15 Eco-Friendly Crafts for Upcycling in Schools

Are you looking for creative and environmentally friendly projects to engage your students in? Look no further!

We have compiled a list of 15 eco-friendly crafts that will not only spark their creativity, but also teach them the importance of upcycling and sustainability.

From turning old newspapers into beautiful baskets to transforming plastic bottles into planters, these crafts will not only reduce waste but also inspire your students to think outside the box.

So, why wait? Let's dive into the world of eco-friendly crafts and discover how simple materials can be transformed into something truly amazing.

Newspaper Basket

Looking for a creative, eco-friendly way to store your belongings? Why not try making a newspaper basket! Newspaper weaving is a fun and practical craft that allows you to upcycle old newspapers into something useful. Not only does it help reduce waste, but it also gives you a unique and stylish storage solution.

To make a newspaper basket, you'll need a few simple materials: old newspapers, glue or tape, and scissors. Start by cutting the newspapers into long strips, about one to two inches wide. Then, fold each strip in half lengthwise to create a sturdy weaving material.

Next, take one strip and weave it under and over the other strips, forming the base of your basket. As you continue weaving, add more strips to make the sides of the basket taller. Secure the ends of each strip with glue or tape to keep everything in place.

Once you've reached your desired height, fold the top edges of the newspaper strips inward to create a neat rim. Add a thin layer of glue or tape to hold the rim together. Voila! Your newspaper basket is ready to use.

This recycled newspaper craft isn't only practical but also a great way to exercise your creativity. You can customize your basket by painting it, adding decorative ribbons, or even using colored newspaper strips. So, gather those old newspapers and start weaving your way to an eco-friendly storage solution!

Plastic Bottle Planters

Now that you've mastered the art of newspaper weaving, it's time to explore another eco-friendly craft that will breathe new life into your old plastic bottles – plastic bottle planters.

Plastic bottle planters are a fantastic way to upcycle and create a green space in your school or home. Not only do they help reduce waste, but they also provide a great opportunity for students to learn about sustainability and the importance of caring for our environment.

To make your own plastic bottle planter, start by gathering a few empty plastic bottles of different sizes. Cut the top off each bottle and make small holes in the bottom for drainage. Decorate the bottles with paint, markers, or even bits of colored tape to add a personal touch. Once you're done decorating, fill the bottles with potting soil and plant your favorite herbs, flowers, or small plants.

Plastic bottle planters can also be transformed into other useful items. For example, you can turn them into plastic bottle birdhouses by adding a small entrance hole and attaching a string or wire for hanging. Alternatively, you can create DIY plastic bottle organizers by cutting the bottles in half, decorating them, and using them to store pens, pencils, or other small items.

With plastic bottle planters, the possibilities are endless. They aren't only a fun and creative way to repurpose plastic bottles but also a valuable tool for teaching students about sustainability and the importance of recycling.

Tin Can Wind Chimes

Ready to add some musical charm to your schoolyard? Tin can wind chimes are the perfect eco-friendly craft to upcycle those empty cans.

Gather your materials including tin cans, string or wire, and decorative items like beads or bells.

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a unique wind chime and get creative with different variations to make it truly one-of-a-kind.

Materials Needed

Gather the necessary materials for creating your own unique and eco-friendly tin can wind chimes. To begin, you'll need a collection of tin cans in different sizes. Look for cans that have interesting patterns or designs to add visual appeal to your wind chimes.

Next, gather some string or fishing line to hang the cans from. You'll also need a sturdy branch or piece of driftwood to act as the base for your wind chimes.

For decoration, consider using newspaper art or plastic bottle crafts. Cut out colorful shapes from old newspapers or repurpose plastic bottles by cutting them into interesting shapes.

Finally, don't forget to grab some paint or markers to add a personal touch to your tin can wind chimes.

Get ready to create a beautiful and eco-friendly masterpiece!

Step-By-Step Instructions

To begin creating your unique and eco-friendly tin can wind chimes, gather a collection of tin cans in different sizes, along with string or fishing line, a sturdy branch or piece of driftwood as the base, and decorations such as newspaper art or repurposed plastic bottle crafts.

Once you have all the materials ready, follow these step-by-step instructions.

First, clean the tin cans thoroughly and remove any labels or sharp edges.
Then, use a nail and hammer to poke a small hole in the bottom of each can.
Next, attach the cans to the branch or driftwood using the string or fishing line, making sure they hang at different lengths.
You can also add newspaper basket variations or cardboard tube pencil holder customization as additional decorations.
Finally, hang your tin can wind chimes in a place where they can catch the breeze and enjoy the soothing sounds they create.

