It’s kind of wild how much stuff ends up in the trash or recycling bin – empty toilet paper rolls, plastic bottles, tin cans, and endless other bits and bobs. But! A lot of these everyday throwaways are just waiting for a second act. Instead of tossing them, why not turn them into something fun, useful, or even a little bit pretty for your home?
Here are 20 craft projects that show how stuff you’d normally ditch can become organizers, garden helpers, home décor, jewelry, and toys for kids. Some of these are super simple, while others, like jewelry or woven baskets, take a bit more time. There’s a little something for everyone: projects with paper, plastic, fabric scraps, glass jars, and metal cans.
Most of these ideas use what you already have lying around, plus maybe some glue, paint, or scissors. Whether you want to tidy up, make a quirky gift, or just keep your hands busy for an afternoon, these projects are a pretty good excuse to get creative and keep some stuff out of the landfill.
1) Toilet paper roll desk organizer
Got a pile of empty toilet paper rolls? You can turn them into a handy desk organizer for your pens, markers, and all those random office supplies. Try cutting them at different heights for a little variety, then slap on some paint, fabric, or even leftover wrapping paper, whatever matches your vibe.
Glue the decorated rolls together or stick them onto a cardboard base in any layout you like. It’s a budget-friendly project and a surprisingly satisfying way to tidy up your workspace.
2) Plastic bottle self-watering planter
Take a plastic bottle, cut it in half, and flip the top into the bottom. The upper part holds your plant and soil, while the bottom is a water reservoir.
Poke a small hole in the cap so water can slowly seep up. This way, your plant’s soil stays moist without you having to water every day. Works with almost any size bottle – herbs, flowers, little veggies, whatever you’ve got.
3) Cardboard tube bird feeder
Empty toilet paper or paper towel rolls can actually become bird feeders in about 15 minutes. Smear the tube with peanut butter (or vegetable shortening if you’ve got allergies), then roll it in birdseed.
Thread some string through and hang it from a tree. It’s a quick way to use up cardboard tubes and maybe even make some feathered friends in your yard.
4) Bottle cap art
Bottle caps are actually perfect for making art! From floral wall art or little decorative boards. Collect caps in a bunch of colors, sketch out your idea on cardboard or wood, and glue the caps down in whatever pattern you want.
It’s a bit fiddly but pretty rewarding, and you get to keep all that plastic out of the trash. The finished piece is always a conversation starter.
5) Tin can lanterns
Empty tin cans can turn into surprisingly cute lanterns. Clean out the cans, then use a hammer and nail to punch holes in whatever pattern you like.
Spray paint the outside for a pop of color, or leave them as-is for a rustic look. Pop in a tea light and enjoy the patterns of light on your patio or in your living room. These are great for parties or just making things feel cozy.
6) Egg carton flower decorations
Those cardboard egg cartons? They’re basically flowers waiting to happen. Cut out the cups, trim the edges into petal shapes, and paint them however you want.
Stick a bamboo skewer or pipe cleaner in as a stem; hot glue works best, but regular glue will do in a pinch. These look cute in wreaths, garlands, or just in a vase for a little homemade cheer.
7) Cereal box photo frames
Don’t toss those cereal boxes! Cut them up and turn them into photo frames. Just snip out the shape you want, then decorate with paint, leftover fabric, or even magazine clippings.
The cardboard is sturdy enough for embellishments like paper quilling or decorative patterns. Tape your photo to the back and add a little stand or a hook if you want to hang it up.
8) Glass jar candle holders
Empty glass jars (pasta sauce or old candle jars etc.) make great candle holders. Clean them out and you can use them plain, or wrap some twine or lace around for a little extra style.
Frosted glass spray gives them a vintage, cozy vibe. These are awesome as table centerpieces or just to add a bit of glow around the house.
9) Magazine paper beads jewelry
Old magazines pile up fast, but you can roll the pages into colorful beads for necklaces, bracelets, whatever you’re into. Cut the pages into long triangles and roll them up tight around a toothpick, dabbing the end with glue.
Seal the beads with clear varnish or mod podge if you want them shiny and tough. The colors and patterns are always a surprise! String them up for custom jewelry that’s totally one-of-a-kind.
10) Old CD Coasters & Clocks
Got a stack of old CDs nobody listens to anymore? Turn them into shiny coasters and functional clocks! You can use a range of materials and embellishments, or let the CDs shine with their natural luminescence.
