Photo: Crafts by Belen

In the past, the humble graduation hat was merely part of the customary and ceremonial “cap and gown” ensemble.  Today, however, it has been transformed into a canvas for crafty graduates looking to show off their amazing crafting skills and go out with a bang. Ceremonies are made all the brighter and more entertaining thanks to the crafty grads' premeditated graduation cap ideas—which include clever, comical, and creative designs.

This collection of quirky caps ranges in style, concept, and inspiration. Many reference pop culture staples spanning well-known films, iconic television shows, and beloved childhood cartoon characters. On the opposite side of the spectrum, some convey political and social undertones with inspirational graduation quotes. Still, a large portion of these caps simply act as “thank you” notes to those who made it all possible: friends, family, and, of course, coffee.

In the last couple of years, with politics seeming to seep into every aspect of life, there has been a surge in political activism shining through graduates’ crafted caps. Students who are immigrants or whose parents have migrated from another country are proudly expressing how their family’s dreams are coming to fruition. Many people migrate to another country in order to lead a better life for their families, and education is one of the many privileges they seek out. As a result, these accessories are more than fancy headgear to them—they’re a symbol of success and a platform to show pride in their accomplishments.

Scroll down to see 65 graduation cap ideas.

We've selected some of the best graduation cap decoration ideas.

Inspiring Graduation Caps

“On to the next chapter.”

Photo: holacrafty

“We must go on and take the adventure that comes to us.”

Photo: Amy Ferguson

“Where life plants you, bloom with grace.” 

Photo: Grad Caps by Breezy

“She was unstoppable. Not because she did not have failures or doubts, but because she continued on despite them.”

Photo: naatscreations

“Mommy did it.”

Photo: baileyshea.jpg

“She came, she saw, she conquered!”

Photo: Tyla Made It!

“I dream it, I work hard, I grind 'til I own it.”

Photo: creativitay_

“I'm a savage, classy, bougie, graduate.”

Photo: Krafted Swell

“I'm standing here today because you helped me fund my way.”

Photo: designsbyyerallin

“My future is booked.”

Photo: craftshleyco

“Oh, the places you'll go.”

Photo: randpajoescandycompany

“Adventure is out there.”

Photo: foreverpetalsbyvee

“You can find me in New York City.”

Photo: knsiemering

“Next stop the academy.”

Photo: allaboutawallflower

“Rose to the occasion.”

Photo: jennifer.maker

“Don't touch my crown.”

Photo: jewels.creationz

“And so the adventure begins.”

Photo: Amber

“Do better better.”

Photo: Lauren Law

Movie and TV Show Themed Graduation Cap Ideas

The Flash: “Some things happen because we make them happen.”

Photo: allaboutawallflower

The Princes Diaries: “Me? A Graduate? Shut up!”

Photo: hofstrau

Star Wars: “Never tell me the odds.”

Photo: melissalovesdisney

The Little Mermaid: “The little graduate.”

Photo: emmaclairree.art

Disney: “No one graduates like Gaston.” 

Photo: busybusymrsb

Lion King: “Hakuna matata.”

Photo: lvoekat

The Wizard of Oz: “You've had the power all along my dear. You just had to learn it for yourself.”

Photo: abeauty_and_abeast_

Harry Potter: “Life opens at the close.”

Photo: bettescustoms

Mean Girls: “Get in loser, we're graduating.”

Photo: k.rosedesigns

“This does put a smile on my face.”

Photo: catzfuhdays

The Office: “Bears. Beats. Bachelors Degree.”

Photo: csuebalumni

Spongebob: “5 years later…”

Photo: kasta.art

Spongebob: “Thousands of tears later…”

Photo: Backs_People_Up

New Teachers

“Teacher in Training” 

Photo: customcouturebyemiah

“Teaching is a work of heart.”

Photo: craftshleyco

Math and Science Graduate Cap Ideas

Biology/Pharmacy: “Knowledge is one hell of a drug.” 

Photo: customcouturebyemiah

Accounting: “I've been accounting down the days.”

Photo: drashbecappin

Dentistry: “Holy molar, I flossin did it.”

Photo: Alexis Young

Biology: “When it comes to global health, there is no ‘them', only ‘us'.”

Photo: PaintItBetter

Psychology: “It's been dope, but I'm psyched to get outta here.”