Creative Variations

Add a touch of whimsy to your tin can wind chimes by incorporating colorful beads or seashells into the design. This creative variation won't only add visual interest but also create a pleasing sound when the chimes move in the wind.

To achieve this, simply thread the beads or seashells onto the strings or wires that connect the cans. You can experiment with different colors and sizes to create a unique and eye-catching look.

Furthermore, if you want to take your eco-friendly crafts to the next level, consider using recycled materials such as newspaper or plastic bottles to create the wind chimes. These materials can be easily transformed into beautiful and functional pieces that promote sustainability and creativity in schools.

Cardboard Tube Pencil Holder

diy pencil holder made of cardboard tube

Transform your cardboard tubes into a practical and eco-friendly pencil holder with just a few simple steps. Not only will this project help reduce waste, but it will also provide a stylish and functional addition to your desk or workspace. Here's how you can create your own cardboard tube pencil holder:

Gather your materials: Start by collecting cardboard tubes from toilet paper or paper towel rolls. You'll also need scissors, glue, and decorative materials like paint, markers, or wrapping paper.
Cut the tubes: Measure and cut the tubes to your desired height, depending on how long you want your pencil holder to be. You can leave them as is or trim them into different heights for a unique look.
Decorate the tubes: Get creative and personalize your pencil holder by decorating the cardboard tubes. Use paint, markers, or even wrapping paper to add color and patterns that match your style.
Assemble the pencil holder: Once your tubes are decorated and dry, stack them together and secure them with glue. You can arrange them in a straight line or create a fun and quirky shape by arranging them in different angles.

Magazine Collage Art

Are you looking for a fun and eco-friendly way to unleash your creativity? Magazine collage art is the perfect activity for you.

In this step-by-step tutorial, we'll guide you through the process of creating stunning collages using old magazines.

Get ready to turn discarded pages into beautiful works of art that will inspire and amaze.

Creative Upcycling Ideas

Discover the endless possibilities of magazine collage art as a creative and eco-friendly way to upcycle in schools. Magazine collage art allows you to transform old magazines into beautiful artworks while promoting sustainability.

Here are four creative upcycling ideas using magazine collage art:

Create vibrant collages: Cut out colorful images and texts from magazines and arrange them on a canvas or cardboard to make eye-catching collages. This is a great way to teach students about composition and color theory.
Make bookmarks: Cut out long strips from magazines and fold them in half. Decorate the bookmarks with magazine cutouts and laminate them for durability. Students can use these unique bookmarks while reading their favorite books.
Design greeting cards: Use magazine cutouts to create unique designs for greeting cards. Students can personalize cards for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions, giving a personal touch to their gifts.
Craft paper beads: Roll magazine strips tightly around a toothpick or pencil to create colorful paper beads. These beads can be used to make bracelets, necklaces, or keychains, adding a touch of eco-friendly fashion to students' accessories.

Magazine collage art not only encourages creativity but also reinforces the importance of reusing materials, making it a perfect addition to any eco-conscious school curriculum.

Step-By-Step Collage Tutorial

Now let's dive into the world of magazine collage art with a step-by-step tutorial that will guide you through the process of creating your own stunning collages.

Collage techniques are a great way to upcycle old magazines and create sustainable art projects. To start, gather a variety of magazines with colorful images and textures.

Next, choose a theme or concept for your collage, such as nature or self-expression. Begin by cutting out interesting images or patterns from the magazines.

Arrange and layer these cutouts on a sturdy piece of paper or canvas, using glue or adhesive to secure them in place. Experiment with different compositions and textures to create depth and visual interest.

Egg Carton Seed Starters

Transform your empty egg cartons into practical and eco-friendly seed starters, perfect for nurturing young plants in your school garden. Not only will you be reusing materials that might've otherwise ended up in the trash, but you'll also be teaching your students about the importance of sustainability and alternative gardening methods. Here are four creative and practical ways to upcycle your egg cartons:

Paint and decorate: Get your students involved by allowing them to use their creative painting techniques to decorate the egg cartons. Encourage them to use vibrant colors and patterns that will make their seed starters stand out in the garden.
Cut and fill: Cut the lid off your egg carton and fill each individual cup with potting soil. Make sure to moisten the soil before planting your seeds. This will provide a nutrient-rich environment for your plants to grow.
Plant your seeds: Carefully place a seed in each cup and cover it with a thin layer of soil. Make sure to label each cup so you know what you've planted. This will help you keep track of your plants as they grow.
Water and watch: Place your seed starters in a sunny spot and water them regularly. As your plants start to grow, you'll be able to see the progress of your hard work. Once they're big enough, you can transplant them into your school garden.

