose to purchase a school tote for your kids instead, and support some small, local businesses!!

Whether you choose to recycle products for crafts, or you choose to purcase items that are earth friendly, remember that you are doing your part to change the world around you, and that counts!!

Enjoy the world, enjoy your kids and enjoy the creations that you make!!