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Who doesn't like to save a buck today? Crafters are no different and most know a lot about recycling. Without it, crafting can get quite expensive. However, it's not only a frugal approach to crafting; it's also fun and helps keep our landfills from overflowing.
Crafters love to share their ideas and I'm a crafter, so here are some of my favorite recycling craft ideas and some I found online.

SPORTS EQUIPMENT

1-Cover an old basketball with grout and broken glass for mosaic yard art.
2-Attach brackets to a skateboard and mount on wall for a shelf.
3-Glue golf balls around a picture frame for a sports enthusiast.
4-Use a fishing rod or pool cue for a curtain rod.

LIGHT BULBS

1-Cover with paper mache, paint and tap gently to break the bulb for great maracas.
2-Turn into ornaments: http://www.allfreecrafts.com/d ecorations/lightbulb.shtml
3-Ma ke a window vase like this: http://www.craftbits.com/viewP roject.do?projectID=886
4-Creat e this darling bug: www.hgtv.com/hgtv/cr_home_acce ssories/article/0,HGTV_3255_32 37180,00.html

WINDOW FRAMES

1-Fill each pane with pictures of family
2-Fill each frame with mirrors.
3-Leave panes empty and hang in garden for art.
4-Fill whole frame with one outdoor scene and use where you have no windows.

PAPER

1-Make new paper! Go here for instructions: www.instructables.com/
2-Make Christmas tree decorations from old greeting cards.
3-Create a collage from old magazines, pictures and cards.
4-Make a Pinata. Learn how here: http://familyfun.go.com/

JARS

1- Make a snow globe. How to: http://chemistry.about.com/cs/ howtos/ht/snowglobe.htm
2-Potat o soup in a jar: http://www.allfreecrafts.com/g iftinajar/potato-soup.shtml
3-M ake into canister sets with sticker labels.
4-Fill baby food jars with candy, label with name and use as place markers at parties.

BOTTLES

1-Use as a bud vase.
2-Use as a holder for a taper. Use several in a group for a centerpiece.
3-Fill with herbed oils or vinegars for gifts.
4-Cut several16 oz plastic bottles in half, color with magic markers, attach to string of Christmas lights, using one on each light and use on patio for magic night lights.

CANS

1-Make your child stilts with two cans and some rope.
2-Poke holes in a design and add a votive candle for ambient lighting.
3-Decorate and use for pencils, pens, craft tools and art brushes.
4-Flatten a coffee can by removing both ends and cutting down the side by the seam. Paint a flag on it and then rough it up to make it appear old.

COMPUTER PARTS

1-Make a robot with computer parts, use wire for hair.
2-Use a computer board for a retro clock face.
3-Create jewelry from the various parts inside the computer.
4-Use your old CDs for coasters or refrigerator magnets by gluing on pictures.

FABRIC SCRAPS

1-Make a crazy quilt
2-Create patchwork clothing, throw pillows and book covers.
3-Make doll clothes, stuffed animals and book covers.
4-Braid long strips into ropes and sew together to create a braided rug.

SOCKS

1-Fill with beans and use as beanbags to toss at a decorated cardboard box.
2-To make a puppet, sew on button eyes, yarn hair and add some jewelry.
3-Make great hand and feet warmers by adding rice and tying the end shut.
4-Fill with beans or rice and use doors to stop drafts. Add a face with buttons.

These are only a few of many ideas. Look around you and think of the limitless possibilities for used or unwanted items. Start by paying attention to everything you discard and ask yourself if there is someway, you could use it. You may end up a recycle craft nut like me.

Learn more about this author, Pamela Kay.
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