CD Case Photo Frames

Looking for a creative and eco-friendly way to display your favorite photos? Look no further than CD case photo frames!

With just a few simple steps, you can upcycle old CD cases into stylish and unique photo frames.

Not only will you be giving new life to something that would otherwise be discarded, but you'll also be reducing waste and creating a one-of-a-kind piece of art for your home or classroom.

Get ready to showcase your memories in a sustainable and creative way!

Creative CD Case Upcycling

You can easily transform old CD cases into stylish and eco-friendly photo frames. Here are four creative ways to repurpose CD cases and turn them into unique decorations for your home or classroom:

Mini Gallery: Remove the CD insert and replace it with a small piece of cardboard or foam board. Decorate the frame with colorful washi tape or paint, and then attach your favorite photos or artwork inside. Hang them on the wall or display them on a shelf for an adorable mini gallery.
Magnetic Frames: Remove the CD insert and replace it with a magnetic sheet. Decorate the frame with stickers, markers, or even magazine cutouts. Now, you can stick your CD case photo frames on the fridge or any other magnetic surface in your space.
Desktop Stand: Instead of hanging your CD case frame, create a stand using a piece of cardboard or foam board. Simply fold the cardboard into a triangular shape and attach it to the back of the frame. Now, you have a unique photo frame that can stand on your desk or bookshelf.
Luminous Lanterns: Create a magical atmosphere by turning your CD cases into lanterns. Remove the CD insert and replace it with a piece of vellum paper or tissue paper. Decorate the frame with paint or markers, and then place a battery-operated tea light inside. Hang these lanterns in your outdoor space or use them as table centerpieces for a cozy glow.

With these creative CD case decorations, you can give new life to old items and contribute to a more sustainable environment. So, grab those old CD cases and let your imagination run wild!

Eco-Friendly Photo Frame

To continue exploring the possibilities of upcycling CD cases, let's now focus on creating eco-friendly photo frames that are both stylish and sustainable.

CD cases can be transformed into unique and eye-catching photo frames that not only showcase your favorite memories but also contribute to a greener planet.

Start by removing the paper insert from the CD case and replace it with recycled paper art. You can create beautiful designs using old magazines, newspapers, or even scrap paper. Cut the recycled paper to fit the dimensions of the CD case and glue it in place. This adds a touch of creativity and uniqueness to your photo frame.

To make it even more eco-friendly, consider adding eco-friendly candle holders to the frame. These can be made from recycled materials such as glass jars or tin cans. Simply place a small candle inside and enjoy the warm glow it provides.

With these eco-friendly photo frames, you can proudly display your cherished memories while also making a positive impact on the environment.

Fabric Scrap Bookmarks

Create unique and eco-friendly bookmarks by repurposing fabric scraps with this simple and creative craft project. Not only will you be helping the environment by upcycling materials, but you'll also have a practical and stylish accessory for your favorite books.

To make fabric scrap bookmarks, you'll need the following materials:

Fabric scraps: Dig through your old clothes or ask friends and family for their unwanted fabric scraps. This is a great opportunity to repurpose that old pair of jeans or that patterned shirt you never wear.
Cardboard: Cut small rectangles from cardboard, about the size of a standard bookmark. This will serve as the base for your fabric scraps.
Glue: Use non-toxic glue that's safe for fabric. This will help secure the fabric to the cardboard.
Embellishments: Get creative! Add buttons, ribbons, or even embroidery to personalize your bookmarks.

Now that you have your materials ready, follow these steps:

Choose your fabric scraps and cut them into strips or shapes that will fit onto the cardboard.
Apply glue to the cardboard and carefully place the fabric onto it, pressing firmly to ensure it sticks.
Let the glue dry completely before adding any embellishments.
Once dry, you can add any additional decorations you like. Let your imagination run wild!

There you have it – your very own fabric scrap bookmarks. These unique accessories won't only keep your place in your favorite books but also serve as a reminder of your creativity and commitment to the environment. Happy crafting!

Glass Jar Lanterns

Looking for a fun and eco-friendly way to add some decorative lighting to your school? Glass jar lanterns are the perfect solution!

Not only are they simple to make, but they're also budget-friendly, making them a great option for schools on a tight budget.

Plus, with endless creative customization ideas, you can create lanterns that are unique to your school's style and preferences.

Decorative Lighting Options

If you're searching for a fun and eco-friendly way to add a touch of whimsy to your school's decor, consider making glass jar lanterns. These decorative candleholders aren't only a creative way to repurpose old glass jars, but they also provide a warm and inviting glow to any space.

