How to Prepare Household Items for Crafting + 6 Recycling Projects for Kids

Remove sharp edges on tin cans with 220-grit sandpaper. Smooth the edges using light strokes and switch for a finer-grit sandpaper after the edges seem duller. A polishing pad can remove any metal dust left behind once the metal is smooth.

How can you actually use this? Kids can go green with these DIY Tin Can Flowers.

Removing labels from tin cans (and glass surfaces like wine and beer bottles) can be done by filling a sink or container with warm-to-hot water. Place the item in to soak and mix in half of a scoop of dish detergent. As some label glues are stronger than others, check the item periodically for signs that it is ready to be peeled. Some items may need to soak overnight. Once it is ready, peel the corner of the label and pull it completely off. Use a wet sponge to scrub any residue from the surface and dry.

How can you actually use this? Your child will definitely be the teacher's pet with this Crayon Vase Gift for Teachers.

Tin cans should be washed in hot, soapy water to free the can of food residue and oils.

How can you actually use this? Blast off to a galaxy far, far away with this R2D2-Inspired DIY Pencil Holder.

The best way to wash T-shirts for crafting is to use detergent only. Fabric softener will lessen the adhesive qualities of other craft supplies.

How can you actually use this? Have a fun and stylish way to keep your hair out of your face as the weather gets warmer with these Tie-Dyed T-Shirt Headbands.

Learning how to remove the silver from a CD is surprisingly much easier than you would expect. First, make a tiny scratch on the CD and then cover the whole thing with tape. Once your CD is covered, peel off the tape, and the silver will come right off with it. If little pieces of silver are still left over, just cover them with tape and pull them off.

How can you actually use this? You won't be able to get enough of this Old CD Owl Craft for Kids, and soon you'll have them all over your house.

When learning how to paint CDs and DVDs, you may be wondering how to get the paint to stick on such a smooth surface. First, clean the surface of the CD with denatured alcohol. Dampen a cotton swab with alcohol and swab the surface until all dirt and dust is removed. Allow the CD to dry for about fifteen minutes and then scratch the surface of the CD using a fine grit sandpaper until it is textured and any print already present is removed. This will ensure that the paint adheres to the CD. Next, wipe it clear of any sanding residue with a clean cloth. Coat the CD with multiple layers of plastic primer, waiting fifteen minutes between layers. Once two hours have passed and the final coat of primer is dry, sand the surface one last time with the fine grit sandpaper to level coating and remove irregularities.

How can you actually use this? This Woven CD DIY Dreamcatcher will teach your kids to weave and leave them itching to try some more.

Wacky Recycled CD Lion Craft - Recycling projects are great because you and the kids can be so creative and the results are always unique.

Dazzling CD Homemade Christmas Ornaments - Decorating DIY Christmas ornaments with the kids is a memory that you will treasure for years to come.

Recycled Clothing DIY Bracelet - If your girls are looking for the next big fashion trend, then they'll love this Recycled Clothing DIY Bracelet craft.

Recycled Robot Kids Craft - If your kids loved Big Hero 6, they'll love creating their own robots with this Recycled Robot Kids' Craft.

Recycled T-Shirt DIY Keychain - Recycle your kids' old t-shirts into cool art with this Recycled T-Shirt DIY Keychain.

Recycled Minecraft Creeper Fan Pencil Cup - This is the pen cup that your favorite Minecraft fan has been missing on their desk.