10 Simple and Fun Green Crafts for Kids and Adults
Written by  Daisie Team
Published on 10 min read

Contents

  1. How to make Paper Plate Turtle Crafts
  2. How to create Egg Carton Caterpillars
  3. Making Tissue Box Monsters
  4. Creating Bottle Cap Art
  5. How to craft Paper Bag Frogs
  6. How to develop Cereal Box Guitars
  7. Creating Toilet Paper Roll Race Cars
  8. How to make Cork Boat Crafts
  9. Making Tin Can Lanterns
  10. How to craft Juice Carton Houses

Let's dive into the vibrant world of green crafts that are both fun to make and gentle on our planet. From turning your waste into wonder to creating new memories with your kids, green crafts are all about creativity, sustainability, and fun. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or a beginner, these ten simple and enjoyable green crafts are perfect for kids and adults alike. Ready to get started? Let's go!

How to make Paper Plate Turtle Crafts

First on our list of green crafts is the adorable paper plate turtle. It's a perfect craft for young kids, and it's also a great way to recycle those used paper plates. Here's how you can make your own paper plate turtle:

  1. Materials: You'll need a green paper plate, green construction paper, googly eyes, scissors, and glue. You can also use markers or crayons for decoration.
  2. Shape the turtle shell: Cut the green paper plate in half. This will act as the turtle's shell. You can also color or decorate the shell as you wish.
  3. Construct the turtle's body: Using the green construction paper, cut out the turtle's head, legs, and tail. Don't forget to glue the googly eyes onto the head!
  4. Assemble your turtle: Now you can glue the head, legs, and tail to the underside of the shell. There you have it! Your very own paper plate turtle.

Just like that, you've created a cute green craft that also teaches kids about recycling and reusing materials. It’s a win-win — not only do you end up with an adorable paper plate turtle, but you also give those old paper plates a second life. Now, that’s what we call a successful green craft project!

How to create Egg Carton Caterpillars

Next on our creative journey through green crafts is the egg carton caterpillar. This fun and easy project is perfect for little hands and big imaginations. Here's a step-by-step guide on how you can create your own egg carton caterpillars:

  1. Materials: For this craft, you'll need an egg carton, paint, paintbrushes, googly eyes, pipe cleaners, and glue. Remember, any egg carton will do, but the cardboard ones are easier to paint on.
  2. Prepare your egg carton: Cut the egg carton into strips. Each strip will become one caterpillar. Remember to trim any excess material to make it as smooth as possible.
  3. Paint your caterpillar: Now comes the fun part! Paint your caterpillar in any color or pattern you like. Solid, striped, spotted - the choice is yours! After the paint dries, add the googly eyes.
  4. Create the antennae: Poke two small holes at the top of the caterpillar's head and insert a pipe cleaner into each one. Twist the ends to create cute little antennae.

Voila! You’ve just completed another green craft. You’ve transformed an ordinary egg carton into a colorful caterpillar — a great decoration for any room. Plus, it's a fun way to teach children about the life cycle of a butterfly. With green crafts like this, you're having fun and learning at the same time!

Making Tissue Box Monsters

After creating your egg carton caterpillars, let's switch gears a little and delve into the world of tissue box monsters. Not only are these green crafts incredibly fun to make, but they're also a great way to recycle and repurpose old tissue boxes. Ready to create your own tissue box monster? Let's get started!

  1. Gather your materials: For this project, you'll need an empty tissue box, paint, glue, construction paper, and any other materials you'd like to use for decoration. Googly eyes, glitter, and feathers can add a fun touch to your monster!
  2. Prepare your tissue box: Start by painting your tissue box. This will be the body of your monster. You can choose any color you like — maybe green for a classic monster look, or pink for a cute, friendly monster!
  3. Create the face: Once your paint has dried, it's time to give your monster a face. Cut out teeth from white construction paper and glue them inside the box opening. Then, add googly eyes, a nose, and any other features you'd like your monster to have.
  4. Final touches: Now, it's time to let your creativity shine! Decorate your monster with feathers, glitter, stickers, or anything else you have on hand. Remember, there's no right or wrong way to decorate your monster — it's all about having fun!