Photo: studiokiera_

Psychology: “Psyched for grad school.”

Photo: uncappedcreations

Biology: “Medicine owes Black people the level of transparency and care that it renders to others.”

Photo: Bria Bowen

Funny Graduation Cap Ideas

“Ight Imma Graduate.”

Photo: studiokiera_

“My diploma runs on Dunkin'”

Photo: kimscustomcaps

“I don't even go here!”

Photo: vivsrivs

“Bye, Mr. Anderson. I'm graduating…tardy or not.”

Photo: butrflysoul

“Now hotter by one degree.”

Photo: briannedanielle_

“Hire me.”

Photo: letterbyline

“Thanks, pizza. You've stuck with me through thick and thin crust.”

Photo: whatisgoingonrightnow

“Goal digger.”

Photo: bee_creative_event_planning

“Yikes. So what now?”

Photo: simplysaavy

“Can I take a nap now?”

Photo: jayandjes.inc

“Thank u, next.”

Photo: d.i.y.holic

“Because ‘coffee' isn't a major.”

Photo: aww.sam

Immigrant Graduates

“Immigrad.”

Photo: anaextina

“Proud product of immigrants.”

Photo: meticulouscrafts

“My parents crossed the border so I could cross this stage!”

Photo: kcaguilar02

“They migrated so I graduated.”

Photo: LaVozdeAztlan

“I am my ancestors' wildest dreams.”

Photo: __killak

“You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one.”

Photo: drea.oz

Art Graduate Cap Ideas

Design: “Interior Design.”

Photo: popwithlo

Photography: “Licensed to shoot”

Photo: le_le_lines

Masters Graduation Cap Ideas

“I mastered it to change the world one word at a time.”

Photo: Kallli June

“She believed she could, so she mastered it.”

Photo: Ana Ojeda

Graduates with Dogs

“I worked hard so my dog can have a better life.”

Photo: emsgemscreations

“I hope my dog is proud of me.”

Photo: theplannergal_19

“Because Dog Mom isn't a career.”

Photo: theredheadedcamel

Congratulations, class of 2023!

This article has been edited and updated.

Related Articles:

The 5 Best Online Resources to Learn Arts and Crafts

97-Year-Old Bursts into Tears of Joy as She Finally Gets Her High School Diploma

Learn How to Craft Your Own Lifelike Flowers With Paper and Glue

How to Make Your Own Stencils + Thousands of Free Ready-to-Use Downloads

READ: 65 Creative Graduation Caps Worn by Crafty Grads

If you were a child of the 1980s or 90s, chances are you remember the televisions of the not-so-distant past. They were boxy units contained within a wood frame. Known as tube TVs, they don’t have a place in our homes today—unless you’re using them as a unique decor item. Artist Hanna Marx converted a 1982 television into a “cat apartment” where her feline can hang out in its own space but still be among its humans. The hollowed-out TV is complete with its own artwork and a comfy bed that offers a similar coziness to that of a cardboard box.

Marx is a watercolor painter who specializes in animal portraits. Within the tiny TV space are a handcrafted jungle-inspired backdrop and a framed picture of a bird painting. Accompanying them is a little “fireplace” that emits a warm glow. And that’s just inside the unit. The top of the television has ample space for plants of all sizes, making the repurposed structure something that both the kitty and humans benefit from.

This was a DIY project for Marx, and it’s something you can replicate for yourself. The first step is finding a television to use—try looking at a thrift store or online at Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. But, be careful. This type of television has cathode ray tubes (CRT) which contain toxins. Be sure that you discharge the electricity and remove it with care. Alternatively, you can have someone else handle that part for you.

Once the tubes are removed, you’ll get to start the fun part: decorating the interior of the TV! Get inspiration from Marx and check out how other pet parents have taken on the TV cat bed.

Artist Hanna Marx converted a 1982 television into a “cat apartment” where her feline can hang out in its own space but still be among its humans.

It's decorated with paintings and a tiny fireplace.

Hanna Marx: Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Hanna Marx.

Related Articles:

Woman Transforms Old TV Into a Unique Terrarium for Her Cacti Collection

Quirky DIY Transforms Obsolete TV into Colorful Liquor Cabinet

Old TV Converted into Fish Tank Resembling Seinfeld’s Apartment

READ: Woman Transforms a 1980S TV Into a Cozy “Cat Apartment” for Her Feline Friend

Creative Passport
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, My Modern Met may earn an affiliate commission. Please read our disclosure for more info.

