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I love finding simple ways to turn empty plastic bottles into useful and beautiful things. You can save money, cut waste, and make fun projects with items you already have at home. Here are 15 easy recycled plastic bottle crafts you can try with simple tools and a bit of creativity.
You’ll find ideas for home decor, planters, toys, storage, and gifts. I’ll walk you through projects like wrapped vases, hanging lanterns, planters, and desk organizers so you can pick whatever feels right for your space and mood.
1. Plastic Bottle Flower Vases Wrapped in Jute
I grab empty bottles and wrap them in jute twine, securing everything with glue. Fresh or dried flowers go on top for a simple, eco-friendly display.
2. Whimsical Plastic Bottle Wind Chimes
I cut up bottles, paint the shapes, and hang them with beads and string to make bright wind chimes. The beads tinkle when the wind blows, and kids love helping decorate. It’s a way to keep plastic out of landfills, too.
3. Painted Plastic Bottle Planters
I paint bottles with acrylics to hide the logos and add some color to my porch. After cutting them down to size, I poke drainage holes, fill them with soil, and plant succulents or herbs. A coat of sealant helps the finish last outside.
For People Who Love to Make Things ✂️
4. Plastic Bottle Penguin Figurines for Kids
I turn bottles into cute penguins with paint, felt, and glue. Kids help with the decorating, and I handle the tricky parts like cutting and hot glue. These make fun winter decor and sneak in a little recycling lesson.
5. Butterfly Decorations from Cut Plastic Bottles
I cut clean bottles into wing shapes, paint them with bright acrylics, and add details with glitter or markers. Heating the edges a bit helps curve the wings, then I glue them to a clothespin or wire for hanging.
6. Plastic Bottle Hanging Lanterns
I make hanging lanterns from empty bottles and a small LED or tea light. After cutting or painting the bottle and adding holes or patterns, I hang it with twine for a cozy outdoor glow. They brighten patios and use up plastic, which I always appreciate.
7. Upcycled Soda Bottle Storage Containers
I cut and sand soda bottles to make storage containers. Some get a coat of paint or fabric to match the room. They’re handy for craft supplies, snacks, or little toys that usually end up everywhere.
8. Plastic Bottle Herb Garden Planters
I cut bottles in half, use the tops as self-watering pots, and poke a few drainage holes. Basil or mint works well. They fit on windowsills or hang up to save counter space.
9. Bird Feeders Made from Plastic Bottles
I cut holes in empty bottles, add a perch, fill with seed, and hang them up as simple bird feeders. It’s cheap, easy, and the birds seem to approve. Kids can help decorate and refill them, too.
10. Plastic Bottle Desk Organizers
I cut bottles into pen cups, trays, or little drawers and glue them together. Sometimes I wrap them in washi tape or paint for a tidy finish that keeps my desk a bit less chaotic.
11. DIY Plastic Bottle Flower Decorations
I cut and layer bottle petals, paint them in bright colors, and glue a bead or button in the center. For stems, I use wire or sticks. They go in vases or hang as garlands—easy, lasting, and definitely recycled.
12. Plastic Bottle Watering Cans
I poke small holes in a bottle cap, and just like that, I’ve got a gentle watering can for seedlings. Big bottles for thirsty plants, small ones for delicate jobs—sometimes I swap out lids to control the flow.
13. Colorful Plastic Bottle Bead Necklaces
I cut rings from bottles, sand and shape them into beads, then melt the edges a bit. After painting or dyeing, I string them on cord. The result? Bright, lightweight necklaces that reuse plastic and look surprisingly fun.
14. Plastic Bottle Self-Watering Plant Pots
I cut old bottles and invert the tops into the bases to make self-watering pots. The water reservoir sits below the soil, so plants drink as they need and I don’t have to water so often.
15. Plastic Bottle Pencil Holders
I grab empty bottles and turn them into simple pencil holders with just a few snips and whatever craft supplies I have on hand.
Sometimes I wrap, paint, or just cover them in fabric or yarn, depending on what looks good on my desk that week.
They help me keep pens in one spot and, honestly, I feel a little better about not tossing out so much plastic.
