Celebrate Valentine’s Day while promoting sustainability with these fun and simple recycled crafts. From heart-shaped wreaths and tin can lanterns to gorgeous flowers and repurposed jewelry, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Most Recycled Materials
This Valentine’s Day, show your love to family, friends, and the EARTH by making Valentine’s Day gifts from the most recycled materials in the United States. These materials include:
- Paper and cardboard (newspapers, magazines, boxes, etc.)
- Metal (aluminum, steel, etc.)
- Glass containers (such as bottles and jars)
- Plastics (bags, containers, etc.)
Reusing these materials just ONE more time before they are recycled has a positive environmental impact. It reduces the demand for new raw materials, saves energy compared to producing new craft materials, and diverts waste from landfills. It also helps lower greenhouse gas emissions, conserves natural resources, and gives plastic that may be impossible to recycle a second life.
Recycled Crafts for Valentine’s Day
These Valentine crafts use items you already have in your home — paper bags, toilet paper rolls, water bottles, soda cans, wine corks, wire hangers, glass jars, tin cans, and even plastic bags — to create delightful seasonal items. They’re a great alternative to plastic gifts and disposable cards that quickly end up in the trash.
Paper Bag Plant Holders
Transform paper bags into these sweet, succulent holders, perfect for Valentine’s Day or any gift-giving occasion. Tutorial from Lulu the Baker.
Framed Nature Collage
Nature is the star of this beautiful heart collage you can make from an upcycled frame and supplies you can find in nature. Tutorial from Craft Invaders.
Twig Garland
Continue to embrace the natural theme by adding a twig garland to your Valentine’s Day decorations. Tutorial from Big Living Little Footprint.
Paper Map Roses
Transform a map from a meaningful trip or favorite city into a gorgeous bouquet that will be cherished for years! Tutorial from Pillar Box Blue.
Playing Card Wreath
Use a deck of cards that is short a few to make this charming, Queen of Hearts-inspired wreath. Tutorial from Refresh Living.
Holiday Card Garland
Turn holiday cards from friends and family into a festive garland that adds a personalized touch to your decorations. Tutorial from Thoughtfully Sustainable.
Tin Can Lanterns
Illuminate your space with these upcycled tin can lanterns, a charming addition to your Valentine’s Day décor. Tutorial from Bren Did.
Felt Hand Warmers
Keep warm and cozy with these adorable felt heart hand warmers you can make from fabric scraps and rice/beans; they’re a thoughtful and practical Valentine’s Day craft. Tutorial from Bren Did.
Wine Cork and Wire Heart
Add a splash of color to your Valentine’s Day decor with these vibrant wine cork hearts decorated with nail polish. Tutorial from Journey Creativity.
Glass Jar Match Holders
Transform ordinary glass jars or pill containers into decorative pieces with a touch of creativity. Tutorial from Bren Did.
Plastic Bag Heart Garland
Create a sustainable and colorful Valentine’s Day garland using plastic grocery bags. Full tutorial from Aunt Peaches.
Wine Cork Wreath
Craft a charming wine cork wreath in the shape of a heart for an eco-friendly Valentine’s Day decoration that can double as a cork board. Tutorial from Trish Sutton.
Glass Jar Candle Votive-
Repurpose empty jars, tissue paper, newspaper, or old magazines to craft heart votive candle holders. Instructions from Homemade Serenity.
Laundry Bottle Bouquet
Learn how to transform plastic laundry bottles into a lovely, incredibly realistic wildflower bouquet with this helpful video (subtitled) from Reciclado Creativo.
Soda Can Earrings
Give the gift of sustainable jewelry with DIY soda can earrings, a unique and eco-friendly accessory. Tutorial from By Wilma.
Toilet Roll Garland
Turn ordinary cardboard tubes into a charming heart garland to add to your Valentine’s Day decorations. Tutorial from Oh Oh Deco.
Glass Jar Thumbprint Vase
Grab the empty glass jars in your recycling bin to make these sweet thumbprint jars, perfect for holding candles or sweets. Tutorial from It All Started With Paint.
Cardboard Cereal Box Hearts
Elevate your Valentine’s Day gifts with these simple yet delightful oversized Valentines, perfect for sharing sweet sentiments with friends and family. Tutorial from Art Bar.
Water Bottle Flowers
Transform recycled water bottles into beautiful plastic flowers that can be attached to string lights of used as present toppers. Video tutorial from Being Simply Artistic.
Making Crafts More Sustainable
Small changes, such as reducing the amount of craft supplies we purchase, can positively affect the environment.
Crafting with recycled materials has a positive environmental impact. It:
- Reduces the demand for new raw materials.
- Saves energy compared to producing new craft materials.
- Diverts waste from landfills.
- Helps lower greenhouse gas emissions.
- Conserves natural resources.
Try transforming recycled items such as paper bags, toilet paper rolls, water bottles, milk cartons, soda cans, wine corks, cardboard, wire hangers, glass jars, tin cans, and plastic bags into fun crafts to give them a second life. Get more upcycled home decor ideas.
You’ll have fun making great crafts and lower your environmental footprint!
Leave a Reply