You might have heard that keeping a journal is a great way to record your thoughts and understand your emotions. Typical journaling involves only writing—but for those who are more visually inclined, an art journal is a great alternative. And because there are so many ways to express yourself in an art journal, it's a wonderful creative outlet for both beginners and more experienced creatives.

What is an art journal?

An art journal is a visual diary; it combines elements of writing, drawing, painting, collage, and even printmaking to express yourself. This includes your everyday life, as well as your bigger hopes, dreams, and fears. A single page will often fuse words and illustrations to offer a look at what's going on inside your head.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Maria (@marudles) on Oct 30, 2018 at 3:48am PDT

The focus on self-expression is where an art journal differs from a sketchbook. A sketchbook can have elements of art journaling, particularly when it comes to drawing or painting. But a sketchbook doesn't have to include imagery that corresponds to your inner thoughts.

Why keep an art journal?

If you are someone who journals, you already understand the benefits of getting your thoughts on paper. Doing so offers a way to de-stress and to sort through complicated emotions. As a result, you gain self-awareness and feel empowered.

Above all, art journaling is a way to practice self-care. It encourages you to take a little time for yourself—even if it’s just for 15 minutes a day. When you look back at what you’ve written, drawn, or stamped, you can gain valuable insight into the challenges in your life.

The point of creating a visual journal is not to make every page a masterpiece. You’re simply supposed to enjoy the act of creating something without worrying about who is going to see it—or if it even looks good. Remember, it’s just for you!

How to Start an Art Journal

Art journaling is completely customizable depending on your skills and interests. Many people choose to use mixed media and adorn their pages with drawing and painting materials, creating different textures on the page. Others prefer sticking with a single medium that they're comfortable with. The most important thing when beginning your art journal, however, is selecting the right book.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Mercury (@mercurialmilk) on Jul 5, 2018 at 7:34am PDT

There are many considerations when it comes to picking your journal. Size is one. If you enjoy making large drawings, for instance, then a bigger book might be best. Art journals look great when you fill the page, so whatever size you choose, make sure it complements the way you like to work. Another characteristic to think about is the type of pages that are in the book. Since it’s a good chance you’ll be using mixed media, select a journal whose paper can handle both drawing and painting—and lots of it.

These supplies are great for art journaling:

• Watercolor paints or watercolor pencils
• Acrylic paint
• Gouache paint
• Colored pencils
• A variety of pens, from fine-tipped to thick brushes
• White ink
• Glue sticks (for collage)
• Stickers
• Rubber stamps
• Old magazines, newspapers, or other interesting papers
• Dried flowers, leaves, or other natural materials
• Postcards, plane tickets, and other ephemera

Try these 15 art journal ideas!

Creating an art journal is all about you, but sometimes you need some help to get started.

• Introduce yourself! Draw or paint a self-portrait.
• Draw some of the items you bought recently.
• Create a map of your favorite place, real or imagined.
• Draw a favorite childhood memory.
• Go for a nature walk and collect flowers or leaves. Write about your walk and why you gathered these items.
• Paste old photos and doodle on top of them using marker.
• Fill a page with geometric shapes.
• Illustrate what’s in your bag.
• Illustrate your daily routine.
• Draw your favorite pet.
• Create a self-portrait.
• Fill a page with doodles.
• Create a collage about your favorite travel experience.
• Use mixed media to illustrate your favorite foods or a recipe.
• Hand letter an inspiring quote or personal mantra.

Looking for more? Pinterest is also full of great art journal prompts.

Take your art journal techniques further with online art classes.

Introduction to Art Journaling, CreativeLive: If you’re looking for a crash course in art journaling, Andrea Chebeleu will educate you on the basics on composition and design elements.

Art Journal Part 1: Unlock Your Creative Intuition, Skillshare: Bookbinder and mixed media artist Christen McGee will teach you the techniques to start an art journaling practice.

Need art journal inspiration?

