Awesome new ways to use the “same old” recyclables
There’s no doubt about it — children’s ministers are a
resourceful bunch. We’re always collecting — paper towel rolls,
egg cartons, tissue boxes — for one creative project or another
for kids. We love those recyclables!
Here you’ll find totally new, totally cool ways to use tons of
things people toss out every day. Your kids will have a blast
letting their imaginations go wild with these unique craft ideas —
and so will you!
Use old cereal boxes to make a Noah’s Ark kids can decorate and
play with. Simply cut, fold, and tape any size cereal box using the
provided template. Kids can decorate their arks using markers,
paint, or construction paper and glue. Just add animals!
Shake It Up
Kids can create these colorful noisemakers using empty yogurt
containers; various colors of electrical tape; and sand, pebbles,
or jingle bells. Clean and dry the yogurt containers, then let kids
pour a handful of sand, pebbles, or jingle bells inside one
container. Connect the containers by sealing the open ends together
using colored electrical tape. Kids can personalize their shakers
by decorating them with different colors of tape.
Pringles Can Disciples
Pringles potato chips cans make great Bible characters. Just trim
construction paper to fit the can, and cut out a circular area
where the Pringles character’s face is. Glue the construction paper
to the can (use rubber bands to hold it in place until dry). Then
make a headpiece by topping the lid with cotton balls or fiber fill
and covering it with a piece of fabric held in place with a rubber
Use hot glue to attach six 4-inch chenille craft wire legs to the
bottoms of plastic bottle tops. Bend the legs in a V shape and
attach googly eyes and other decorations to complete the
Kids will love having bug-jumping races or playing bug Tag by
pressing down on the bottle top and letting go.
Old CDs offer endless opportunities for creativity. Glue two CDs
shiny-side-out with a loop of yarn or fishing line between them for
a hanger. Kids can add rhinestone jewels for attractive window
hangings and ornaments. Or add round labels inviting kids to a
special event or letting them know you’ve missed them.
Get really creative and design a classroom sculpture — your kids
can design and assemble a giant fish, palm trees, stars, and more
using old CDs and glue. Set your imagination free!
Collect those cute Altoids candy tins, and encourage your kids to
make their very own treasure boxes using acrylic paint, beads,
glitter, letter beads, and glue. Kids can store special items that
remind them of God’s love in their tins.
Use a clear plastic CD multipack canister as a hot-topic game for
kids and families. Simply print a variety of discussion-provoking,
numbered questions in landscape format on an 81/2×11-inch paper.
Trim the paper to fit inside the case, and reattach the CD drum.
Children and families can play by spinning the holder or by rolling
dice to find the number of the question they must answer.