Craft library
“What can I do with…?” is a question we get asked a lot.
Here are some ideas and inspiration from across the internet for simple crafts using waste materials. Many of these crafts are suitable for children, but please take care if you are cutting metal and hard plastics as the edges can be very sharp.
Aluminium or steel drinks can
Tip: Steel is stronger and does not break as easily as aluminium when folded.
Is my can aluminium or steel? Steel is magnetic, aluminium is not.
Make a trinket box: https://www.instructables.com/id/Drink-Can-Tinwork/
Make a stove: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvvdLVUJXZc
Make a toy aeroplane: http://www.arvindguptatoys.com/toys/cokeaeroplane.html
Make a bowl or ashtray: http://www.arvindguptatoys.com/toys/Aluminumcanbowl.html
Metallised plastic (confectionery and snack wrappers)
Make a woven purse: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdds_8Y_akQ
PET plastic bottles
Make a broom: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFrIsUqKUUM
Make very strong string with a plastic bottle cutter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yE3FOWHFEr4
Make decorative flowers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7EPwoiMhtE
Use bottles for gardening: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnR9eGiGm-s
HDPE plastic bottles
Make a hard plastic sheet or block: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUR6_bQLU-E
Tetrapak
Make a solar cooker: http://solarcooking.org/newsletters/scrjul03.htm
Make a flapping butterfly toy: http://www.arvindguptatoys.com/toys/tetrabutterfly.html
Make a purse with a lock: http://www.arvindguptatoys.com/toys/Tetrapursewithlock.html
Textile waste
Make a landscape picture using fabric scraps: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObTxKp7U9VE
Egg boxes (egg cartons)
Make a bouquet of flowers, toy animals, and lots more: https://redtri.com/egg-carton-crafts/slide/1
If you have more ideas you would like to share please contact us!
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