Recycled New Year’s Garland (works for Christmas too!)

Turn your old Christmas gift bags into a New Year's garland! Gather a few different coloured bags, metallic ones look super festive. You can use stiff wrapping paper as well. Cut out as many equally sized circles as you can. A circle punch works well for this. Otherwise get the kids to use a glass as a trace shape and have them cutting away for hours. Use tape or glue to sandwich a thread between two circles and alternate the colours.

Get full instructions at Please Note.

Upcycled Wine Bottle Candle Holders

You’re sure to have plenty of these lying around from all the seasonal festivities. Wash, pull off labels and tie with ribbon and leftover gift wrap. Raffia and fresh herbs like lavender also make for a pretty and fragrant decoration. Pop in some candles and add special holiday ambiance to your next gathering.

See more ideas from Good Housekeeping.

Recycled Cardboard Christmas Tree

Nothing makes my heart quite as happy as using ‘scraps’ to create something beautiful - it’s a win-win situation for both your budget and the environment! Well, Geek Dad has definitely got us covered with this genius cardboard Christmas tree. Although it does take a bit of effort, it’s a holiday project well worth it. And the whole family can get involved! All you need is some large cardboard boxes (those ones you’ve been meaning to throw away for ages now), leftover gift wrap and ribbons, glue, paints and glitters, and LED lights (don’t use heat radiating lights as this may be a fire hazard).

Get the full instructions at Geek Dad.

TP Roll Tree Topper

Upcycle art at its best. Who knew you could create this magnificent star from only four toilet rolls, glue and spray paint!  You need some more time and patience to create this but if you’re up for the challenge you can really boast with this finished craft.

Get the step-by-step instructions from All Things Paper.

Wrapping Paper Wreath

It’s quite marvelous that there so many uses for discarded wrapping paper! Start with a foam wreath, glue evenly sized rolls to it, layer and tie with hanging ribbon. Easy!

Get full instructions at Centsational Style.