Here are four ideas to get you started:

Painted Lanterns: Give your glass jars a pop of color by painting them with non-toxic, water-based paint. Let your creativity run wild and experiment with different patterns and designs.
Nature-inspired Lanterns: Add a natural touch by wrapping the glass jars with twine or jute rope. You can also embellish them with dried flowers, leaves, or pinecones for a rustic feel.
Stenciled Lanterns: Use stencils to create intricate designs on the glass jars. Opt for eco-friendly paint or markers to ensure the safety of your students.
Hanging Lanterns: Attach wire or twine to the top of the glass jars to create hanging lanterns. Hang them from tree branches or ceiling hooks for a magical ambiance.

These recycled glass lamps won't only enhance your school's decor, but they'll also teach students the importance of upcycling and sustainability.

Simple and Budget-Friendly

To create simple and budget-friendly glass jar lanterns, all you need are a few basic supplies and a dash of creativity. These eco-friendly projects are perfect for upcycling in schools and can be a fun activity for students of all ages.

Start by collecting empty glass jars, such as mason jars or baby food jars. Clean them thoroughly and remove any labels.

Next, grab some craft wire or twine to create a handle for the lantern. You can also use paint or markers to decorate the jars with colorful designs or patterns.

Finally, add a tea light or battery-operated candle inside the jar and hang it up using the wire or twine handle.

These simple crafts won't only brighten up any space but also promote sustainability and creativity in your school.

Creative Customization Ideas

Get ready to unleash your creativity and transform plain glass jars into stunning lanterns with these imaginative customization ideas. Here are four ways you can give your glass jar lanterns a unique touch:

Newspaper Crafts: Use strips of newspaper and decoupage glue to create a vintage look on your lanterns. Simply apply the strips to the jar, layering them until the desired effect is achieved. Finish off with a coat of sealant for durability.
Plastic Bottle Crafts: Cut out shapes from plastic bottles and attach them to your glass jar lanterns. You can create intricate designs or simple patterns, depending on your preference. Paint the plastic shapes in vibrant colors to make them stand out.
Paint and Stencils: Use acrylic paints and stencils to add beautiful designs to your lanterns. Choose stencils that match your theme or create your own. Experiment with different colors and patterns to create a personalized lantern.
Nature-Inspired Embellishments: Collect leaves, flowers, and twigs from your surroundings and attach them to your lanterns using glue or twine. This will give your lanterns a natural, earthy feel.

With these creative customization ideas, your glass jar lanterns will become eye-catching pieces that will illuminate any space with style and charm.

Milk Jug Bird Feeder

Transform an ordinary milk jug into a charming bird feeder that will attract feathered friends to your schoolyard. Creating a milk jug bird feeder isn't only a fun and creative activity but also an eco-friendly way to repurpose materials and promote sustainability.

By upcycling a milk jug, you can contribute to reducing waste and providing a safe feeding spot for birds in your school's surroundings.

To make a milk jug bird feeder, start by cleaning an empty milk jug thoroughly. Remove the cap and cut a small hole near the base of the jug, making sure it's large enough for birds to access the seeds.

Next, make two small holes on opposite sides of the jug's neck and insert a wooden dowel or stick through them to create a perching spot for the birds.

Fill the jug with birdseed, making sure to keep it dry and protected from rain or snow. Hang the feeder from a tree branch or a hook using a sturdy string or wire.

Remember to place it in a spot that's easily visible to birds and away from potential predators.

Paper Roll Masks

After creating a milk jug bird feeder, continue your eco-friendly crafting journey by exploring the world of paper roll masks. Paper roll masks aren't only a fun and creative way to upcycle, but they also provide endless possibilities for imaginative play and self-expression.

Here are four ideas to get you started:

Animal Masks: Transform your paper rolls into adorable animal masks. Whether it's a lion, a rabbit, or a butterfly, let your imagination run wild. Paint the rolls in vibrant colors and add details like ears, whiskers, or feathers to bring your mask to life.
Superhero Masks: Unleash your inner superhero by creating paper roll masks inspired by your favorite comic book characters. Use markers, glitter, and stickers to design a mask that reflects your unique powers and personality.
Fantasy Masks: Dive into a world of fantasy by making masks inspired by mythical creatures. From dragons and unicorns to fairies and mermaids, these masks will transport you to a magical realm.
Halloween Masks: Get ready for the spookiest time of the year by designing paper roll masks for Halloween. Whether you want to be a scary monster, a wicked witch, or a friendly ghost, these masks will add a touch of frightful fun to your costume.

With paper roll masks, you can let your creativity soar while also reducing waste. So grab those empty rolls, gather your art supplies, and start crafting your own unique masks today.

