Recycled Art

Kid-friendly projects using stuff you were about to throw away:

The really Big Book of Amazing Things to Make and Do
Create everything from friendship bracelets to balloon animals. These projects are short and color photographs accompany each step of the instructions.

The Cardboard Box Book: 25 things to make and do with an empty box
By Danny Walsh
The best part of these projects is that you can play with them when you’re done, such as rockets that really fly, potato bowling lanes, and ring toss boards. The instructions are kid friendly and each project states how much time will be needed to complete it.

The Kids’ Guide to Building Cool Stuff
By Sheri Bell-Rehwoldt
Make butter, have balloon rocket races, or build a bird house out of a milk carton. Each project can be made in an afternoon and the instructions include many color photographs. The materials are all common household items.

Steve Caney’s Ultimate Building Book
By Steve Caney
This book has projects ranging from simple (dried pasta snakes) to complex (soda can castles) and a whole lot in between. The projects are made mostly with materials that would otherwise be trash such as empty bottles and old newspapers. There is also chapter for projects made entirely of food and one for projects at the beach.

Hardwear: Jewelry from a toolbox
By Hannah Rogge
Though more complex than the other projects on this list, the end results look professional. Most of the materials can be found in a hardware store such as washers, rubber bands, and electrical tape. Many of the projects are gender neutral.

- Ms. Emily