Recycled Holiday Crafts

For most people, the holiday season tends to not only get busy, but also expensive. Take some time out and create some of these holiday decorations made of recycled items and items already in the house.

Before starting these or any crafts, it is best to find ample workspace. If using a table, make sure to cover it with newspaper to avoid spills and drips. It is also important to remember that acrylic paints do stain. If working with children, make sure they are wearing old clothes or a smock to protect clothing. Also, gather the supplies needed before starting. This will avoid looking for items at the last minute. Most of all, remember to have a good time when creating unique works of art.

Candle Holder
Idea: Make several of these in a variety of sizes and line up on the fireplace mantel.
Items needed:
Baby food jar, washed and label removed
Tissue paper
Glue, thinned with water
Paintbrush
Directions:
Tear tissue paper into very small pieces. Brush thinned glue with tissue paper all over the baby food jar. Place tissue paper, overlapping on the jar. Brush another light layer of glue over the tissue paper to help smooth and seal the tissue paper. When the tissue paper has dried, place a small votive candle or tea light candle inside. Make several of these for decorations or tie green or red raffia around the top to give as gifts.

Lid Picture Ornaments
Idea: Use these for tree ornaments or to decorate packages. Take pictures of the recipient and put it on the ornament.
Items needed:
Small plastic lids, such as those from individual ice cream containers
Ribbon
Sequins, lace, buttons or other items to decorate the outside
Picture
Hot glue gun
Clean lid and use the buttons, sequins or lace to adorn the edge of the lid. After it has dried, cut a photo to the size of the center of the lid and glue in place. Use the side with the indention in the lid. When dry, punch a hole in the top of the lid and thread ribbon to use to hang, or hot glue a loop of ribbon from the back of the ornament. Hang these on the tree or on packages.

Star Tree Topper
Idea: Instead of making a star, make a tree instead. Follow these basic instructions, but cut out a green tree and decorate.
Supplies needed:
Empty toilet paper roll
Heavy cardboard or poster board
Gold or silver foil
Sequins
Clear packing tape or hot glue gun
Cut the cardboard or poster board into the shape of a large star. Make it as big or as small as you need it to go on the top of your tree. Cover the star with the foil and decorate with sequins. Glue the sequins around the edge or try using glitter or glitter glue to decorate. Use the packing tape or glue gun to secure the toilet paper roll on the back of the star. Place it on the top of the tree.