Approach the Recycling Bin with Caution, Crafty Moms!

Oh, look at that cute craft, and it's made of recycled junk, wow. "Kids, let's make it."

Convenience items and their containers seem to multiply between summer gathering and the simple fact that more people are home. When the recycling bin starts to bulge, it can be a great time to let the kids use up some of as art supplies. This keeps everyone entertained, teaches them valuable skills and saves a ton of money on materials. Plus, depending on the project, you gain some new summer d©cor.

It also may mean you just gain more junk, but now the junk is infused with sentimental pride.

If you have ever made a decoupaged pencil holder, wind chimes or a tin can scarecrow for the garden, then you are experienced in this process. Experience should also come with a bit of wisdom. As an experienced mom and art teacher, I have had my fair share of experience. Consider the following tips to avoid letting junk take over your home.

General recycling craft tips;

Keep it simple. Many recycled art projects are far more complicated than they need to be. Use what you have on hand to make something new. Following the directions for some projects means that would be ultimately spending more time and money than the finished item would be worth. For example, if you can buy the same project for half-price at the Dollar store, than you may want to think twice about spending weeks on a recycled craft project.

Improvise. Some projects may look great one way, but if the main item called for is not something common in your home than it really isn't worth it. For example, my teen daughter thought it would be great fun to make chip bag tote bags. They are very cute. She wanted to use the Cheeto Cheetah's image to make a bright orange bag, the problem is, I really didn't want the family eating all that junk food. I needed to improvise and find something that naturally accumulates in the house, namely store ads and magazines. Pulling out all the red, orange and yellow pages allowed me to finish the project, without gaining twenty pounds or permanently staining my fingers orange!

Start with the end in mind. As an artist and a mom, I know how quickly projects can accumulate. Making toy robots from multiple boxes and odds and ends can be a lot of fun with the right group of kids, but consider where those robots will go. How about easing the transition from the creation to their ultimate demise by talking about possibly having a photo shoot with the robots. Take photos of their creations in the front yard, "driving" the car, swinging on a swing and then let the kids arrange the photos in a booklet with a storyline to go with it. Now, when the recycled craft is looking shabby, it won't be such a loss.

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