If you like using what you have on hand to make craft projects, then you’ll love this roundup of Mod Podge recycled crafts. These are great budget ideas that are family friendly!

Earth Day is upon us! And you know what that means – time for some awesome recycled crafts. One of the largest categories on this blog is the “crafts with trash” category – which leads me to believe that all of you love them!
One of my favorite crafts using recycles on this blog is the DIY desk organizer I made with cereal boxes and paper towel rolls (#1 in the list below). Since then I’ve done quite a few additional crafts with materials that others would consider to be garbage! I’m kind of obsessed.
The nice thing is that typically these crafts also fall into the budget category, and with a little Mod Podge on hand, sometimes they are even free.
So dig through your trash/recycling bin and then hit the craft stash to see what you have. Then get to decoupaging. Here are 40 great ideas.
Recycled Crafts
Here are some great ideas for crafts using recycled materials! Make unique projects with stuff that would normally be thrown away.
DIY Desk Organizer
Use old cereal boxes and toilet paper rolls to create a unique DIY desk organizer! This craft organizer is perfect if you're on a budget.
Magazine Collage
Learn how to make a collage with Mod Podge! This magazine collage is easy enough for anyone to make, and it can be personalized.
Decorating Glass Pickle Jars
Recycled crafts are so fun and I love the cost (free)! You’ll be decorating glass jars with fabric scraps and embellishments – very easy.
Covering a Styrofoam Tray
There’s nothing easier than decoupaging punched out paper to old foam trays, turning them into useful decor/storage.
Junk Mail Art Using Recycled Mailers
Use junk mail to create unique recycled art for your wall. All you need is a few basic supplies and Mod Podge; and some creativity!
Paper Beads
Learn how to make paper beads the easy way, with Mod Podge! Use paper scraps. Great for jewelry making.
Bottle Cap Magnets
Learn how to make DIY magnets with bottle caps! You probably have the supplies in your home already. Easy for both kids and adults.
Mason Jar Night Light
Make this mason jar night light craft using a simple tutorial! This is a fun project for kids or adults.
Book Safe
This is the easiest way to hollow out a book and turn it into a DIY book safe. Get the tutorial here!
Black Mason Jars
Learn how to make lace mason jars with a stunning black and white theme! Perfect for party or wedding.
Recycled Storage
A Frappuccino box and old container get a facelift with scrapbook paper and Mod Podge.
Cereal Box Notepads
Don’t throw your cereal boxes away! Turn them into covers for brand new notepads. This is such a cool idea, and you can make them in various sizes.
Recycle Christmas Cards
Recycle Christmas cards with this unique canvas display! You can make a new one to add to your holiday decor each year.
DIY Pencil Holder
Learn how to make a DIY pen holder with a glass jar and Mod Podge - it's the easiest craft ever!
Repurpose Cookie Tins
Are you wondering what to do with old cookie tins? Learn how to repurpose them using Mod Podge and fabric! It's easy to decoupage on a tin surface.
DIY Party Favors
Learn to make inexpensive party favors using recycled materials and Mod Podge! You can customize these for any celebration.
Cute Pill Organizer
Recycle pill bottles using Mod Podge and scrapbook paper! This is the perfect way to get inexpensive and cute storage for smaller items.
Mid Century Clock Magnets
With some old bottle caps, you too can make these mid century clock magnets. Jessica provides the graphics.
DIY Onesies
Learn how to make personalized onesies using fabric, Mod Podge, and recycled clothing. This is a perfect no sew project.
Altoid Tin Crafts
What should you do with an old Altoids tin? Turn it into storage! Learn how to do it with Mod Podge using this tutorial.
Phone Book to Pen Organizer
I never know what to do with those old phone books – this pencil holder idea is brilliant!
Tissue Paper Mason Jar Centerpieces
Make mason jar centerpieces out of recycled jars - using tissue paper and Mod Podge! Grab items from your stash to make this project free.
Egg Carton Art
If you like egg carton crafts, try this canvas project with your kids. You'll have just as much fun as they do!
Recycled CD Coasters
Turn those old CDs into gorgeous coasters for your porch, dining room, or anywhere else they will be useful!
Cardboard Dollhouse
Learn how to make a dollhouse out of cardboard! It's really easy, inexpensive, and you can decorate it with Mod Podge.
Mod Podge Paper Mache Bowls
Learn how to make Mod Podge paper mache bowls the easy way, with old newspaper! You can paint them any colors you like to match your decor. So simple!
Decoupage Candle Holder
These easy DIY votive candle holders are made from old glasses and use Mod Podge – you won’t spend a lot of money for this pretty, vintage inspired home decor.
DIY Keychain from a Soda Can
This DIY keychain is so unique - it's made from a soda can! You can make your own version using your favorite soda and Dimensional Magic.
Bandana Purse
I can’t believe this cute little summer purse was created from a cereal box, bandana, and Mod Podge.
Fabric Covered Boxes
Learn how to make fabric covered boxes using fabric and recycled materials! This is an easy and budget friendly craft idea.
Candlestick Holders Out of Crib Parts
These DIY candlestick holders were made out of the most unexpected materials - baby crib parts! This is the perfect recycled project.
Mod Podge Magazine Art
Use old magazines and a circle cutter to make this interesting wall art. You can make this bold with lots of colors if you choose.
Mod Podge a Cardboard Box
Learn how to Mod Podge cardboard using a napkin and this simple tutorial. This is such an easy and inexpensive craft idea.
Recycle Glass Bottles Into Vases (So Easy!)
Recycle glass bottles and turn them into vases - all you need is a little bit of spray paint and Mod Podge. This craft is so easy!
DIY Cell Phone Holder
Learn how to make a cell phone holder out of a lotion bottle, and decorate with Mod Podge and fabric.
Make Spoon Garden Markers on a Budget
Use old thrift store spoons, Mod Podge, and your favorite scrapbook papers to make DIY garden markers your neighbors will be jealous of.
Recycled Matchbox 'Chest of Drawers'
This little chest of drawers is even smaller than you think. It’s made of old matchboxes!
What are your favorite crafts made with recycling? Let me know in the comments! You can also check out some additional ideas by watching the video in this post.
Natasha @ Insidenatashashead
Thursday 30th of May 2013
This post is so full of great ideas!! I hope I get to make some of this stuff soon. I found you through Madigan Made, and I'm super glad I did!
KAREN v.
Friday 26th of April 2013
Hi Amy, Love your site! Amazing Ideas - They're all simply superb. I'm a crafter too and love to experiment with stuff especially jars, bottles, tins etc. Do check out my blog at http://kraftykrook.blogspot.com/. Thank you and Once again, Love your work :)
natashalh
Sunday 21st of April 2013
Love the roundup! There are some really great ideas I'd never thought of before (like CD coasters!)
Beckie
Friday 19th of April 2013
Thanks lovie for featuring me in your round up. Woo to the hoo!
Colleen
Friday 19th of April 2013
Amy, I am SO glad I came across your website! I'm a cardmaker/paper crafter and I've been feeling limited in my project repertoire -- but the possibilities seem endless now that I know about Mod Podge! I'm excited to combine my stamping, punches and paper with Mod Podge to create wonderful, handmade things. Thank you!!!