Check out the beautiful pages that others have produced through art journaling.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Nicole (@nicolesartjournal)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Sasha Martinez (@othersashas)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Sharon Tan • 美莲 (@ronnycakes)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Noor Unnahar (@noor_unnahar)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Noor Unnahar (@noor_unnahar)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Скетчинг Дневники Обзоры (@cattalema)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by iHanna (@ihannas)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Marie (@craic_and_create)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @bujo_emotions

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Putri U. Suseno (@myreminderjournal)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by A N K I E (@abujoist)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jane Maday (@janemaday)

This article has been edited and updated.

Related Articles:

15 Wander-ful Travel Journals to Creatively Record Your Next Great Adventure

15 Journaling Prompts That Will Help You Get Started Writing Today

16 Gratitude Journals That Will Help You Nurture Happiness in Your Daily Life

READ: How to Combine Drawing and Writing into Deeply Personal Art Journals

Photo: Stock Photos from Mostovyi Sergii Igorevich/Shutterstock
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, My Modern Met may earn an affiliate commission. Please read our disclosure for more info.

The start of spring means that Easter is on the horizon, which for many people means one thing—it's time to start decorating eggs. But did you know that in Ukraine, Easter egg decorating is an important art form that dates back centuries? Known as pysanky, these Ukrainian Easter eggs are decorated using the wax-resist (batik) method. Covered in stunning motifs often taken from Slavic folk art, you'll also find these decorated eggs in many parts of eastern Europe.

Creating these precious eggs takes focus and attention to detail, but the results are stunning works of art that are traditionally given as gifts to family members and community leaders. In fact, pysanka is so important to the culture that it's thought that it was even produced in prehistoric Ukraine. Archaeologists have found decorated ceramic eggs to back up this theory and, according to folklore, pysanky can help ward off evil from overtaking the world. Later, this blended with Christian beliefs, though many people still feel that the decorative eggs work to scare off bad spirits from the home.

Photo: Stock Photos from Andriana Syvanych/Shutterstock

So how does one create a pysanka? The word itself is taken from the Ukrainian verb “to write,” which gives a hint into how it's done. After designs are drawn in pencil around the raw egg, it's hollowed out by drilling a small hole in the top and bottom and letting its innards seep out. Melted wax is then applied across the lines with a tool called a kistka, and the egg is dipped in the first dye. Just as in batik, the wax helps seal off the lines so that they remain free of the dye. Wax is continually added, and the egg is continuously dipped in different colors to achieve the desired design. Once dry, the beeswax is melted off with a candle, revealing the colorful pattern. Pysanky are then varnished to preserve them before being displayed on special stands.

For many families, creating pysanky is an important cultural ritual that brings them together each Easter. It's the perfect creative project for all ages, so whether you want to pay homage to your Slavic heritage or simply take your Easter eggs to a new level, why not give it a try? Many community organizations also run workshops on how to decorate Ukrainian Easter eggs or you can try an online pysanky class.

Pysanky Supplies

Photo: Ukrainian Easter Eggs

If you want to get started creating your own pysanky, it doesn’t take much to get started. It’s even possible to find a wide range of pysanky kits that provide all the supplies you’ll need. Here are the essential tools you’ll need to start making your own Ukrainian Easter eggs.

Kistka – This special pen has a receptacle for hot wax, allowing you to draw your designs across the egg. Traditionally made from a stick and a piece of brass around a needle, which is heated by a candle flame and then dipped in wax. These days there are electric kistka that will hold more wax. They’re readily available in craft stores or online. But, if you are extra crafty, you can even make your own kistka. Tips of different widths are also available to produce a variety of lines.

Beeswax – You'll fill your kistka with melted beeswax in order to trace over the lines of your pattern prior to dipping the egg in each color of dye. In this way, the color below the wax is preserved, allowing you to create complex, colorful designs. Once the dying process is complete and the egg is dry, simply melt the wax away with the flame of a candle.

Drop Pull Tool – In some Eastern European countries like Poland, Slovenia, Lithuania, and the Czech Republic, pysanky are made using a different stylus. This method, called drop-pull, uses pinheads dipped into hot wax to apply designs to the egg. This tool can be used both for the wax-resist method and to create embossed eggs.

Photo: Stock Photos from Amelia Martin/Shutterstock

Egg Blower – Traditionally, pysanky are created on raw eggs that have had the interior yolk and white drained. To do this, you’ll need to poke a small hole on the ends and blow out the inside.

Pysanky Stand – After all the hard work in creating your decorative egg, you’ll want to show it off. You’ll find stands that you can set your egg in or others that allow you to hang your pysanky if you decide to add a tassel and loop through the hole.