And there you have it! Your very own tissue box monster. A fun, imaginative way to add a little spookiness to any room, and a testament to the magic of green crafts. So why not give it a try? Who knew upcycling could be this much fun!

Creating Bottle Cap Art

Next on our list of green crafts is creating art with bottle caps. That's right, those little tops that usually end up in the trash can actually be transformed into beautiful pieces of art. Intrigued? Let's dive into the steps on how to create your own bottle cap masterpiece!

  1. Collect your bottle caps: Start by collecting a good amount of bottle caps. These can be from soda bottles, beer bottles, or any other type of bottle you have around the house. The more colors and sizes you have, the more interesting your art will be.
  2. Design your art: Once you have your bottle caps, it's time to decide what you want your artwork to look like. You can create a pattern, a picture, or even a word or phrase. Sketch your design on a piece of paper to use as a guide.
  3. Prepare your canvas: For the base of your artwork, you can use a piece of wood, a canvas, or even a large piece of cardboard. Paint or decorate it as you like, then let it dry.
  4. Arrange and glue: Now, place your bottle caps on your canvas according to your design. Once you're happy with how it looks, glue them down. Let it dry, and voila, your bottle cap art is complete!

This project might take a little more time and patience than some of the other green crafts, but the result is definitely worth it. Not only do you end up with a unique piece of artwork, but you also get to save a bunch of bottle caps from ending up in the landfill. Now, isn't that a win-win?

How to craft Paper Bag Frogs

Let's hop into our next green craft - crafting paper bag frogs. It's a simple and fun activity that kids will love! Plus, it's a great way to use up those paper bags you have lying around. Ready to get started? Let's go!

  1. Collect your materials: You'll need a green paper bag, some colored paper or markers for the eyes and tongue, glue, and scissors.
  2. Create the eyes and tongue: Cut out two circles from the colored paper or draw them on for the eyes. Draw or cut out a long, thin strip for the tongue.
  3. Shape the bag: Fold the open end of the bag into a point to form the frog's mouth. This will also create a flap, which will be the frog's face.
  4. Put it all together: Glue the eyes onto the top of the flap. Then, glue the tongue inside the point you've made, so it looks like the frog is sticking out its tongue. Once the glue is dry, your paper bag frog is ready to hop into action!

These paper bag frogs are not only fun to make, but they can also be used for puppet shows or as decoration. So, why not turn those old paper bags into something exciting? This is what green crafts are all about - creating fun, new things while reducing waste.

How to develop Cereal Box Guitars

Now, let's move on to a real rockstar of green crafts — cereal box guitars! Don't just toss those empty cereal boxes in the recycling bin. Transform them into a groovy DIY musical instrument instead. So, are you ready to create some music while also being kind to the planet?

  1. Gather your materials: An empty cereal box, a cardboard tube (like a paper towel roll), rubber bands of different sizes, and some colorful markers or paint.
  2. Prepare the box: Cut a large oval in the front of the cereal box. This will be the hole in the center of the guitar.
  3. Attach the neck: Cut a hole in the top of the box that's the same size as the cardboard tube. Insert the tube into the hole to create the neck of the guitar.
  4. Add the strings: Stretch the rubber bands over the box and across the hole you cut earlier. These are the guitar strings.
  5. Decorate: Here's where you can really let your creativity shine. Use your markers or paint to decorate your guitar in any way you like.

And voila — you've just created your very own cereal box guitar! It's a perfect example of how green crafts can turn ordinary household items into something extraordinary. So, next time you have an empty cereal box, why not try making your own eco-friendly guitar?

Creating Toilet Paper Roll Race Cars

Get ready to shift gears as we move from music to motors in our next green crafts project. Did you know that your empty toilet paper rolls can transform into speedy race cars? Yes, you heard that right! Let's dive into this fun and easy craft.

