Crafting with Recyclables - Design a Robot Kit

In honor of Earth Day, I thought we would do another fun craft with recyclables -- a kit to design your own robot! Of course, we craft with recyclables year round, since it's better for the environment, plus I consider them to be free art supplies. Emily has been on a robot kick lately, as seen here, so this craft was a big hit at our house!

To make the robot, I used an empty potato chip bag, washed it thoroughly and allowed it to dry completely. Then, I turned the bag inside out, and cut several shapes for the front and back of the head, body, arms, and legs. I ran each piece through my sewing machine with a zig-zag stitch around the outline, and trimmed them with pinking shears.

Earth Day Giveaway -- Target Reusable Shopping Bag

In honor of Earth Day, we are having a special giveaway on Frugal Family Fun Blog! If you've been reading this blog for awhile, you probably know that I am a huge fan of Target. I am not affiliated with Target in any way -- at least, not yet..... (hint, hint, Target people). However, their reusable shopping bags are my favorite for two reasons: 1. They are so stinkin' cute!! and 2. They fold up so nicely (see above). 

I have had mine for a long time now, and they hold up quite well. Mine still look like new! I always get compliments on them, and I'm sure you will too.

Here's how it looks opened up:

To enter for a chance to win, leave a comment with your best "green" tip on this post (be sure to include your email address). Winning entry will be chosen using random.org, and winner will be notified via email. This giveaway ends Wednesday, April 29th at 6pm EST. 

Good luck, and remember to use reusable shopping bags for all shopping, not just groceries!

Earth Day Recycling Craft Round Up

In honor of Earth Day, here are some links from the archives of our Earth Day craft and activity ideas that feature recycled materials. Enjoy!

Bird Feeders from Recyclables

Bird Watching Kit

Frugal Fun with Music

Spring Storage Boxes

Spring Basket

Frugal Fun with Stilts

Matching Game with Juice Lids

Baby Food Jar Lanterns

Putting Recyclables to Good Use (Video from Newswatch 16 featuring Frugal Family Fun Blog)

Marble Run 

What are your plans to celebrate Earth Day? I would love to hear your ideas. Leave a comment and share your story with us!

Beads from Old Magazines

We were inspired by upcoming Earth Day to make beads from old magazines! I first saw this idea in The Complete Tightwad Gazette -- a terrific resource. To make your own magazine beads, you will need: glue mixed with some water, toothpick (or straw, or bamboo skewer), old magazines, and a paint brush. We wanted our beads to be green, and one of the best sources came from an old December issue of Real Simple. 

Cut the magazine pages into long thin triangles. Start wrapping the paper around the toothpick and brush some of the watered down glue mixture on top. Have your child roll the paper the rest of the way. Carefully pull the bead off of the toothpick and allow to dry. 

Emily used a blunt tip tapestry needle and cotton string to make a necklace out of them, but these would also make pretty earrings! Now go recycle those old magazines!