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Crafts from Trash

Recycle Some Family Fun

By Donna Stone

Clear adhesive shelf paper
Small pictures of flowers
Scraps of ribbon and laceL
Stickers (optional)
Glue
Scissors
1/3 yard 1/4-inch ribbon

Cut out small pictures of flowers or other decorative pictures from magazines or greeting cards. Glue your selected pictures and bits of lace onto the tea dividers. Add stickers and a message if desired. When you are finished decorating your bookmarker cover it with clear shelf paper or laminating sheets. Trim the edges and punch a hole in the center near the top of the bookmark. Thread a ribbon through the hole.

Paper Fans
Colorful wrapping paper that is too pretty to throw away can be used to make decorative fans. Use them to decorate a gift package with a matching homemade card and envelope.

You will need:
Wrapping paper
Scissors
Tape
Curling ribbon

Cut a rectangle of wrapping paper about 4 inches by 5 inches. Starting with the side that measures 4 inches, fold back and forth accordion style until you have a long folded piece. Secure one end by folding over and taping with clear tape. Make a loop of curling ribbon for a hanger and tape to the end of the fan. Tie a length of curling ribbon around the secured end of the fan and curl.

Cardboard Play Town
One of my sons' favorite toys has always been a play town made from empty boxes.

You will need:
An assortment of small empty boxes, such as macaroni boxes, salt containers, milk cartons, etc.
Empty paper towel tube
Construction paper
Scissors
Tape
Plain white or brown paper
Crayons or markers