October 15, 2026

Recycled Crafts for Kids

Cardboard tubes and boxes turned into animals and a robot

Recycled crafts start in the recycling bin: tubes, boxes, and caps that are clean and dry. These projects show children that a used package can become something new. Rinse containers and skip anything that held harsh cleaners.

Tube binoculars

Ages: 5+. Time: 15 minutes.

You need: two toilet-paper tubes, tape, yarn, crayon.

  1. Tape the tubes side by side.
  2. Punch two holes and tie yarn as a neck strap, with an adult.
  3. Decorate the outside.
  4. Look through them at something across the room.

The strap is optional. Tape alone makes a working pair.

Box garage

Ages: 6+. Time: 30 minutes.

You need: a small cardboard box, scissors, markers.

  1. An adult cuts a door in one face.
  2. Draw a road on a sheet of paper in front of the door.
  3. Add a sign and windows with a marker.
  4. Drive a toy car in and out.

Leave the top closed so the box stays strong.

Cap stamps

Ages: 4+. Time: 15 minutes.

You need: clean plastic caps, washable paint, paper.

  1. Pour a thin layer of paint on a plate.
  2. Dip the rim of a cap.
  3. Press and lift.
  4. Repeat to make rings and flowers.

The rim prints a circle. The flat top prints a disk. Try both.

Envelope puppet

Ages: 5+. Time: 20 minutes.

You need: a used envelope, scissors, markers, scrap paper.

  1. Seal the envelope and cut a small mouth slit, or use the flap as a mouth.
  2. Draw eyes above the opening.
  3. Add paper teeth if you want.
  4. Slide a hand in and make it talk.

A greeting-card envelope is sturdier than a thin bill envelope.

The Imagination Hive is a children’s art and STEM studio in Milton, Ontario. These projects use ordinary paper and scraps so you can start today.

Keep making