With just a few recycled scraps, some glue, and a bit of imagination, these DIY Christmas Crafts from recycled materials will bring your home to life this holiday season.
Some of my favorite Christmas memories aren’t from big parties or expensive gifts, they’re from quiet afternoons spent making things with my own hands.
My sister recently reminded me of those times I was taking old scraps of paper, empty bottles, and bits of fabric and turning them into little ornaments that somehow made our home feel alive.
There’s something quietly magical about seeing something discarded become part of your holiday decoration, like you are giving it a second chance at life, just like we sometimes wish we could do with ourselves.
DIY Christmas Crafts from recycled materials are more than just decorations, they’re tiny acts of creativity, and joy that linger long after the season ends. You should read: DIY Christmas Crafts to Make This Holiday Bright
Why You’ll Love DIY Christmas Crafts from Recycled Materials
Crafting with recycled materials isn’t just good for the planet, it’s fun for us humans too. You get to transform everyday items into something magical, which can be turning an empty bottle into a festive tree or old cardboard into a cute ornament.
It’s budget-friendly, eco-conscious, and perfect for a family activity. Plus, there’s a certain satisfaction in saying, “I made this… from trash.” You might find this helpful: Easy DIY New Year’s Eve Hat Craft
Supplies / Materials / Tools
Before we get crafty, here’s a list of what you might need:
Recycled Materials:
- Plastic bottles (2-liter soda bottles work great)
- Plastic spoons
- Tin cans (soup or food cans)
- Cardboard boxes or packaging
- Scrap paper, old greeting cards, or newspapers
- Bottle caps (plastic or metal)
- Wine corks
- Fabric scraps or old clothes
- Used coffee pods (K-cups)
- Mason jars or glass jars
- Natural items like twigs, straw, or leaves
Tools:
- Scissors
- Craft glue or hot glue gun
- Paint and brushes
- Glitter or decorative materials
- Needle & string or twine
- Punch tool (for holes in metal cans)
- LED string lights
- Wire for shaping
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here are some beginner-friendly projects to get you started. Don’t worry, I’ll keep it simple.
1. Plastic/ Wooden Spoon Snowmen
Photo credit: @ Etta Hilfinger
- Gather clean plastic spoons and small pots.
- Paint the spoon handles white and let them dry.
- Glue the spoon heads upright into the pot, they’ll become your snowmen’s bodies.
- Add felt scraps for hats and scarves, or tiny pom-poms for noses.
- Optional: Seal with clear craft glue so they last for years.
Make sure the glue is dry before moving the snowmen; otherwise, they might do a little snowman tumble.
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Plastic Bottle Christmas Tree
Photo credit: @ Lovely Harbor
- Clean a green or clear 2L plastic bottle.
- Cut into rings or spiral shapes.
- Stack or arrange the pieces to form a tree shape.
- Secure with glue or wire.
- Decorate with paint, glitter, or a string of lights.
Use LED lights instead of traditional bulbs, they stay cool and won’t melt your plastic masterpiece.
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Origami Star Garland
Photo credit: @ Homecrux
- Cut recycled paper into squares (3” × 3” works well).
- Fold each square into a 5-point origami star.
- Thread the stars onto string or twine to make a garland.
- Hang across your tree, mantle, or window.
Don’t stop at just a few stars, make extra, and you’ll have plenty to fill your home, and it’s such a rewarding feeling to see all your handiwork brightening every corner.
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Sparkleball from Plastic Cups
Photo credit: @ Instructables
- Collect identical plastic cups.
- Arrange them upside down in a spherical layout.
- Secure with zip ties, hot glue, or staples.
- Insert LED string lights through the cup bottoms.
- Hang in a visible spot to let the light shine through.
5. Tin Can Lanterns
Photo credit: @ Thinly Spread
- Clean empty tin cans thoroughly.
- Remove any labels and sharp edges (use sandpaper or a can opener carefully).
- Use a nail and hammer to punch patterns or holes into the sides of the can.
- Place a small LED tealight or candle inside.
- Optional: Paint the outside of the can or wrap with decorative paper.
Tip: Always use LED lights instead of real candles for safety, especially with children around.
6. Upcycled Coffee Can Santa Centerpiece
Photo credit: @ Refresh Living
- Clean an empty coffee can and remove the label.
- Wrap the can with red felt or paper to create Santa’s body.
