Winter season is a perfect time to stay inside in a warmth of your home and engage kids in crafting! We collected over 120 green recycled winter crafts to make with your kids! Raid your recycle bin and prepare to upcycle paper rolls, old newspapers and magazines, cardboard and shoe boxes, plastic bottles and caps, tin cans, mason and baby jars, and so much more!
Wow! I might have gone overboard with this list of repurposed winter crafts! But, as you will see when you scroll down the page, there are so many amazing ideas! It was so hard to cut down and decide which one not to include in this list.
Many items from your recycle bin can be reused and turned to treasures! Hope you and your kids will enjoy spending time together crafting this winter!
Which Winter Themes Are Included?
Winter crafts here cover many popular winter season themes like:
- snowflakes
- snowman
- icicles
- winter wonderland
- Frozen inspired crafts
- arctic animals
- polar animals
Supplies for Recycled Winter Crafts
Primary materials for all crafts on this page come from recycle bin. However, you will still need to stock up on some basic crafting supplies like:
- markers
- pipe cleaners
- paint
- glitter (silver and blue)
- googly eyes
- self-adhesive gems
- pom poms
Recycled Winter Crafts for Kids from Used Cardboard Box
In this section, you will find ideas for winter crafts from following items:
- cardboard box
- shoe box
- cereal box
- cardboard packaging
It’s always a good thing to have few boxes around and not only for crafting. You can always repurpose them to store your crafting supplies!
Top left – Make Charming Cardboard and Felt Birds using cardboard, yarn and felt scraps along with a lovely doodled design. (via Pink Stripey Socks)
Top right – Base for Snowflake Painting Process Art Activity are rectangular cardboard packagings you can save in your recycle bin for later use. Along with some paint and bits and bobs, this simple recycled craft can turn into unique collage winter art. (via Stir the Wonder)
Bottom left – We just love how South pole and Penguin Mini World turned out! And it all began with a single cardboard box, scissors and some paint. (via Kara Carrero)
Bottom right – If you are stuck inside, you might want to spend some time with kids making a Magnetic Ice Skating Craft! It’s kind of magical to see it completed and skaters moving around the ice ring! (via The Craft Train)
Top left – Use cardboard boxes from recycle bin and white paint to create Winter Wonderland in nordic style like shown on the image. If you have a large cardboard box, you can turn it into a winter hideout for your child! (via La Maison De LouLou)
Top right – If you have an older child, they will love making an Arctic Habitat Diorama! Made from a shoe box, with some paint and cotton, it’s an excellent aid to learning about arctic animals. (via Super Simple
Bottom left – Another way to create an Arctic Small World using shoe box, is to use fake snow and alu foil along with printed arctic animals. (via Best Toys 4 Toddlers)
Bottom right – When you have time, you can sit down and create a Polar Animal Theater from Shoe Box! It will surely bring joy to kids! Although they can help with some elements, this is craft made by adults for kids. (via Handmade Charlotte)
Top left – If you piled up a bunch of cardboard boxes over holidays, you should make a couple of these adorable Recycled Cardboard Penguins! They are stand alone feature to add in your home in different sizes, all depending on the size of the boxes you saved. It will be fun to make with kids and let them name them! (via Pillar Box Blue)
Left right – When you have peg dolls, you have to make Peg dolls Winter Wonderland! This wonderland comes with a nordic minimalist feel but it will still be fun to make and play with! (via Mr.Printables)
Bottom left – Coming from the same author as Winter wonderland on the previous picture, Winter Cardboard Castle is another way to create a lovely winter scene for play using cardboard box. Sadly, the site is no longer available, but using the image, you can see that the castle is made using 2 slotted pieces of cardboard. (via La Maison de LouLou)
Left right – If you make one of the Winter Cardboard Trees, you can use them as a lovely winter decoration. You can also make a bunch of them and let kids use them as a winter wood for their playtime. (via Creative Jewish Mom)
Paper Roll Winter Crafts for Kids
Items you can use for next section of winter crafts for kids:
- toilet paper rolls
- wrapping paper tubes
- paper towel cardboard inserts
And, in case you don’t have any of these in your recycle bin, you can always cut and roll a piece of cardboard box!
