DIY Network

Creative Recycling From "DIY Crafts" episode DIC-145

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Figure A Figure B Figure C Figure D Figure E Figure F Figure G Figure H Figure I Figure J Figure K Figure L Figure M

Environmentalist Carolyn Jab recycles household products in a variety of creative ways. Here are some suggestions:

1. Use a cardboard detergent box as a magazine holder by cutting off the top and cutting the front and back at an angle from the upper corner to a point halfway down the box on the opposite side (figure A).
   

2. Make a file holder by cutting the bottom and top off a cereal box and cutting away one side (figure B).
   

3. Make a sensory-stimulator learning tool for a preschooler using an egg carton and materials with different textures such as cotton, a sponge, Easter-basket grass, etc. Poke holes in the bottoms of each of the molded egg-shaped holders in the carton just large enough for little fingers to reach inside but not large enough to provide a view (figure C). Cut off the top of another egg carton and fill each of the compartments with textured materials (figure D). Turn the first egg carton over, and place the filled egg-carton bottom on the inside of the lid. Close the lid, and let youngsters guess what they feel when they poke their fingers inside.
   

4. Turn an egg carton over, and use the bottom to hold taco shells while you fill them (figure E).
   

5. Use paper bags to make book covers (figure F).
   

6. Cut off the finger of a discarded rubber glove, place it over your index finger, and use it to turn the pages of a magazine or the phone book (figure G). Put a rubber-glove finger on the end of a broom or mop so it won't mar the wall. Cut flower shapes from the palm of an old rubber glove, and put them on the bottom of the bathtub to prevent slipping. Cut off the wrist of an old rubber glove to use as a giant rubber band.
   

7. Turn single socks into bean bags for the kids (figure H). Cut off the toe of a sock, and slide a coffee mug inside the remaining tube for a mug cozy (figure I). Stitch the tops of two socks together to make a stocking cap. Make gift-wrap for a bottle of wine by slipping an old sock over the bottle. Tie a bow around the neck of the bottle (figure J).
   

8. Remove the ball applicator from a roll-on deodorant bottle. Refill the bottle with paint, and replace the ball applicator for easy roll-on painting. Or fill the bottle with water, replace the roll-on ball, and use for moistening stamps, envelopes, etc. (figure K).
   

9. Cut a square well through the pages of an old book with a heavy-duty utility blade. It helps to draw a template on the top page and cut a few layers at a time -- be sure to go slowly. When the hole is completed, glue the edges of the book together with wallpaper paste, and use the well as a hiding place for jewelry or other valuables. When the cover of the book is closed, no one will know what's inside (figure L ).
   

10. Mount photos of your kids on the inside of jar lids and put magnets on the back for cute picture frames to place on the fridge (figure M).