Remake It!: Recycling Projects from the Stuff You Usually Scrap

by Tiffany Threadgould

To the green and crafty kid, vintage LP covers, empty tissue boxes, and broken umbrellas are not trash--they're treasures!
Written in a teen-friendly style, ReMake It! presents 95 cool eco-smart projects--like turning an oatmeal container into a super-cute tote or creating a picture frame from an old pair of eyeglasses. Step-by-step instructions, plus a Stitchionary and fantastic full-color photos of each project, make it easy and fun to get creative …with stuff that's FREE!
Paper Pizzazz * Fantastic Plastic * Re-fabbed Fabric * Metal Makeover * Glorious Glass * Junk Pile Jazz-up Printed on eco-friendly FSC paper!

Genres: Crafts, Childrens, Nonfiction

128 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2011

About the author

TIFFANY THREADGOULD runs RePlayGround (replayground.com), where you can find ReMake It! recycling kits, learn about more DIY project ideas, or even contact her to chat about trashy crafts. She's also the head of design at TerraCycle (terracycle.net) where you can earn money for your favorite charity by collecting trash. She thinks that garbage has feelings, too, and can often be found talking to her pile of garbage at her design studio in Brooklyn, New York.

Reviews

[Susie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm still on my recycle, reuse kick and am looking for ideas of what to do with items instead of throwing them away.

Most of the ideas in this book are okay and aimed at children, but this did have a few winners:

#4 Newspaper Gift Bag (I've been looking for this one)!
#21 Greeting Card Ornmanet
#32 Plastic Plant Markers
#33 Yogurt Tub Luggage Tags
#45 Record Clock
#50 Necktie Gadget Case
#52 Shirt Sleeve bag (for those left over shirt sleeves)
#59 Cargo Pant Yoga Mat bag
#67 Felted Sweater Blanket
#69 Felted Sweater Fingerless Gloves
#76 Paint Can Planter
#95 Book purse

[Marcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a terrific activity book with recipes for making all kinds of things from trash. It's clever and creative. I haven't tried any of the projects out yet, but I plan to do so soon with my students. But one criticism I have of the book is that most of the projects are not *useful* in the sense that they're just cute repurposing of objects, which I can imagine would wind up in the trash not long after it is made. I'd love to see a similar book where the object of upcycling trash is reusing it.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hadn't realized this was for kids -- and it's really aimed at them. But some cute stuff, and I think kids of most ages would have fun doing a lot of these "remakes". Sure, a lot of it's on the internet already, but this is well-presented in a perspective you don't typically get.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

really fresh ideas for recycled crafts. Geared towards tweens but good for adults.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for library program ideas, especially because it makes use of recycled materials which cuts down on the cost!

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute ideas. Tried some they were okay.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book to find thrifty projects for tweens/teens. Would be great for librarians or teachers for reference.

[Megan · Rating 1 out of 5]

In theory it's great. But none of the projects were useful to me. But it's always inspiring.

[Anandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun repurposed projects for kids

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is full of great program inspiration!

[Roots]

Family FUN.

[Ruthie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of absolutely mind-blowing genius idea! I have got to get myself a copy!

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't realize this was really a kids craft book, not what I was looking for, but it had some cute ideas.

[Jen Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book to recreate everyday items out of stuff you've already had at home. I'm working on trying them all out!