Top left – Must make if you have an empty paper roll craft! Frosty the Snowman Emo Doll with changeable facial expressions will be such a fun craft to use for play in different settings! (via Danya Banya)
Top right – Look how adorable are these Toilet Roll Snowmen! With a bit of paint and socks, you can make a whole family. It would be a fun winter craft to make in classroom with kids, let them make one each and make them after themselves! (via Red Ted Art)
Bottom left – For kids with interest in STEM, you can make a Flying Reindeer! It is surely a fun science experiment to make during winter break! (via Team Cartwright)
Bottom right – It is always fun to make paper roll animals! When it comes to winter season, a Snowy Owl is a must! This craft is an easy one to make even with toddlers. (via Crafts on Sea)
Top left – Little Frozen fans will be overjoyed with an idea to make their own Olaf! So, if you have some paper rolls rolling around, sit down and make Toilet Paper Roll Olaf Craft! (via Simple Everyday Mom)
Top right – If you want to hang your paper roll snowman, you can make Snowman Windsock Toilet Paper Roll Craft! It’s equally cute and it can decorate your room throughout the winter months. (via Easy Peasy and Fun)
Bottom left – Due to it’s round shape, paper rolls are perfect to make accessories such as bracelets. Every Frozen fan would want to make one of Disney’s Frozen Theme Paper Roll Bracelets for themselves! (via Darcy and Brian)
Bottom right – We already suggested another snow owl craft before. Snowy Owl Handprint Craft is a bit different because it can be used as a keepsake as well. (via Fun Handprint Art)
Top left – Adorable Yarn Wrapped Cardboard Tube Snowman Craft uses white yarn instead of paint to wrap snowman’s body into white color. It will be a good fine motor practice for preschoolers! (via Artsy Momma)
Top right – You have to admit that this Reindeer Toilet Paper Roll Craft is too cute to express in words! We haven’t seen such an adorable reindeer made from recycled materials before! (via Mommy Made That)
Bottom left – We have made Cardboard Tube Penguin Craft before and used it in winter sensory bin. It is a simple craft to make with younger kids. If you show them an image of completed penguin, they will surely make it without any problems. (via Creative Family Fun)
Bottom right – Similar to snowman windsock on the previous picture, use an empty paper roll to make Winter Windsock Toilet Paper Roll Craft. Quite simple recycled winter craft to make as winter time decoration. (via Easy Peasy and Fun)
Top left – Look how adorable is a Toilet Paper Roll Snowflake! You can make them as big as you want if you add different amount of cut pieces, you can paint it white and adorn in glitter as pictured or you can keep it brown and use white paint to outline outer parts. (via Woli Creations)
Top right – Here is another lovely idea for little Frozen fans! Make a Toilet Paper Roll Ice Castle and adorn it in blue and silver! It’s such a cute castle to set up for Elsa and Anna! (via Red Ted Art)
Bottom left – You can use Paper Roll Snowflakes to decorate a Christmas tree or winter tree made from dry tree branches. Wouldn’t it look amazing hanging throughout winter months!? (via Krokotak)
Bottom right – Look at cuteness overload of this Cardboard Tube Polar Bear! This is another must make recycled winter craft to add to your to-do list! (via Crafts by Amanda)
Top left – We made Olaf and castle before, it’s time to make Frozen Elsa Paper Tube Craft! You can use same steps to make Anna as well. We are now ready to put it all together and play with our own Frozen world! (via Hello Wonderfull)
Top right – Classic craft and must-make every winter to help birds through winter months! Easy Toilet Paper Roll Bird Feeder is craft you can make with your toddlers. Simply spread some peanut butter over paper roll, roll it in bird seeds and hang on the yarn thread. It will be fun making one every couple days and deciding where to hang them around your yard or nearby park. If you have time, stick around until birds come to feast. It will give kids motivation to make a next one. (via Live Life Mom)
Bottom left – Do you remember making Yarn Hat Ornaments when you were a child? We surely do! It was fun to make and it looked so cheerful and colorful hanging on the tree! (via Felt Magnet)
Bottom right – Most kids enjoy making their own accessories. After all, it is fun to make something you can wear! Grab few paper rolls and make Paper Role Snowflake Bracelets! They look so lovely! (via Happily Ever Mom)
Reuse Egg Cartons for Winter Crafts
Next, we have winter crafts primarily based on egg carton. Although cardboard egg carton is the most usual type of packing eggs, some of the crafts here use styrofoam egg crate and other use plastic egg container. Now, you can repurpose any of them with ideas found here!