Plastic Spoon Flowers

To create beautiful and eco-friendly crafts, try making plastic spoon flowers. This creative spoon craft isn't only a fun and engaging project for students but also an excellent way to promote eco-friendly practices in schools. Plastic spoon flowers are a great example of upcycling, where everyday items are repurposed into something new and useful.

To make plastic spoon flowers, you'll need a few simple materials. Start by gathering plastic spoons, preferably the ones made from recyclable materials. You'll also need paint, brushes, and a sturdy base such as a cardboard or paper plate. First, paint the spoons in vibrant colors of your choice. Once the paint has dried, cut the spoon heads into petal shapes. Arrange the petals in a circular pattern on the base, overlapping them slightly to create a layered effect. Secure the petals in place with glue or tape.

Plastic spoon flowers can be used in various ways. They can be displayed as beautiful decorations in classrooms or school hallways. They can also be attached to dowels or sticks to create unique and colorful garden markers. Additionally, plastic spoon flowers can be gifted to teachers, parents, or fellow students as a thoughtful and eco-friendly present.

T-Shirt Tote Bags

Continuing our exploration of eco-friendly crafts, let's now turn our attention to T-Shirt Tote Bags, another fantastic way to repurpose materials and reduce waste. T-shirt upcycling isn't only a practical solution to reducing textile waste but also a fun and creative activity for students.

Here are four reasons why T-Shirt Tote Bags are a great sustainable fashion project for schools:

Easy to make: All you need is an old t-shirt, a pair of scissors, and some basic sewing skills. Students can transform their old, unwanted t-shirts into stylish and functional tote bags in just a few simple steps.
Customizable designs: T-Shirt Tote Bags offer endless possibilities for creativity. Students can personalize their bags by adding fabric paints, patches, or even by cutting out shapes or words from other t-shirts and stitching them on.
Practical and versatile: These tote bags aren't only fashionable but also practical for everyday use. Students can use them to carry books, groceries, or even as a beach bag. By using T-Shirt Tote Bags instead of disposable plastic bags, students can contribute to reducing single-use plastic waste.
Promotes sustainability: T-Shirt Tote Bags encourage students to think about the environmental impact of fast fashion and the importance of reusing and repurposing materials. By engaging in this eco-friendly craft, students can learn about sustainable fashion and make a positive impact on the planet.

Upcycled Paper Beads

Transforming old newspapers, magazines, or scrap paper into beautiful and unique upcycled paper beads is a creative and eco-friendly project that students will love. Not only does it teach them about recycling and repurposing materials, but it also allows them to create their own personalized jewelry. Making newspaper jewelry is a fun and inexpensive way to express creativity while reducing waste.

To create upcycled paper beads, start by cutting long triangular strips from the paper. The width of each strip will determine the size of the bead. Next, apply a thin layer of glue along one edge of the strip and start rolling it tightly from that end. As you roll, continue applying glue to ensure the bead holds its shape. Once the entire strip is rolled, apply a final layer of glue to secure the end.

After the beads have dried, they can be painted, varnished, or left as is for a more rustic look. String them onto a piece of thread or wire to create necklaces, bracelets, or even earrings. The possibilities are endless!

Wine Cork Keychains

Get ready to add a touch of eco-friendly charm to your keys with these creative and practical wine cork keychains. Wine cork crafts are a fantastic way to upcycle and repurpose materials that would otherwise go to waste. With just a few simple steps, you can transform a wine cork into a unique and stylish keychain that not only looks great but also helps reduce waste.

Here are four easy steps to make your own eco-friendly keychains using wine corks:

Gather your materials: You'll need wine corks, keychain hooks, small eye screws, and decorative beads or charms.
Preparing the cork: Carefully drill a small hole into the top of the cork. Make sure the hole is big enough to fit the eye screw securely.
Adding the eye screw: Screw the eye screw into the hole you drilled in the cork. This will serve as the attachment point for your keychain hook.
Personalize and finish: Add decorative beads or charms to the eye screw to give your keychain a personal touch. Attach the keychain hook to the eye screw, and your eco-friendly wine cork keychain is ready to use!

These wine cork keychains aren't only a fun and creative project but also a great way to promote sustainability and reduce waste. So go ahead, get crafting, and add some eco-friendly flair to your keys!

Conclusion

In just a few simple steps, these eco-friendly crafts will transform ordinary waste into extraordinary masterpieces!

From turning newspaper into a stylish basket to upcycling plastic bottles into vibrant planters, these projects won't only help save the planet but ignite the creativity of students.

By reusing materials that would otherwise end up in landfills, these crafts teach valuable lessons about sustainability and the power of imagination.

So grab your scissors, glue, and let's get crafting for a greener future!