Tin can as gifts!

This soft drinks can has been recycled to make an interesting gift. The can has been washed,covered in paper and small sweets such as smarties have been inserted through the tab hole. The tab has then been carefully glued down with a glue gun and the tab decorated with ribbons to make an interesting gift. You could use other cans where the whole lid comes off to insert larger items such as little Easter eggs for an Easter present with a twist. Why not give this a go?

Recycled plastic vase!

I had this pop bottle lying around and decided to make a vase. I sliced off the top of the bottle with a sharp knife and cut the bottle into equal 1 inch vertical strips. The strips were then heated carefully over a gas hob, at a distance until the strips formed interesting shapes. The effect is simple yet effective. Why not give this a try rather than just simply recycling as this is a lot more fun!

Make a suncatcher!

Why not have a go at making this lovely suncatcher now the weather is improving and spring is here. This is made from a plastic lid. The art work is completed by using permanent felt tips such as Sharpies. Start by drawing the outline of your pattern with a black pen and continue by filling in the colour. Add a handle. A hair bobble or pipe cleaner will do very well. Attach to a window for a lovely effect. This couldn't be easier and is a great project for the kids. Why not give it a try?

Plastic chandelier anyone?

Still on the recycling theme why don't you try making this plastic bottle chandelier which is made using one main bottle and lots of bottles cut and heated to make interesting shapes.The whole structure is held on by wire. What do you think? Is this taking recycling too far or is this innovative and stylish. What are your thoughts? Do you have any interesting and creative recycling ideas?

Plastic bottle terrarium!

Plastic bottles can be recycled in lots of ways. They can take 1000 years to degrade so it is vitally important that they are recycled. This terrarium is made by pulling off the coloured outer section of the bottle by pulling, removing the label and cutting the bottle roughly in half. Please be careful with the knife!  Then push the half bottle back into the coloured section and there you have an instance terrarium for growing any type of plant in its own eco system.  Why not give this a go?

Recycling-tin can lanterns!

This is a really easy and stylish way of recycling tin cans. Clean can and remove the label. Draw the outline of the pattern with felt and make the pattern by  using  a hammer and nail and hammering the nail repeatedly to make the holes. This is surprisingly  easy when you get used to it but does take some practice. When complete paint can with emulsion. You may want to add a wire handle . Add a tea light and you have a stylish lantern from nothing. Why not give it a try!

Paper bead bracelet-mother's day gift!

These bracelets were made by finding colourful paper from magazines and free newspapers. Cut the paper into 10 inch strips like long  isoceles triangles tapering to a point, the base being about an inch and a half long. Paste pva glue to the wrong side and roll up the paper from the wider end first. Roll tightly and hold until the bead sticks together. You can roll onto cocktail sticks or I use a thin knitting needle. Use clear nail varnish to add gloss and protect the paper. Allow to dry and thread on elastic. Voila.  You have an original bracelet just right for a mother's day gift. Why not give this a try?