Top Left – Just how cute can a snowman be? Very cute if we judge these Egg Carton Snowmen! Made of egg carton and decorated with few buttons and fabric scraps, they are lovely hanging decoration to make with kids. (via Simple Everyday Mom)
Top right – For toddlers and preschoolers who need a quick scissor practice, making a Simple Egg Carton Snowflakes will be very helpful and fun. When done, thread them into a garland to decorate room at home or classroom at school. – White House Black Shutters
Bottom left – How about making a whole family of Egg Carton Penguins? This really is such a lovely idea, you can even make a penguin habitat as you learn all about penguins. (via Patchwork Parent)
Bottom left – It takes a single recycled egg carton to make this lovely winter small world! Winter Wonderland from Egg Carton is a craft to make on a dreary winter day with your kids. It will surely bring out a bit of sunny atmosphere! (via The Imagination Tree)
Top left – Add learning element to crafting! Make Counting Snowman from egg cartons and use them for counting practice with your toddlers and preschoolers. (via Housing a Forest)
Top right – To make Stackable Snowman for the Light Table, you will need clear plastic egg carton. Light table play provides a different play experience for a child so you might want to try! (via Happily Ever Mom)
Bottom left – A twist to classic bird feeders from paper rolls! Make and hang Snowman Bird feeders for birds to feast on in your garden! (via How Wee Learn)
Bottom right – We love this cute 2-part Penguin Craft! Made of egg carton cut-out cups, with adorable pipe cleaner earmuffs! Just too cute for words! (via Kids Craft Room)
Top left – Wouldn’t it be fun to make a winter show?! And the main actor can be a Polar Bear Puppet made of the egg carton. You can also make few friends for supporting actors. (via Making Learning Fun)
Top rights – If you learn about Arctic, you will surely need an igloo. Make Egg Carton Igloo with kids to add to your winter scene. (via Free Kids Crafts)
Bottom left – Here we have another version of snowman. This time they are stackable Egg Carton Snowmen made with several egg carton cups. Cute, right? (via The Best Ideas for Kids)
Bottom right – An easy Egg Carton Snowman to make using reversed egg carton cut-outs. To make this snowman we will need to fill cups with cotton. (via The Chirping Moms)
Reuse Old Newspapers or Magazines for Winter Craft and Art Projects with Kids
So much of junk mail can be repurposed! You can reuse for crafts items like:
- old newspapers
- old magazines
- junk mail
- promo materials
- envelopes
- child’s artwork
- printed and not needed papers
- old book pages
Top left – There is nothing better as a winter decoration for a large space than these Giant and Gorgeous Painted Snowflakes! Who said snowflakes must be white only?! This are beautiful and quite easy to make. (via Pink Stripey Socks)
Top right – Mix media projects are always fun art projects to make with kids. So is this Newspaper Winter Landscape Art Project where you use newspaper, plain paper and even bubble wrapper! (via I Heart Crafty Things)
Bottom left – Here is another fun craft with newspaper! This time we use coiled newspaper strips to make Newspaper Spiral Snowman on the Sledge Craft! It would look lovely as an ornament, don’t you think? (via Incredibusy)
Bottom right – There is something whimsical about birch tree in winter. Maybe it’s a fact that with it’s white branches, birch masks it’s presence on the snow? Anyway, we love how Birch Winter Tree Art Project turned out! (via How Wee Learn)
Top left – An art project perfect for classroom to make with kids. If you let kids free form cut circles for snowman body, it will make each an every one of them even more unique. Recycled Newspaper Snowman Art is an art to hang and show of! (via I Heart Crafty Things)
Top right – For kids in need in scissor and gluing practice, Recycled Wrapping Paper Winter Wreath is perfect project. Chances are, you have received some Christmas gifts with winter themed wrapping paper. Hope you save it because it will be needed for this project. (via Creative Little Explorers)
Bottom left – Sponge printed background is an unique feature of Penguin Winter Art Project we shared here. It’s an easy winter project to make with kids when you are stuck inside and kids are bored. Big plus is that you probably already have all materials on hand. (via Crafty Kids At Home)
