Upcycling Projects

Creative upcycling projects that transform everyday items into something new and exciting, perfect for sustainable and fun hands-on crafting. 

Project Name: 

"Jar Lid Art"

Materials Needed:

• Old jar lids

• Paints or markers 

• Scrap ribbons or fabric pieces

Let’s Get Crafting!

• Give your toddler a jar lid to decorate with paints or markers

• Help them glue ribbons or fabric around the edge to make it pretty.

• Use as a coaster, hanging ornament, or wall art!

Project Name: 

"Tissue Box Monster"

Materials Needed:

• Empty tissue box

• Bottle caps for eyes

• Old paper or scrap fabric

• Non-toxic glue

Let’s Get Crafting!

• Let your toddler color or paint the tissue box.

• Glue bottle caps on as eyes and add scrap paper or fabric for teeth, hair, or funny features,

• Use it as a pretend play prop or for storing small toys.

Project Name: 

"The Rock of Regret and Redemption"

Materials Needed:

• Used cardboard boxes

• Old newspapers or magazines

• Leftover fabric scraps

• Empty plastic bottles (like yakult bottles)

• Paint (watercolor or acrylic)

• Glue

• Scissors

• Twine or jute rope

• Pebbles or small stones from the garden

• Recycled paper or cardstock for labels

Let’s Get Crafting!

1. Build Your Island:

• Take those old cardboard boxes and cut them into pieces to create a little island or beach. 

• Stack and glue the pieces to give it some cool layers and make it look real. Now you’ve got a mini island ready for adventure!

2. Make Malin Kundang:

• Cut out the shape of Malin Kundang from old cardboard boxes, or use an empty plastic bottle for his body. 

• Wrap him up with fabric scraps for clothes. 

• Add his face using newspaper or magazine pieces, you can even make silly or serious expressions!

3. Create the Rocks:

• Grab some small pebbles from the garden or ....

• Make pretend rocks by crumpling up newspaper. Dip them in glue and let them dry until they’re hard. Paint them gray so they look just like stones from the story!

4. Build the Ship:

• Use leftover old cardboard boxes or an empty plastic container to craft a mini ship. 

• Add twine or fabric scraps for sails and ropes. It’s like building a tiny pirate ship for Malin’s journey—so fun!

5. Paint and Decorate:

• Get your paints and start adding blue and white waves around the base to make it look like the ocean. 

• Paint your Malin figure and the ship to bring them to life. Don’t forget to add little splashes for a playful touch!

6. Add the Story Clues:

• Write fun little notes or key parts of the story on recycled paper. Things like “Malin’s Big Mistake” or “The Magic Curse!” 

• Glue or tie these notes to your project to help tell the story in a fun way.

7. Final Touches:

• Place your rocks around Malin to show the moment he starts turning to stone. 

• Put the ship nearby and add extra decorations like tiny paper trees or wavy fabric scraps. It’ll make your project look extra special!