Recycled Crafts

Crafts made from household items.

Mug rack

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This mug rack will make such a great addition to anyones kitchen. This would make great gift for a mug collector. You will need a piece of wood, a drill and small screws. I started by collecting some old spoons,(if you don’t have any, thrift stores or a discount store are an inexpensive place to buy them). Thin spoons work best because they are easier to drill into. I used an old cabinet door for this project but any piece of wood would work.

Start by drilling holes into the ‘bowl’ part of the spoons. You will also need to drill holes into the wood, leaving a good 3 or 4 inches between holes. If you plan on painting the wood, do so before attaching the spoons. Using small screws, attach the spoons (bowl facing out) to the wood.

Once you have all your spoons attached, you can begin to bend the handles upward, towards the bowl of the spoon, making a hook. After you have bent all the spoons into the right angels, hang your new rack. Add all of your favorite mugs, by hanging them to the spoons by the handle.

Supplies Needed:

  • Wood (size varies)
  • Thin metal spoons
  • Drill w/bit
  • Small screws
  • Paint (optional)

Baby food jar crafts

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There are so many different things you can use these jars for. They make perfect votive holders, jewelry jars, snow globes,

spice jars, hair accessories holder, nuts and screw holders just to name a few.When I made jewelry jars, I hot glued big chunky beads to the bottom for legs. Other great ideas for legs would be… wine corks, marbles or small knobs from cabinets, to name a few. I took an old brooch and glued it the lid, then glued beads of similar color around the edge of the lid, to give it a finished look. If you have any mismatched jewelry, that would be perfect for this project. I made several in two different sizes.

Here are instructions for the votive holder. I personally have never burned the candles in the container, I use them for decorative purposes. I first glued tiny beads to the edge of the lid, once the glue was dry, I flipped the lid over and hot glued it to the bottom of the jar. This step is not necessary, It’s up to you. You could also glue beads to the bottom for feet. I would suggest using a hot glue gun, in the event that you want to burn the candle, the glue can withstand a higher temp than any average craft glue. I glued tiny beads around the edge of the jar (this helps to mask the fact that it’s a jar). I also glued beads in a flower design on the side of the jar for an extra decorative touch.

Here’s how I made the snow globe. This project can be done using any size jar. You will need water proof glue ( you can find water resistant glue in the plumbing department) . I used my hot glue gun but you need to make sure that you apply enough to make a good seal or water could seep out. Start by applying a thick layer of glue on the inside of the jar lid, if you are using a clear glue, sprinkle white glitter on top of it before the glue dries (this is going to be the snow on the ground). You will also want to place your figures where you want them at this time. I purchased small Christmas figures from my local $1 store. After the glue is completely dry, fill the jar with water and add white glitter (enough to make the snow effect when shaken). Twist the lid on tight and seal the outer part of the lid with glue. Wrap ribbon around the lid, covering any of the glue. Turn the jar over, and you have a cute little snow globe. These globes can be made with any other theme. A Valentine globe can be achieved by using red glitter and Valentine figures. You can make these for any occasion, use your imagination.

To use these jars for spices, just add your favorite spice to each one. You can even decorate them to match your decor. For a great spice rack, you will need a narrow piece of wood, a drill and small screw. Start by screwing holes in the lids of the jars large enough to fit the screws. Drill the same size holes in the wood, leaving about 4 inches between holes. Screw the lids of the jars to the piece of wood then attach the wood to the under part of a cabinet. Once the wood is secure, you can now screw the jars to the lids. Now you have a cute spice display and the jars aren’t taking up any room. This project can be used to organize many things, jewelry, hair accessories, nuts and bolts, etc.

Supplies needed for the snow globe:

  • Baby food jar or any jar
  • Water
  • Water resistant glue or hot glue gun
  • Glue sticks (if using glue gun)
  • Ribbon
  • Glitter (what ever color appropriate for your project)
  • Small figurines

Supplies needed for standing Jewelry holder or hair accessory organizer:

Supplies Needed for spice rack/ other organizer

  • Baby food jars
  • Drill w/bit ( same size as screws)
  • Small screws
  • Strip of wood (size depends on project)