Bottom right – We love this adorable Newspaper Polar Bear! It is white, or mostly white, due to printed words but bear’s facial features still come out clear and adorable. (via I Heart Crafty Things)
Popsicle Stick Winter Crafts for Kids
If your kids are like mine, there will always be enough popsicle sticks for crafting! But, in case you fancy one of the popsicle stick winter crafts here and would like to make it with larger group of kids (for example, in the classroom), you can order popsicle sticks in bulk (find here: United States | Canada | United Kingdom)
Top left – Build a Snowflake project is fun way to use up all the white and blue hue craft supplies you have laying around your home. Originally, you would need craft sticks, pipe cleaners, mini pom poms, Q-tips, cotton balls, but we are sure it would turn out lovely even if you miss one of these supplies. – Sixth Bloom
Top right – If you decide on making a winter decoration for you window, Snowman Suncatcher with Popsicle Sticks is a sure hit with kids! (via Sun Hats & Wellie Boots)
Bottom left – Snowman Craft Stick Photo Ornament is an adorable keepsake to make and gift! It would also look lovely on the Christmas tree! (via DIY & Crafts)
Bottom right – When you want to add a bit of sparkle into a dreary winter day, you can make Sparkly Popsicle Stick Snowflake Craft! It’s lovely, joyful and, well, sparkly! (via The Art Kit Blog)
Top left – If you don’t mind messy art, try making Fine Motor Snowflake Art with toddlers! It’s fun and and easy winter craft with added bits and bobs on top of painted popsicle stick snowflakes. (via Teaching 2 & 3 Year Olds)
Top right – Popsicle Stick Snowman Magnets are so easy to make which makes them a perfect little gift for kids to give to anyone having their birthday during winter months. (via Thrifty Jinxy)
Bottom left – If you are looking for a rustic feel winter craft to decorate your home, DIY Popsicle Stick Snowman is a must make! (via DIY & Crafts)
Bottom right – Next we have Popsicle Stick Penguin Craft made using jumbo sticks and black yarn. It looks fun to make, don’t you think? (via Simple Everyday Mom)
Top left – You can make Popsicle Stick Snowman Craft for gift giving for book lovers. Don’t you think it would work well as bookmark? (via Artsy Craftsy Mom)
Top right – Since the original article for this Cute and Fun DiY Popsicle Stick Snowman craft has been unavailable, here is an explanation how to make it: Use 6 popsicle sticks. Paint 1/3 from the top of 5 popsicle sticks black and remaining part white. Paint last popsicle stick fully black to use as a hat rim. Cut circles from black paper for mouth and cut orange paper in triangle shape for nose. Use googly eyes for eyes. You will need felt pieces to make strip for hat. Glue everything to get a snowman shown on the picture.
Bottom left – Similar to a penguin craft on the previous picture, you can also make Popsicle Stick Snowman Craft using yarn. (via Simple Everyday Mom)
Bottom right – DIY Popsicle Stick Sled Ornament is sooo adorable! Finished sled looks so good like it was store-bought and not made at home! (via Fireflies and Mud Pies)
Top left – When talking about cute winter crafts, we can’t miss Popsicle Stick Arctic Wolves! Although, they kind of look more like arctic foxes to me! Either way, they are absolutely adorable! (via One Little Project)
Top right – Popsicle Stick Polar Bear Craft is another easy to make winter craft you can make even with the youngest kids. It involves lots of gluing and it is always fun to glue stuff! (via Glued to My Crafts)
Bottom left- Anyone up for hot chocolate? If you can’t drink it, you can craft it! An easy Hot Chocolate Mug craft is popping out among all the snowman and popsicles! (via Simple Mom Project)
Bottom right – You will need a bit of unusual yarn to make Woven Craft Stick Snowflake Ornaments but it surely adds different texture and amazing result! (via Happy Hooligans)
Use Old Mason Jars or Baby Jars for Winter Crafts
We collected winter craft ideas with mason and baby jars AND jar lids. Mostly, people think about how to repurpose glass jars and forget that each and every one of them comes with a lid! Repurpose it all!
