There is no better way to show our love and commitment to our wonderful planet than to recycle everything we can. Here are some cute and clever craft ideas to not only entertain the grandkids, but to use their creation as a valuable and memorable learning experience.

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WATER BOTTLE FLOWERS

These water bottle flowers are not only cute but help our Earth recycling effort. Have the grandkids make them with you, then present to Mum as a delightful ‘we love you’ when she comes to pick them up! It’s likely you’ll have most of the supplies already at home.  
 
You’ll need:

• Water bottles
• Scissors
• Fabric Paint – it’s much thicker than washable paint, so it works better here but be careful with clothes.
• paint brushes
• Yellow pom-poms – about 1/2 inch wide
• low-temperature glue gun with glue sticks or fabric-tac glue
• green straws – ideally the flexible ones
• green construction paper

 
Method:
 
Step 1: Cut the ends off of the water bottles and dry completely.
Step 2: Paint the inside of the bottle ends and let dry.
Step 3: Cut some little leaf shapes out of the green paper.
Step 4: Trim your straws to the desired length and glue to the back of the bottle end.
Step 5: Turn the bottle end around and use glue to add the yellow pom-pom to the indention (middle) of the bottle bottom and leaves to the straws.
 
Note:   Glue the top of the straw to the very centre of the water bottle bottom. It helps if you can find flexible straws. You can bend them toward the spot you are aiming to glue them to. 

TIN CAN PLANTERS

Continuing our theme of fun recycled crafts to make with the grandkids, these recycled Tin Can Planters totally fits the bill for educational fun. You get to talk about re-using materials and also get the added benefit of everyone getting their hands nice and dirty. You’ll need a fairly heavy-duty punch to put drainage holes in the bottom of the cans – you should find one in a good craft or hardware store. Alternatively, be very, very careful with that hammer and nail!
 
You’ll need:

• Recycled Tin Cans
• Pipe Cleaners
•  Plants
• Soil
• Nail/Hammer

Method:
Step 1: Make drainage holes at the bottom of the cans with a large nail and hammer. Be careful!
Step 2: Use the punch to create arm holes on both sides of the tin.
Step 3:  Insert a pipe cleaner through the holes and then fill with soil.
Step 4:  Gently transfer plant into tin can planter.
Step 5:  Apply double-sided tape to the back of the face pieces and allow the child to stick in place.

MINI LID BANJOS

​Mini Lid BanjosMake some mini banjos from old jar lids and loom bands with a craft stick handle – they are very quick and easy.  This is a fun craft using recycled materials that you can actually play – the mini banjo’s loom band strings make a very soft strumming sound.

You’ll need:

• Jar lids and Jumbo craft sticks – one per banjo
• Loom Bands – four per banjo
• Washi tape
• Duct tape
• Sequins
• Craft glue:
  

Method:
Step 1: Place four loom bands over the lid and secure in place with a piece of duct tape as shown.
Step 2: Cut the end from the jumbo craft stick and decorate it with a washi tape pattern.
 
Step 3: Attach the lid with loom bands in place to the craft stick with a second piece of duct tape.
 
Step 4: Use small dabs of craft glue to stick on the sequins, or alternatively use plastic gems or a marker to draw the little tuning knobs on the end of the banjo handle.
 
Note: Don’t be tempted to use a hot glue gun – it will melt the loom band!