How to Recycle With Arts & Crafts

Take old bottles, boxes and jugs and turn them into new musical instruments for your kids.

If you have small children, teach them the environmental value of recycling while enjoying an afternoon of crafting together. You can reuse and recycle almost any item in your home with a little creativity and some time with your child. Use the craft supplies you have on hand and the items you would normally throw away and turn them into the supplies needed for a musical parade when you recycle food containers and turn them into musical instruments.

Things You'll Need

• Clean, used food containers
• Paint
• Scissors
• Glue
• Ribbon or yarn
• Rubber bands
• Rice or beans

Instructions

1. Turn a cardboard paper roll into a flute. Paint the roll of cardboard from paper towels or toilet tissue any color your child chooses. Use a sharp pair of scissors to cut circular holes all along one side to make the mouth and fingering holes for your flute. Let the paint dry and then your child can play it in the parade.

2. Make a drum out of a cylinder. Use an old butter dish, oatmeal tube or coffee can to make a drum for your child. Paint the outside of the cylinder in decorative colors. Cut a small hole in the top of the container on one side and then the opposite side and thread a long length of ribbon or yarn through these holes. Put the lid back on the container and hang the drum by your child's neck using the yarn or ribbon. When the paint dries he can drum with his hands or a pair of spoons from your drawer.

3. Turn a box into a guitar. Paint a rectangular box from rice, cereal or other pantry goods. Let the paint dry and then cut a large circle out of the middle of the box on one flat, large side. Wrap several rubber bands around the box, positioning them across the center of the circle you cut. Add a strap made from yarn or ribbon and your guitar is ready to strum.

4. Craft up a shaker instrument. Use a plastic bottle, such as a water bottle or soda bottle. Pour a handful of dried beans or rice inside the bottle, then seal it closed with glue and paint the outside. When the paint dries your child can shake the bottle to make rhythm.

References

• Artists Helping Children: Recycling and Being Environmentally Friendly

Resources

• Artists Helping Children: Crafts By Items