Recycled Materials Art Projects to Try This Summer

From holiday decorations to fabric scraps and plastic bottles, it’s easier than ever to transform household trash into treasure when you put your mind to it. These creative projects are a great way to design heartfelt crafts, teach children about sustainability and bond over shared values. 

If you’re looking for inventive ideas for recycled materials art projects, you’re in the right place. Check out a few of the best ones to get into this summer. 

Why Use Recycled Materials?

From an environmental standpoint, repurposing materials, that would otherwise end up in landfills and incinerators, helps reduce waste. This singular act of recycling can conserve natural resources, prevent pollution and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

It also supports the circular economic model of extending the service life of materials for as long as possible. For instance, transforming fabric scraps into wall art extends the life cycle of textiles, which can significantly lessen the 8%-10% carbon emissions from the fast fashion industry.  

The cost-effectiveness benefits of using recycled materials are plain to see. Many of these items are readily available at little to no cost, making these projects budget-friendly. All it takes is a quick look around your home and you’ll likely find more than enough recyclable stuff to get your project off the ground. 

Another benefit of recycled art is it can promote social awareness and drive conversations about sustainability. You can use your art to educate people about environmental stewardship and inspire positive action. 

4 Recycled Art Projects for Summer

One of the best things about any art undertaking is you’re only limited by your imagination. As long as you can envision it, you can make it happen. The important thing is you repurpose existing materials for the undertaking. If you’re working with kids, asking them what they want to make is always a good idea. Art is more fun when it’s inclusive. 

Without further ado, here are four exciting recycled art projects you can embark on during the warmer months: 

1. Paper Sculptures

Crafts involving recycled paper are always worthwhile because they directly impact tree conservation. A single tree can produce over 260 pounds of oxygen, so repurposing old newspapers, magazines and cardboard is a simple way to help maintain global oxygen levels. 

For this project, you’ll need recyclable paper, wood glue, water, wire, pliers, scissors, eco-friendly paint, brushes and natural varnish. Use the wire to create the armature, bending and twisting it to form the basic shape and structure.

Next, make the papier-mâché (aka paper mache) by cutting the recycled paper. Dilute the glue with water, dip the strips into the glue mixture and layer them over the wire frame. Apply several layers, allowing each to dry before adding the next for added strength and stability. Once the basic shape is formed and dried, use smaller pieces of paper to add finer details. Paint your sculpture and apply a layer of varnish to protect it and give it a polished look.

2. Tin Can Wind Chimes

Look around your home for tin cans, metal rods, strings and beads. If these materials are not readily available, visit your local recycling center. You can use other tin or metal objects, as well. Paint, sandpaper and brushes are also needed. 

Use the sandpaper to sand down any rough surfaces and edges around the cans. Paint them in various colors — feel free to let your imagination run wild with the designs. Next, drill holes at the bottom of each can, just small enough to let the strings through. 

Line up the beads along the strings and attach them to the drilled holes in the cans. Fasten the strings to the metal rods and hang your newly constructed wind chimes on your porch or garden. 

This project requires close supervision, especially during the sanding and drilling processes. If your kids are too young, it might be best to complete these steps yourself.

3. Plastic Bottle Cascading Flowers

About 60 million plastic bottles are discarded daily, most of which end up in oceans and landfills. Recycled art projects involving these materials can make a small, but meaningful, dent in the amount of plastic trash polluting your neighborhood. 

For these festive cascading flower decorations, you’ll need several recycled plastic bottles, scissors, glue, tissue paper, string, aluminum foil tape and a wooden or metal rod as a hanging base.

Start by cutting the upper part of the bottles in a flower shape. Cover the necks with aluminum foil tape to create a reflective motif. For the assembly, string each flower from the bottom up and tie a knot in the string at the end so they don’t slip down. Hang recycled art decor on the rod and place it in your living room or kitchen. 

4. Tire Garden Furniture

Do you have old tires taking up space in your garage? Get some plywood, bolts, fabric, paint, cushions and a drill to make nifty garden furniture. With about 8.4 million scrap tires generated each year, reusing these items to elevate your garden or home can have a great positive impact on the environment. 

To get started first, make sure the tires are clean and dry. You don’t want dirt, standing water or insects dwelling inside them. Next, create the base by cutting a round piece of plywood to fit the tire’s inner diameter. Secure it to the bottom with screws or bolts to ensure stability. Paint the tires in bold colors and patterns so they contrast nicely with the greenery of your garden. 

Cut the old cushions to fit the top of the tire and cover them with decorative fabric. If you want a taller furniture piece, stack the tires vertically and secure each with bolts before placing the cushion. 

Showcasing Your Eco-Friendly Art

You’ve put significant time and effort into making these recycled art projects. Take pride in that and showcase your work to the world. It doesn’t have to involve grand unveilings and fanfare. Simply posting your work on social media with relevant hashtags like #RecycledArt can provide a good amount of exposure and even generate a buzz within eco-conscious communities near you. 

Beyond Recycling

Sustainability is not a one-time thing — it’s a habit. While these projects are a great way to introduce the subject to your household members, conscious practice is the only way to make it stick. This means being mindful of your everyday actions and how they impact the environment. Children are likelier to emulate what they see you doing versus what they hear. 

Take on These Exciting Recycled Arts Projects

Summer is a great time to get into something new with your loved ones. Why not try out these recycled materials projects? They’re fun, engaging and, best of all, great for the environment. If you have your own recycled art projects you enjoy, please let us know.