Top left – Make a bit of a different snowglobe with kids! Every Lego lover will enjoy having one of Lego Snow Jars on display in their home. It’s quite easy to make so you can add this as to-do project for your preschooler. (via Pink Stripey Socks)
Top right – You can quickly make a dozen of Mason Jar Lid Snowman to decorate your Christmas tree this year! It’s easy and cute winter craft for all age groups! (via Craft Create Cook)
Bottom left – Another adorable winter craft for little Frozen fans! Fingerprint Frozen Olaf on mason lid duals as ornament and keepsake. (via Crafty Morning)
Bottom right – Mason Jar Lid Snowman gives of a rustic vibe and will surely have place in your home over winter break! (via Crafts by Amanda)
Top left – Melted snowman crafts are so fun! Melted Snowman in a Jar will for sure make your kids laugh and enjoy spending time on crafting. (via Fireflies and Mud Pies)
Top right – For little ones who enjoy sensory play try making Snowman Sensory Jar. It’s safe way to enjoy snow without actual snow. (via Craft Create Cook)
Bottom left – These Winter Luminaries would make a wonderful gift, don’t you think? They don’t require a lot of time to create and they look so professional! (via Crafts by Amanda)
Bottom right – Another DIY gift you can easily make is Snowman Hot Chocolate Gift in a Jar! It’s so cute and if you are aiming for edible gift, this will surely be a hit with receiver! (via The DIY Mommy)
Recycled Cork Winter Crafts for Kids
Set wine corks aside and pull them out for crafting session with kids! Love cork crafts, so cute!
Top left – If you are making a single bigger craft for decoration, you can make Wine Cork Snowman. It is made of multiple cork pieces secured with twine. (via Growing Up Gabel)
Top right – Another adorable winter craft coming from our favorite author Maggie is a Cork Snowman Ornament! It’s so lovely seeing these little ones hang as an ornament! (via Red Ted Art)
Bottom left – Glue and bind corks in a snowflake shape to get a Wine Cork Snowflake Ornament. You can make as many of these snowflakes as you have saved corks! (via Pink Fortitude)
Bottom right – Similar to a snowman ornament before, you can make Rainbow Cork Penguins! They are small, they are cute and they are perfect to hang on the Christmas tree! (via Red Ted Art)
Reused Fabric Winter Crafts for Kids
Which items you can repurpose for crafting? Here are some suggestions:
- old socks
- old jumpers and sweaters
- old t-shirts
- old denim
Top left – Reuse old sweater to make a Snowman from Recycled Jumper and hang it as an ornament on you Christmas tree. These would look lovely dangling off the school bag as well! (via Red Ted Art)
Top right – DIY Sock Snowman Craft is one of those classic winter crafts you create at least once in your life. For most part, you already have everything needed at home. (via Reuse Grow Enjoy)
Bottom left – We always have one or two white t-shirts ready to be recycled at any time. How about you? If you have small gifts to give over Christmas or winter birthday, Winter Pouch from an Old T-Shirt will be a lovely gift wrap! (via Oh The Things We’ll Make)
Bottom right – Here is another version of classic sock snowman craft. No-Sew Sock Snowman Craft will be perfect for younger kids who still don’t have any sewing skills. (via Easy Peasy and Fun)
Upcycle Tin Cans for Winter Crafts
So many amazing ideas for winter themed items from tin cans! From homemade games to gifts to make and give. Pick something according to your child’s age and enjoy crafting!
