11+ Fun Upcycling Projects for Kids
Are you looking for fun and creative ways to upcycle old items around your house into something new and exciting for your kids? Do you need some craft ideas or easy kids crafts?
If so, you've come to the right place! This blog post will share some of our favorite upcycle ideas for kids that are fun and easy to do.
Benefits of Kids Upcycling Craft Projects
Whether you're looking for a new way to keep your child entertained or you're just trying to find a way to repurpose some old items around the house, these ideas are sure to get the job done!
Upcycling is not only sustainable because it keeps items out of landfill, but it can also be a fun activity. Kids have so much energy and creativity that it seems a shame not to put it to use with creative projects.
There are many ways to do this, but upcycling is an excellent way for them to express creativity, learn about reducing waste, learn new skills, and help the environment.
The sky's the limit with upcycling! With some imagination, your kids can create anything they can dream up from recycled materials.
From toys and games to art and accessories, there are endless possibilities of creative ideas for recycling old materials into something new and fun. Here are some ideas for kids' DIY projects using recycled materials and craft supplies you have around the house.
Upcycle DIY Toilet Paper Rolls Ideas For Kids
Parents love a low-cost DIY project and kids love all creative DIY projects. Here are some fun and easy ideas for upcycling toilet paper rolls into crafts that can keep them entertained for hours.
Forget heading to the craft store on a rainy day. You can use what you have at home!
From simple butterflies to complicated vehicles, these projects are a great way to teach kids about recycling and how to repurpose materials in new and innovative ways. So get your glue gun ready and roll up your sleeves – it's time to get crafty!
Toilet Paper Roll Butterfly Craft
This simple toilet paper roll butterfly craft is a great way to put those spare toilet rolls to good use and turn them into something beautiful! All you need is some paint, colored paper, pipe cleaners, googly eyes, and a little glue or tape.
Paint the toilet paper roll your color of choice, then decorate each side. Cut out some wings with colored paper and bedazzle these if you choose.
Glue the wings to the back of the toilet paper roll. Add some pipe cleaners for the antennae, googly eyes, or other details to finish off.
Once your butterflies are complete, let the kids fly them around the house or garden – they're sure to have hours of fun! You can also upcycled egg cartons for this craft.
Toilet Paper Roll Cars
For this fun project of toilet roll cars, you'll need toilet rolls, cardstock, markers or acrylic paint, straws, and some small wheels (you can find these at most hardware stores) or you can cut out paper wheels. Cut the toilet rolls in half lengthwise, then decorate the outsides with your chosen design.
Attach the wheels to the underside of each car with a bit of glue or tape, then poke straws through the top for the steering wheel. Let the kids race their cars around – they'll have a blast! If you have kids in different age groups, have the older kids design a race course and make a whole event!
Upcycled Toilet Paper Roll Binoculars
These upcycled binoculars are great for budding explorers and make a fun addition to any pretend play set. You'll need two toilet rolls, some ribbon or string, and some decorating materials like paint, markers, or stickers.
Cut a small hole near the bottom of each toilet roll, then thread the ribbon or string through so that the rolls are connected. Decorate the outside binoculars however you like, then let the kids enjoy this creative way to explore their imaginations!
Toilet Roll Rockets
For this outer space-themed project, you'll need toilet rolls, cardstock, markers or paint, and some small stickers or other decorations. Decorate the outside of the toilet rolls however you like, then cut out fins from the cardstock and attach them to the back with glue or tape. This is a great idea for kids who want to get to the playing part because it's a simple yet fun craft project.
A Few Other Ideas for upcycling toilet paper rolls include:
Upcycle DIY Cardboard Ideas For Kids
Check out these cool DIY ideas for turning cardboard boxes into fun and creative projects. These are clever ways to get kids of all ages crafting and using those creative juices!
DIY Cardboard Dollhouse
This project is perfect for kids who love dolls! It's easy to make and only requires a few materials. Plus, it's a great way to recycle cardboard boxes and keep your recycling bin clear.
To get started, cut out windows and doors in the cardboard box. Then, decorate the inside and outside of the house with paint, paper, fabric, and other materials.
You can make furniture from recycled materials like bottle caps or cereal boxes. Use old wrapping paper for wall paper and popsicle sticks for floorboards! Let your kid’s creativity run wild!
DIY Cardboard Bookshelves
This one might be best for teens and older kids! These shelves are a sustainable craft to make and can go in your kid’s room after crafting time!
To get started cut the cardboard into the desired shape and size to get started. You can then use adhesive to attach the shelves to the wall.
Once your shelves are in place, load them up with books, plants, knick-knacks, or anything else that strikes your fancy. With creativity, you can turn recycled cardboard into stylish and functional shelves that will add personality to any room in your home.
Upcycle DIY Cardboard Coin Box For Kids
This cardboard coin bank is a great way to teach kids about saving money, and it's also a great way to recycle an old cardboard box. All you need is an empty cardboard box, some paint, and some coins. Start by painting the outside of the box.
Then, cut a slit at the top of the box to insert coins. Once the paint is dry, insert some coins into the box and seal it. Then, let your kids decorate the box however they like!
They can use stickers, markers, or anything else they can think of. When they're finished, they'll have their very own coin bank that they can use to save up for something unique and you'll have given an old cardboard box a new life.
A Few Other Cardboard Ideas Are:
Upcycled Tin Cans Craft Ideas For Kids
Upcycling tin cans is a great way to get them excited about crafting while teaching them how to reuse food packaging. Check out these ideas to get started!
Make A Beautiful Planter
Have some old tin cans lying around? Upcycle them into lovely planters for your garden or windowsill. Remove the labels, paint the outside, and add drainage holes.
Fill with soil and your favorite plants or flowers. You can also use a large plastic bottle or old plastic water bottles to make paintable planters!
Create A Fun Wind Chime
This project is perfect for little ones who love music. Decorate some tin cans with paint or markers, then punch holes around the top rim. Thread string or ribbon through the holes, tie knots between each can, and you're done! Here is an in-depth guide for super cute tin can wind chimes.
Upcycled Into A Pencil Holder
A great way to organize desk supplies, tin cans make perfect pencil holders. Just remove the labels and decorate the outside however you like. Then, use a hot glue gun to attach some magnets to the back so it can stick to a locker or fridge.
Or, set it on a desktop. You can also use empty glass jars for these craft projects.
Turn Them Into Puppets
This puppet project is excellent for rainy days and kids who love theater. Just decorate the outside of some tin cans with paint, markers, or whatever you like.
Then, cut out some simple shapes for eyes, noses, and mouths from construction paper or felt. Glue them on, and voila – instant puppets! If you have old t-shirts and old cds you can use pieces to decorate your puppets!
A Few Other Ideas Are:
So there you have it! Some fun art projects and easy DIY craft projects that you can do with your kids using cardboard boxes, tin cans, and toilet rolls. So get started today and have some fun! Your kids will love being able to create something extraordinary.
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