Hello my friends! Welcome to Earth Month in the Omschool! During April, we focus on all things ecology. I'll explore ways to reduce waste, reuse discarded items, recycle trash and repurpose it in new ways. One of my favorite ways to do this is in creating recycled trash crafts for kids. Here are some recycled trash crafts that combine repurposing with gardening.
Recycled glass jar vases
Did you ever take a close look at recycled glass jars? Some are really quite decorative and lovely. Recycled glass jars like pickle jars and jam jars have pretty patterns. And recycled glassware can be made into trash crafts for kids. Make decorative vases from recycled glass jars. Use for seed planting crafts for kids. Use these trash crafts for kids as gifts for Fathers Day gifts, Mothers Day gifts and Earth Day activities.
Repurposing glass jars as vases or planters, addresses two important science concepts: ecology or conservation plus seed planting for science lessons. These make great school and homeschool group craft projects. Use recycled trash crafts for kids summer camp activities, VBS and scout troop merit badge activities too. I'm going to bring this craft project to our upcoming family reunion! The possibilities are endless.
Materials you will need (per student)
- small recycled plastic container (drinking cups, sour cream or yogurt cup)
- Styrofoam tray or pot pie tin (for drip tray)
- clean recycled glass jars in 32 oz sizes large enough to place plastic cup inside.
- spaghetti jars
- pickle jars
- jam jars
- peanut butter jars
- potting soil
- recycled sticks or pencils
- hardy flower seeds
- daisy
- sunflower
- aster
- lavender
- bright lights cosmos
- brown-eyed Susan
- or herbs seeds such as:
- plant food or plant sticks
- paint pens (all the fun, none of the mess of paints)
- stencils (if desired)
- recycled ribbon and yarn scraps
- assorted buttons and gems
- glue dots (all of the convenience of hot glue with none of the dangers)
- watered down school glue (for "decoupage")
- cotton swabs or paint brushes
- fabric scraps
- fabric scisssors
- tape for stencils
Instructions for seed planting:
- poke three holes in the bottom of the plastic container to drain and aerate.
- fill with dirt, plant seed according to instructions on package
- set box in window or outdoors in a safe place.
- Place drip tray underneath.
- Water regularly.
- Add some plant food as directed.
- Tie stem loosely to a stick as it begins to grow, to help keep it straight
To make decorative vases from recycled glass jars
- Give each a glass jar.
- Provide recycled scrap paper to sketch design.
- Set out paint pens and stencils to share.
- Provide assorted fabric, notions and yarn scraps.
- Tape stencils to jar and demonstrate how to trace with paint pen.
- Let students "free range" through scraps to create their own design.
- Show them how to "paint" fabric with glue wash and apply.
- Affix buttons and ribbon with glue dots.
- Place decorated on scrap paper in a safe place to dry.
Putting it all together
Place the entire plastic container in the glass jars. If it won't fit, just place it as far in as it will go. Then be sure to add enough water to reach bottom. Transport in paper or plastic bag with handles. Students may decorate this as the wrapping paper.
Here are some more of my articles on recycled trash crafts and Earth Month lesson plans.
Barney Bag Recycled Trash Crafts
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