How To Turn Old T-Shirts, Jars & Cans Into Fun, Useful Crafts That Teach Kids Sustainability

A long weekend with the family is the best opportunity to slow down, reconnect, and do something exciting together. Instead of turning to screens or going shopping, why not spend the time creating sustainable DIY projects with your family? 

Upcycling is a way to repurpose everyday household items that would otherwise end up in the bin. It is affordable, accessible, and satisfying. Best of all, it gives children a chance to explore their creativity and learn about eco-conscious practices and choices. 

Here are some upcycling projects for a long weekend, you can try with your kids to bond better:

1. T-shirt shopping bags

What you will need:

• Old t-shirts (cotton works best)

• Fabric scissors

• Needle and thread, or fabric glue (optional)

How to do it:

Start by laying the t-shirt flat and ironing it to remove the creases. Cut off the sleeves along the seams, then make a wide U-shape around the neckline to form the bag’s opening. Turn the shirt inside out. To seal the bottom, you can either sew it shut or cut vertical strips about five centimetres long along the bottom edge and tie each pair of strips into a knot. Once secure, turn the shirt right-side out again. Your reusable bag is ready to go.

Involve the kids:

Let children pick which t-shirts to use and decorate their new bags with fabric markers, badges, or iron-on patches. It is a great way to make eco-friendly habits exciting.

2. Jar lanterns

What you will need:

• Empty glass jars (jam jars or sauce jars)

• Tissue paper or glass paint

• Polyvinyl acetate (PVA) glue and brush

• String or garden wire

• Tea lights or battery-powered LED candles

How to do it:

After cleaning and drying the jars, tear the tissue paper into small pieces. Mix a little water into the PVA glue and brush it over the outside of the jar. Stick the tissue paper onto the jar, overlapping pieces to create a colourful stained-glass effect. Once dry, wrap a string or thin wire around the neck of the jar to make a handle if you would like to hang it. Pop a tea light or LED candle inside, and your lantern is ready to light up your evening.

Involve the kids:

Children can choose their colours and patterns, or even add glitter for extra sparkle. For safety, use LED candles, especially if little ones are handling the lanterns.

3. Tin can pencil holders

What you will need:

• Empty tin cans (labels removed and edges smoothed)

• Paint, paper, washi tape, or fabric scraps

• PVA glue or double-sided tape

How to do it:

Make sure the cans are clean and that any sharp edges have been smoothed or taped down. You can paint the outside or wrap them in colourful paper or fabric using glue. Once the base layer is dry, feel free to decorate it further with stickers, ribbons, or buttons. These make handy containers for pens, brushes, or other small tools.

Involve the kids:

Each child can make their personalised holder, using colours and designs they love. It is a great way to organise their desk or art corner.

4. Denim pocket organisers

What you will need:

• Old jeans

• Scissors

• Needle and thread or fabric glue

• Fabric backing or cork board

• A hanger (optional)

How to do it:

Cut out the back pockets from the jeans, leaving a little fabric around the edges. Arrange them on your backing fabric or cork board, then glue or stitch them in place to create individual compartments. You can hang the organiser using a clothes hanger or fix it directly to a wall. It is perfect for storing small items like stationery, toys, or keys.

Involve the kids:

They can label each pocket for storing small items like keys, coins, toys, or notes. Let them decorate with patches, buttons, or embroidery thread.

5. Egg carton seed starters

What you will need:

• Cardboard egg cartons

• Compost or potting soil

• Seeds (herbs, flowers, or vegetables)

• Spray bottle for watering

How to do it:

Cut the egg carton in half if needed and fill each cup with potting soil. Plant a few seeds in each section according to the packet instructions, then gently mist the soil with a spray bottle. Place the carton on a sunny windowsill and water lightly as needed. Once the seedlings are big enough, you can transplant them directly into pots or your garden.

Involve the kids:

Assign them their section to plant and look after. Let them decorate the carton and add plant name labels. Watching their seeds sprout is hugely rewarding.

6. Bottle cap magnets

What you will need:

• Metal bottle caps

• Small round magnets (craft shops or online)

• Strong glue

• Small pictures, drawings, or stickers

• Clear-drying glue or varnish

How to do it:

Choose small images or drawings and cut them to fit inside the bottle caps. Glue the images in place, then seal with a thin layer of clear glue or varnish. Once fully dry, attach a small magnet to the back of each cap using strong glue. Use them to hold notes, lists, or artwork on the fridge.

Involve the kids:

Children can create mini designs, family photo caps, or themed sets (e.g., animals, letters). They are quick, fun, and make lovely gifts too.

By the end of the weekend, you will have created not only practical items for your home, but also stories, laughs, and keepsakes that carry far more value than anything bought from a shop. So dig through your recycling bin, clear a table, and let the creativity begin.