Top left – Oh my! Who knew polar bears can be so cute! Polar Bear Pencil Holder is one of those adorable crafts to make and make a receiver smile! (via Red Ted Art)
Top right – If you have a toddler or a preschooler, you can sit them down to make a Tin Can Snowman Craft. A bit of painting, a bit of gluing and it’s completed gift! (via Kids Craft Room)
Bottom left – If you prefer to make a game kids can play over winter break, DIY Snowman Tin Can Toss will fulfill your need. You will need to save at least 10 tin cans for this game so start early! (via 5 Minutes for Mom)
Bottom right – Next, we have dangling Snowman Craft from Tin Cans you can hang on your porch this winter. The bigger the cans you use, the bigger finished snowman will turn out! (via Hands On As We Grow)
Top left – Magnetic Snowman doubles as a busy bag and travel game you can make ahead of time and bring along during your family travels over winter break. (via Fun Littles)
Top right – Tin Can Lanterns are beautiful displayed over winter. Kids can help with most of the process, although adult will be needed to punch the holes on tin can. (via Kids Crafts Room)
Bottom left – DIY Penguin Pencil Holder is made with simple cut-and-glue process which makes it a super quick craft to make for anyone! (via Red Ted Art)
Bottom right – If you bind few tin can jars together you will get these awesome Tin Can Bird Feeders. Aren’t they perfect choice to make for your yard? (via The Happier Homemaker)
Recycled Winter Crafts for Kids from Plastic Bottles and Bottle Caps
Basic materials for this winter crafts segment:
- plastic bottles
- plastic caps
- metal caps
- milk jugs
Winter Frozen Glitter Jars – Glitter on a Dime
Cute Recycled Bottle Cap Winter Animal – Artsy Momma
Plastic Cap Snowman Ornament – A Little Pinch of Perfect
STEM Snowboarding Halfpipe – JDaniel4’s Mom
Plastic Bottle Snowman – Drugstore Divas
Cute Bottle Cap Snowman – DIY & Crafts
Glow in the Dark Sensory Bottle: Glowman the Snowman! – Very Special Tales
DIY Plastic Bottle Penguin – Krokotak
Bottle Cap Penguin – Crafty Morning
Plastic Bottle Icicles – Colorful Crafts
Snowman Fine Motor Practice – Early Learning Ideas
Water Bottle Penguins – One Little Project
Snowman Puppet – Mollie’s Mom
Plastic Bottle Snowdrops – Krokotak
Milk Bottle Luminarie Penguin Craft – Crafts on Sea
Winter Sailing Boats – Best Toys 4 Toddlers
Easy Milk Jug Snowmen – Bee-ing Mommy
Inuit & Igloo Milk Jug Craft – The Pinterested Parent
How to build a milk jug igloo – DIY Projects
DIY Snowflake from Plastic Bottles – i Creative Ideas
Upcycle Paper, Plastic or Yogurt Cups for Winter Crafts
Paper Cups Snowman – Sun Hats & Wellie Boots
Paper Cup Penguin Craft – School Time Snippets
Paper Cup Luminaries – Little Bins for Little Hands
Snow Shooters for Kids – Growing a Jeweled Rose
Winter Crafts for Children with Other Materials from Recycle Bin
Materials used in next set of recycled winter crafts:
- paint sticks
- old teethbrush
- packing peanuts
- old light bulbs
- bubble wrap
- coffee cup lid
- clay pots
- plastic bags
- mismatched puzzle pieces
Paint Stick Snowman – Money Wise Moms
Winter Tree Painting with Old Toothbrush – Crafts on Sea
Packing Peanuts Snowflake – The Resourceful Mama
Light Bulb Snowman Craft – DIY & Crafts
Bubble Wrap Snowman – The Resourceful Mama
Painted Light Bulb Penguin – DIY & Crafts
Coffee Cup Lid Snowman – The Resourceful Mama
An Easy Bubble Wrap Snowman Craft – Teaching 2&3 Year Olds
DIY Christmas Clay Pot Snowman – DIY & Crafts
Recycled Plastic Bag Snowman Portrait – FaveCrafts
Packing Peanut Snowmen – Toddler Approved
Puzzle Pieces Snowflakes – Red Ted Art
What Else Can You Repurpose?
We cooperated with many other bloggers online in junk play serial where we picked a different material from recycle bin every day for 60 days. You can find a full list and ideas for all 60 materials we used in 60 Day Junk Play Challenge. You can also join our Creative Junk Play group on Facebook! See you around!
Few Other Winter Ideas to Try
- Make a salty snowman
- Prepare few winter busy bags for independent playtime
- Set up a winter sensory bin for a child to explore
- Print few winter coloring pages to fight boredom
What fun winter DIYS. PINNED! Thank you for including my upcycled wine cork snowflake. My heart is full of gratitude. Hugs, Holly
Thank you! ♥