The holographic effect is pretty cool and protects your table from drink rings. Honestly, it’s a neat way to use up old tech that’s just gathering dust.
11) Plastic spoon flower wreath
Plastic spoons aren’t just for parties, they can become a surprisingly chic flower wreath. Snap off the handles, arrange the spoon bowls in circles to make flowers, and glue them onto a wreath base.
Paint them any color you like, or leave them white for a simple look. It’s a quick, inexpensive way to make a decorative piece that works year-round.
12) T-shirt yarn braided rug
Those old t-shirts you never wear? Cut them into strips and braid them into a rug – no sewing required. Just braid three strips into a long rope, then coil it into a circle or oval, gluing or stitching as you go.
You can make it as big or small as you want, and the colors are totally up to you. It’s a cool way to use up old clothes and add a pop of color to any room.
13) Wine cork bulletin board
If you save wine corks (or know someone who does), you can make a bulletin board out of them. Glue them inside a frame or onto a piece of cardboard for a spot to pin notes, recipes, or reminders.
It works in the kitchen, home office, or even the hallway. The cork texture is kind of cool, and it’s a nice excuse to hang onto those corks from special bottles.
14) Milk carton seed starter pots
Empty milk cartons are perfect for starting seeds. Just cut the carton open, either the long way or across, whatever fits your windowsill best.
Fill it with seed starting mix and plant your seeds. The carton keeps moisture in and gives roots plenty of space. Don’t forget to poke a few holes in the bottom for drainage, or you’ll end up with a soggy mess.
15) Newspaper woven baskets
Ever looked at a pile of old newspapers and wondered what you could do with them? Turns out, you can make surprisingly sturdy storage baskets just by weaving. Grab some newspaper sheets, roll them up tightly on a wooden skewer, and you’ve got the basic “tubes” for weaving.
Once you get the hang of it, you can play around with the basket’s shape and size, just use more or fewer tubes, or weave tighter if you want it sturdier. These little baskets are handy for corralling things like keys, jewelry, or all those craft odds and ends that never seem to have a home.
16) Fabric scrap patchwork pillow
If you’re like me, you’ve probably got a stash of fabric scraps you can’t quite bring yourself to toss. Why not turn them into a patchwork pillow? Cut your scraps into squares or rectangles; uniform-ish is fine, no need to stress.
Lay them out until you find a combo you like. Sew the pieces together for the front, making sure your seams don’t go too wild. Attach a solid backing, stuff it, and you’ve got a pillow that’s both colorful and totally unique. It’s a fun way to show off all those random prints and textures you’ve collected.
17) Soda can tabs chainmail bracelet
Who knew those soda can tabs could be turned into chainmail bracelets? It’s easier than it sounds. Basically, you thread the tabs through each other to make interlocking patterns, kind of like a mini suit of metal armor, but for your wrist.
The European 4 in 1 weave works surprisingly well here. You’ll need about 20 to 30 tabs, give or take, depending on how big you want the bracelet. The end result? A metallic, slightly edgy accessory that looks way more complicated than it is.
18) Tin can wind chimes
Got a bunch of empty food cans? They’re perfect for making wind chimes for the garden or porch. Start by cleaning them out, then punch a hole in the bottom of each can. Run some string or twine through and tie knots so they hang at different heights.
You can hang them from a branch, a wooden dowel, or even an old metal ring, whatever’s handy. If you’re feeling creative, paint or decoupage the cans before stringing them up. When the wind blows, you’ll get a mix of gentle clinks and clatters that’s oddly soothing.
19) Plastic container plant holders
Old food or cosmetic containers make the perfect base for modern mini planters. Glue thin wooden sticks to the sides as legs, creating a simple stilted stand.
Paint the container for a clean, cohesive look, then wrap twine around sections for added texture. The mix of height and natural detail gives your succulents a stylish, upcycled home.
20) Paper roll kaleidoscope
Got a few empty paper towel or toilet paper rolls lying around? You can turn them into surprisingly cool kaleidoscopes with just some aluminum foil, beads, and a bit of clear plastic. Basically, you’ll make a triangular mirror setup inside the tube; foil or shiny mylar sheets work pretty well for this part.
Then, toss in some colorful bits and bobs (sequins, beads, whatever tiny treasures you’ve got) at one end, sandwiched between two clear plastic circles. The outside’s fair game too: paint it, slap on washi tape, or wrap it in paper. Why not make it your own?