Ukrainian Easter Egg Dyes – Traditionally, pysanky dyes were created from plants and minerals, making it necessary to soak eggs for several hours in order to achieve a strong color. These days, synthetic dye drastically cuts down on time. You'll want to pick up dye specifically made for pysanky rather than traditional Easter egg dye in order to achieve the vivid colors that these eggs are known for.

Pysanky Sleeve – Like the look of these decorated eggs, but aren't sure about going through the whole process? There are now a whole variety of egg sleeves in traditional patterns that will shrink-wrap a design to your egg in seconds. In Ukraine, these sleeves are called Linyvky, which is derived from the Ukrainian word for lazy.

How to Make a Ukrainian Easter Egg

Photo: Stock Photos from Vasyl Rohan/Shutterstock

Though it may seem intimidating at first, making your own Ukrainian Easter egg isn't as difficult as you'd think. Once you've gathered your supplies, pick up a pencil and start sketching out your design. If you are looking for inspiration and aren't sure how to proceed, you may want to purchase Beginner Pysanky: Ukrainian Easter Eggs. This guide includes step-by-step tutorials, as well as plenty of color photos and illustrations to get you started.

Watch this tutorial to see how easy it is to begin making pysanky

Traditional Pysanky Patterns

Photo: Stock Photos from Igor Podgorny/Shutterstock

There are many different ornamental patterns and colors that one can find on pysanky. Motifs are often taken from other Slavic folk arts and can be found throughout pottery, embroidery, woodwork, and metalwork. These provide important clues to understanding what ancient pysanky must have been decorated with, as the eggs are too fragile to survive.

Different motifs can play on religious iconography—such as a commonly featured triangle symbolizing the Holy Trinity—or symbolize the changing seasons and societal roles. Different villages may have specialized in particular motifs, but some of the most common imagery includes depictions of the sun, birds, a ladder (to symbolize prayers making their way toward heaven), the tree of life, flowers, and geometric designs.

Color Meanings

The color palette used in pysansky eggs is equally important to the design. While in the past, using two colors was more common, over time, people have tried to incorporate more hues into the design, under the belief that a more colorful egg would mean more good luck.

Some colors and color combinations are more popular than others. Red, for instance, symbolizes love, hopes of marriage, and life-giving blood; white is associated with purity, light, and virginity; yellow is associated with the moon and stars as well as the harvest; and black is regarded as a spiritual color related to the afterlife.

Take a look at some modern pysanky to see how common patterns are being interpreted today.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Shannon Wallis Designs (@shannon_w_designs) on Jan 9, 2020 at 2:13pm PST

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Shannon Wallis Designs (@shannon_w_designs) on Jan 19, 2020 at 4:19pm PST

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by tinad18032 (@tinad18032) on Apr 6, 2020 at 4:27pm PDT

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by tinad18032 (@tinad18032) on Feb 22, 2020 at 12:18pm PST

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @goodharvestpysanka on Oct 6, 2018 at 8:39am PDT

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ukrainian Eggs By Diane (@pysankybydiane) on Apr 8, 2019 at 6:08pm PDT

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @goodharvestpysanka on Mar 21, 2019 at 3:53pm PDT

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jola (@woskiem_malowane) on Apr 8, 2019 at 7:49am PDT

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Pysanka – Easter Egg (@pysanka_easter_eggs) on Apr 8, 2019 at 4:20am PDT

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by UkrWest ltd.Canada (@eastereggsleeves) on Apr 8, 2019 at 4:09am PDT

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Лідія Солодар (@lidiia.solodar) on Apr 7, 2019 at 8:39am PDT

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by League of NH Craftsmen (@leagueofnhcraftsmen_littleton) on Apr 6, 2019

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ukrainian Chicken 💙💛🥚 (@ukrainianchicken)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Shannon Wallis Designs (@shannon_w_designs)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Zsuzsi Gajdos (@zsuzsi_himesei)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by HelpUkraine (@helpukraineinuk)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you pronounce the word “pysanky”?

The pronunciation has slight variations depending on whether or not it is said by a native English speaker, Ukrainian speaker, or Polish speaker. PronounceWiki has audio recordings of these variations.

How do you make pysanky eggs?