  1. Gather your materials: You'll need an empty toilet paper roll, paint, a pair of scissors, a straw, and four bottle caps.
  2. Prepare the roll: Paint your toilet paper roll any color you like. Let's say, red for a classic race car look. Allow it to dry completely.
  3. Create the wheels: Cut the straw into four equal parts and glue one inside each bottle cap. These will serve as our race car wheels.
  4. Attach the wheels: Cut four small slits in the toilet paper roll and insert the straw sections through them, ensuring the bottle caps (wheels) are firmly in place.
  5. Add final touches: Add details like racing stripes, a number, or even a cool driver using paint or markers to personalize your race car.

And just like that, you've turned a humble toilet paper roll into a sleek race car. So, the next time you're about to recycle that toilet paper roll, remember, it could be the start of an exciting racing adventure. Isn't it amazing what you can create with green crafts?

How to make Cork Boat Crafts

It's amazing what a few leftover wine corks can do. With a pinch of creativity, you can transform them into charming little boats. Ready to set sail on this green crafts adventure? Here's how you can make your own cork boat crafts:

  1. Collect your corks: For this craft, you'll need about three corks. The more corks you have, the larger your boat can be. So, start saving those corks!
  2. Secure your corks: Bind your corks together side by side with a rubber band or some twine. This forms the base of your boat.
  3. Create a sail: Cut a triangle from a piece of paper or fabric. This will act as your sail. Feel free to decorate it however you like. Maybe add some stripes or polka dots for a playful touch.
  4. Attach the sail: Pierce the sail with a toothpick, then insert the toothpick between the corks to secure your sail in place.

That's all there is to it! Your cork boat is ready to embark on its maiden voyage. Whether it's a bathtub regatta or a puddle exploration, these cork boat crafts are sure to bring a splash of fun. Isn't it great how green crafts can turn something as simple as corks into hours of enjoyment?

Making Tin Can Lanterns

Ever wondered how to give those old tin cans a new lease of life? Well, wonder no more! You can create an enchanting tin can lantern right at home. It's one of those green crafts that not only recycles waste but also adds a magical touch to your evenings. Here's how you can light up your world with tin can lanterns:

  1. Prepare your can: Start with a clean, empty tin can. If there's any paper label on it, remove it completely. Remember to smooth out any sharp edges for safety.
  2. Design your lantern: Draw your design on the can. It could be a simple pattern of dots or an intricate design. Keep in mind that the light will shine through these holes, creating a beautiful pattern.
  3. Punch holes: Using a nail and a hammer, carefully punch holes along the design. Make sure to place a piece of wood inside the can while doing this to prevent the can from denting.
  4. Add a handle: Make two holes opposite each other near the top edge of the can. Pass a wire through these holes to create a handle for your lantern.
  5. Light it up: Place a tea light candle inside your can, light it up, and voila! You've just made your very own tin can lantern.

Just like that, you've turned an ordinary tin can into a source of light and warmth. Tin can lanterns are a testament to the magic of green crafts — they're simple, fun, and make a world of difference. What design will you choose for your lantern?

How to craft Juice Carton Houses

Have you ever looked at an empty juice carton and wondered, "Could this be something more?" Well, it can! With a bit of imagination and a dash of creativity, you can transform it into a charming little juice carton house. Here's how:

  1. Clean the carton: Rinse out your juice carton thoroughly and let it dry. This ensures your green craft doesn't get sticky or attract bugs.
  2. Plan your house: Think about the design of your house. Will it have one door or two? How many windows? Draw your design on the carton with a marker.
  3. Cut out the doors and windows: Using a craft knife, carefully cut out the doors and windows. Remember, safety first! Always ask an adult for help with this step.
  4. Decorate your house: Now comes the fun part — decorating! Paint your house, glue on some paper for the roof, maybe even add a chimney. The sky's the limit!
  5. Add the finishing touches: Once the paint is dry, you can add more details, like curtains in the windows or a path leading up to the door.

And there you have it! Your very own juice carton house. This is a great example of how green crafts can take everyday items and turn them into something extraordinary. So, what will your juice carton house look like?

If you enjoyed exploring these green crafts for kids and adults, you might be interested in learning how to apply sustainability principles to your career. Check out the workshop 'How to Create a Sustainable Career' by Chase Coy. This workshop will provide you with valuable insights on how to make a positive impact on the environment through your career choices.