– Craft Stew –

Now that everyone looks up numbers on the internet,  the phone companies will eventually stop sending new phone books each year. Until that time comes, however,  here are some of my favorite uses for phone books.  

1. Gift Bows. Use pages from telephone books to make subtly colored, but surprisingly attractive gift bows.

2. Paper Beads. Slice and roll paper beads from telephone book pages to create unique  fashion jewelry.

3. Cutting Mats. Need an impromptu cutting mat? Try using an old telephone book to protect surface and keep the craft knife from being damages.

4. DIY Phonebook Wallet.  Fold a wallet in just a few moments using pages from the phone book.

5. Coffee Tables. There are several methods for recycling phone books into coffee tables. Take a look at the links here, here,  and here.

6. Origami. Phone book pages are the perfect size and weight for origami.  The print on the pages adds to the fun!

7. Pen Organizer. Stacks of telephone book pages are cut, folded and glued together to make a great organizers for pens, pencils and other small office supplies.

8. Flower Press. No need to purchase a flower press when old phone books work just as well.

9. Secret Hiding Space. Hardback books are generally used to make hollowed out hiding spaces for valuables. However, because of the size, phone books can be used just as well.

10. Paper Bunting. Phone books make a great disposable bunting for parties and other special occasions.

11. Flip Books. Teach your kids how to make their own flip books using unwanted phone books. Make the project even more fun by reading the history behind flip books with them.

12. Paper Mache. Because phone book pages are so thin, they make a great top-layer for intricate paper mache projects.

Read More : Recycled Crafts

Description : The materials used in the Shoji Screen Tutorial are primarily recycled cardboard (for the frame) and onion-skin paper (for the panels).

Craft Link : Shoji Screen Tutorial

Source : Instructables

Read More : Recycled Crafts

Though I’ve now lived in the Middle East for four years, I still don’t drink the water.  As a result, I always have an enormous collection of plastic water bottles to recycle.  Over time, these bottles have been turned into funnels, weights, bowling sets, pencil cups, drawer organizers, vases and even board game pieces. I’m always on the lookout for crafty ways to reuse my bottles.

Woven Plastic Bottle Vase – This is the project that gave me the idea for this list.  I had to read the how-to’s before I believed this vase was really made from a plastic bottle.

PopSci Plastic Bottle Lamps - Complete instructions from PopSci.

Terrariums – Use a plastic bottle to make an almost instant terrarium. More ideas here and here.

Knitting Loom From Plastic Bottles - I was going to purchase a knitting loom, but when I saw this tutorial, I decided to make my own instead.

Plastic Bottle And Paper Vases - Cut a plastic bottle down to size and glue on fabric. This can also be used as a pencil cup.

Winter Star Garlands - At first glance, it’s hard to believe that this holiday project is made from plastic drink bottles.

Soda Bottle Dome Displays – The instructions call for a soda bottle, but I think a water bottle would look even nicer in this project.

Plastic Bottle Beads - I’ve come across loads of tutorials for plastic bottle beads, but this tutorial from Zakka Life is by far the nicest.

Fish From Plastic Bottles - Cut shapes from plastic and paint to resemble fish. Use the bottom of the bottle as a display stand.

Herb Gardens - Plastic bottles are the perfect size for  individual herb gardens.

Plastic Bottle Weaving Looms - Don’t own a weaving loom? Use a plastic bottle instead.

Knit or Crochet Plastic Bottle Bangles – A ring is cut from a plastic bottle and then wrapped with a knit or crocheted cover.

Woven Boxes - Ribbons of plastic bottles strips are woven back and forth to create a square box.

DIY Shrinky Dinks - I was thrilled to find these tutorials, since it’s very hard to find plain Shrinky Dink plastic near where I live.

Fabric And Plastic Bottle Bracelets - Another bracelet. This one is covered with felt, but really, any fabric would work out great.

Plastic Bottle Coin Purses - Unfortunately, this project doesn’t come with instructions.

Plastic Bottle Change Holders - I wouldn’t use this change holder in the living room, but it’s fine for a workroom or garage.

Plastic Bottle Flowers - These flowers are a cinch to make. But, it’s amazing to see what was done with them when they were finished!

Monster Container - I tried to avoid included crafts for kids, but this little container is too adorable to miss.

Plastic Bottle Butterflies – Once these butterflies are completed there are dozens of things to do with them…use them to decorate gift packages, attach them to a wall in a child’s room to add interest, place them strategically throughout your garden, and lots more.

Read More : Recycled Crafts

Description : Cardboard and glue are the only two materials used in the Cardboard Stool.

Craft Link : Cardboard Stool

Source : Instructables

Read More : Recycled Crafts

Description : For another project showing How to Turn a Book Into a Clock, check out Literary Clock

Craft Link : How To Turn a Book Into a Clock

Source : Country Home

Read More : Recycled Crafts