- Add a belt using black ribbon and a small buckle cut from paper or foil.
- Glue on cotton or felt for a beard and hat trim.
- Fill the can with candy, small gifts, or holiday greenery.
Tip: Make sure the glue is fully dry before adding candy or gifts to avoid spills.
7. Wine Cork Reindeer
Photo credit: @ Bored Panda
- Collect 3–4 wine corks for each reindeer.
- Glue 2 corks side by side for the body and a third perpendicular for the head.
- Use small twigs or pipe cleaners for antlers.
- Add googly eyes, a small red pom-pom for the nose, and optional felt ears.
Tip: Hot glue works best for stability, but be careful not to burn yourself on the cork.
8. Salt Shaker Snow Globe Ornaments
Photo credit: @ It’s Always Autumn
- Clean small plastic or glass salt shakers thoroughly.
- Remove the lid and fill with glitter, fake snow, or small festive confetti.
- Insert a tiny figurine (mini tree, snowman, or Santa) inside.
- Secure the lid tightly and wrap a ribbon around the top for hanging.
- Shake gently to see your mini snow globe in action.
Tip: Make sure the lid is tight to prevent leaks, and avoid overfilling with glitter, it can spill out when hanging.
9. K-Cup Snowman Hat
Photo credit: @ TwoClassyChics
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Rinse and dry empty K-Cups.
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Paint the cups black or cover them with black paper.
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Cut a small circle of cardboard to act as the hat brim.
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Glue the K-Cup upside down onto the cardboard circle.
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Add ribbon, buttons, or glitter for decoration.
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Tip: If using paint, let it dry completely before assembling to avoid smudges.
10. Vintage Bells Christmas Swag
Photo credit: @ Heather Brennan Smith
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Gather old bells (metal, plastic, or thrifted) in different sizes.
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Cut a long piece of ribbon, twine, or fabric to use as the swag base.
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Tie or glue the bells along the ribbon, spacing them out evenly.
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Add small greenery sprigs, pinecones, or faux berries for a festive touch.
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Create a bow at the top and leave extra ribbon for hanging.
Tip: Mix different bell sizes and textures, the variety makes it look more “vintage” and less store-bought.
I wrote this for you: Last Minute Christmas Craft In 30 Minutes
Common Problems & How to Fix Them
Even simple crafts can get tricky. Here’s what beginners often get wrong, and how to fix it:
- Dirty materials: Always wash bottles, cans, and jars to ensure glue sticks and there’s no leftover residue.
- Uneven cuts: Use sharp scissors or a craft knife and measure twice before cutting.
- Too much glue: Apply small amounts; excess glue takes forever to dry and looks messy.
- Weak structure: For hanging or stacked projects, double-check that pieces are secured with wire, glue, or strong tape.
- Over-decoration: Less is sometimes more, too much glitter or paint can weigh down your project.
Variations / Options
Photo credit: @ YUNI RUEDA
- Natural Materials: Use twigs, dried leaves, or orange peel for ornaments.
- Fabric Scraps: Old clothes can become pom-poms or soft ornaments.
- Old Cards: Cut into shapes to make garlands or stars.
- Wood Pallet Trees: Repurpose scrap wood to build minimalist decorative trees.
- Mason Jar Snow Globes: Add fake snow, small figurines, or twigs for winter magic.
FAQs
1: Do I need special tools to start recycling crafts?
Not at all! Basic scissors, glue, and paint are usually enough. Hot glue is helpful for sturdier projects but isn’t mandatory.
2: Can kids safely join in?
Absolutely! Projects like spoon snowmen, paper garlands, and bottle cap snowmen are perfect for kids. Just supervise any sharp tools or hot glue.
3: How long do these crafts last?
With proper drying and storage, many crafts can last several holiday seasons. Keep them in a dry, cool place to prevent damage.
4: Can I mix materials for a single project?
Yes! One of the fun parts of DIY Christmas crafts from recycled materials is combining different items, plastic, cardboard, and fabric can all live happily together in a single decoration.
Conclusion
Creating DIY Christmas Crafts from recycled materials is fun, eco-friendly, and a great way to personalize your holiday décor. From plastic spoon snowmen to sparkleballs and origami garlands, the possibilities are endless.
So raid your recycling bin, grab some glue, and let your creativity shine this season. Don’t be surprised if your friends start asking where you bought your decorations, they’ll never guess it all came from stuff you were about to throw away.
