1. Plastic Water Bottles
2. Old Magazines
Choose the least scandalous magazine pages you can find, roll them up, and strategically pin them inside an empty shoebox. Up-close instructions here.
3. Dead Lightbulb
Idea! Pull the industrial guts out of that lightbulb and fill it with nature's beauty. Details on the deconstruction available here.
4. That Vinyl Record That Dad Gave You Decades Ago
You don't need much more than standard cooking equipment. Place the record on an upside-down bowl, place in the oven, and turn over. Detailed instructions here.
5. Old Toothbrush
—> New bracelet!
You probably get the gist of it from the photos, but you'll have to boil the bristles away. More details here.
6. Marker caps from dried-out markers
—> Jump rope!
It's pretty simple and brilliant. Thread rope through old marker caps, and you'll end up with a taut rope. Adults, don't forget that jumping rope is great exercise!
7. Old Jars
—> A modern chandelier
The simple construction of these hanging lamps will encourage you to fill a room with them. Detailed instructions here.
8. Cereal Box
For the ~performative~ one in your group, preserve that box for the perfect proscenium. Details on costume, makeup, et. al here.
9. Greeting Cards You Think Might Fade into Obscurity
—> Legit scrapbook
There comes a time in every greeting card's life when its owner ponders the card's relevance. Instead of tossing old cards, transform them into small scrapbooks that can commemorate the time they're from. Guilt-free guidance here.
10. Crayons you thought were too small to be worth anything
—> Crayon candles
Beware! Hot hot hot! Instructions on how to melt and mold are here.
11. Wine corks from nights long ago
—> Birdhouse!
Depending on your ideal birdhouse square footage, it might take years to save enough corks. You can build your house in minutes, though. Instructions here.
12. Hoodie with a broken zipper
Once you cut the zipper from the hoodie, it's quite simple. In fact, it's basically just a hairpin.
13. Pistachio shells
This is a fun one. All you need are some discarded shells, some clay, and some glue. Inspirational instructions here.