10 Fun Things to Make from “Junk”

Okay, this post is a little different — and definitely a bit quirky. Instead of talking about big-picture waste strategy, we’re zooming right into the fun stuff.

We’re talking glue, paint, and imagination. Yep, this one’s all about upcycling — turning everyday “junk” into something surprisingly cool. Perfect for kids (and honestly, for grown-ups who still love a good craft project).

1) Turn a Plastic Bottle into a Piggy Bank 🐷

Plastic bottles are everywhere, but with a little creativity, they can be turned into something really useful — like a piggy bank! All you need to do is cut a neat slot on the side or top so coins can fit through. Then comes the fun part: decorating. Paint it pink to look like a pig, cover it in stickers, or wrap it in colourful paper. Not only do kids learn about saving money, but they also get to design their own personalised bank from something that would otherwise end up in the bin.

2) Use Old Paper Rolls as Decorations 🎉

Instead of buying new decorations for every party, why not make your own using toilet rolls or paper towel tubes? These rolls can be painted, glittered, or wrapped in coloured paper, then strung up like party streamers. They can also be cut into rings and glued together into flower or snowflake shapes. It’s a great way for kids to get creative while learning that decorations don’t always have to come from a shop. Best of all, they’ll proudly see their own art hanging up at the next celebration.

3) Make a Candle Inside Old Glass Jars 🕯️

Do you have old candles that are too short to burn properly? Don’t throw them away! Instead, melt the leftover wax and pour it into an empty glass jar with a new wick. Mason jars, jam jars, or even small sauce jars work perfectly. Add food-safe colouring or a drop of essential oil for scent, and suddenly you’ve got a beautiful new candle. This project not only saves waste but also makes thoughtful homemade gifts for friends and family.

4) Use an Old Computer Tower Case as a Mailbox 💻📬

That old computer tower gathering dust doesn’t need to go to the tip. With a little imagination, it can be transformed into a quirky mailbox. Simply clean it up, remove any sharp edges, and decorate it with bright colours or patterns. The shape already works perfectly as a box to collect letters. It’s not only a creative way to reuse electronic waste, but also a cool conversation starter for neighbours and visitors who see your unique mailbox.

5) Turn Shoelaces into Woven Bracelets 🎀

Got a pile of old shoelaces that don’t match or are too worn for shoes? They can be woven or braided into colourful bracelets. Because shoelaces come in so many different colours and patterns, the results are fun and unique. You can mix multiple laces together for a chunky look or keep it simple with a single braid. This is a fun craft for kids at sleepovers or school holidays, and it teaches them the joy of creating their own wearable art from everyday items.

6) Use Toilet Paper Rolls as a Toy Garage 🚗

Kids’ toy cars often end up scattered all over the floor. Why not give them their own parking garage? Using a shoebox and some toilet rolls glued side by side, you can create “parking bays” for each car. The rolls are just the right size for matchbox cars to slide into. Kids can even decorate the shoebox to look like a real garage, complete with road markings or petrol pumps. It’s a tidy solution for toy storage that doubles as imaginative play.

7) Make Fun Paper Garlands Using Junk Mail ✂️

Junk mail and old envelopes don’t have to head straight to the recycling bin. Instead, cut them into fun shapes like stars, hearts, or triangles, then string them together into garlands. Because envelopes and brochures come in all sorts of colours and patterns, the finished garlands look vibrant without the need for extra paint. This project is especially fun around holidays or birthdays, letting kids help decorate the house while learning that “waste” paper can be transformed into something festive and fun.

8) Turn Old Wine Corks into Keychains 🍷🔑

Wine corks are small but sturdy, making them the perfect base for keychains. With a simple screw hook and a metal ring, you can turn each cork into a rustic key holder. They can be left plain, decorated with paint, or even carved with initials. Kids can make them as gifts for parents or grandparents, and it’s a great way to keep memories of special occasions. Instead of tossing corks in the bin, you give them a new life with a purpose.

9) Turn Old Colanders into Planters 🌱

An old colander might not be kitchen-worthy anymore, but it’s perfect for plants! The holes make natural drainage for soil, and the handles allow you to hang it up easily. Paint the outside in cheerful colours, fill it with soil, and add flowers, herbs, or even succulents. The result is a quirky, rustic planter that brightens up any balcony or garden. It’s also a fantastic way to teach kids about gardening and the importance of giving items more than one life.

10) Old Tires for Wreath Displays 🎄

Old tires are heavy, but they make fantastic bases for wreaths. After giving them a good scrub (and maybe a coat of spray paint), they can be decorated with flowers, ribbons, or seasonal ornaments. Hang one on a fence or wall for an eye-catching display that’s both bold and eco-friendly. It’s a larger project, so kids may need some help, but the result is impressive and shows how even the bulkiest junk can be transformed into something beautiful and fun.

✨ The best part about all these projects? You’re not just making cool things — you’re saving items from landfill, sparking creativity, and showing kids that being resourceful can be just as fun as buying new.

Why It Matters

Sure, these projects are fun, creative, and perfect for a rainy afternoon — but there’s something bigger happening too. Every time you turn “junk” into something useful or beautiful, you’re keeping it out of landfill and showing that waste doesn’t have to mean worthless.

It’s a small reminder that sustainability isn’t only about huge policies or complex systems — it can start with scissors, glue, and a little imagination. The more we practice upcycling at home, the more normal it feels to make smarter choices everywhere else.

So next time you’re about to toss something in the bin… maybe stop and ask: what could this become instead?