Pysanky eggs, also called Ukrainian Easter eggs, are made by hollowing out eggs and decorating them using the wax-resist method. This entails placing melted wax on the egg with a traditional tool called a kistka in the places where you don't want the colored dye to seep through. Several layers of dipping and wax are used to create popular designs on the eggs.

Where can you buy Ukrainian Easter eggs?

In addition to specialty shops, there are many online retailers that sell both finished Ukrainian Easter eggs as well as supplies to create your own. These include, Ukrainian Gift Shop, Best Pysanky, the Ukrainian Easter Egg Store.

This article has been edited and updated.

Related Articles:

Beautiful Easter Eggs Hand-Painted with Colorful Folk Art Illustrations

15 Crafty Creations Inspired by Folk Art From Around the World

Beautiful Portraits of Modern Women Giving New Meaning to Traditional Ukrainian Crowns

Vibrant Photos Pay Homage to Slavic Folklore through High-Fashion Portraits

READ: Pysanky: The Beautiful Tradition of Ukrainian Easter Eggs and How to Make Your Own

Photo: MarianaMes/Depositphotos
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, My Modern Met may earn an affiliate commission. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Once you have a plant or two, it's tempting to want to cultivate an entire indoor jungle. But you don’t need to go back to the plant store to do so. You can propagate your existing plants and multiply what you already have. Plant propagation is an easy DIY project for a beginning plant parent and can reproduce a variety of plants without much trouble.

But first, what is plant propagation? It’s the process of reproducing flora from a single-plant parent. There are multiple ways to do it. Here, we'll go over which approach is the easiest for beginners, the steps to take, and the stations you can set up in your home to make propagation work for you.

Before you know it, you’ll have many plant babies ready to grow into mature flora.

Photo: Nanihta/Depositphotos

Why should you propagate your plants?

Plant propagation is the act of reproducing a plant from a single parent. It’s the best way to get more plants without having to buy additional flora for your home. And by pruning plants in this way, your current plant population will refrain from being too overgrown.

Propagation can take many forms, but the most common—and easiest method—is through cutting. Cutting is precisely what it sounds like: trimming a healthy part of the plant parent’s stem. New roots are developed via either water or planting in the soil. The benefits of cutting are that the steps are simple, and when it’s done properly it poses no threat to the mature plant.

How to Propagate Plants Through Cuttings

There are two ways to propagate a plant through its cuttings: water and soil. Different plants can be grown in water versus soil.

Photo: Serezniy/Depositphotos

Propagating in Water

Plants such as pothos, philodendrons, and monsteras can be propagated in water. Why is this? This dates back to their ancestors that lived in swamps and made it possible for today's plants to develop their roots in water. Although they can get their start there, these plants will eventually need to be placed in soil once their new roots have formed.

How to do it:

1. With a mature plant, use a clean pair of scissors to cut a piece of the plant at one of its root notches, which are the bumps on the vines. You’ll want to cut right below the notch. This is where the roots will sprout from.
2. Place the cutting in a jar or glass that’s filled with water. Opt for something that's clear so you can observe the roots as they grow.
3. Move the cutting to indirect sunlight. Keep an eye on the water and make sure to change it every few days so that it doesn't become cloudy or evaporate too much. It will likely take weeks for a root system to grow.
4. Once the root system is formed, it’s time to pot the plant. Place the rooted cutting into a container with soil and root hormone (optional) for faster and healthier growth.
5. Continue to water it and place it in its preferred location. Now, watch it grow!

Photo: Maridav/Depositphotos

Propagating in Soil

Cacti and succulent plants are best propagated in soil. This makes them even easier to grow because you don’t have to worry about water—just put them in the dirt and move them to a larger pot once they start growing.

How to do it:

1. Remove leaves from the succulent or the paddle from the cacti that you want to propagate.
2. Place the cuttings on a flat surface lined with soil and wait until they have scabbed over. This step is important. You’ve essentially created an open wound on the plant, and it needs one to three days to dry out and scab over. Otherwise, it might not survive when planted in soil.
3. Plant the pup in fresh soil. Water every time you notice the soil is dry, which for a new cutting might be near daily as its roots grow.
4. Watch the plant get bigger and move it to a larger pot when ready.

Water Propagation Stations

Growing a cutting in water is not only easy, but it makes a great decor item. You can propagate a plant in a drinking glass, but there are more stylish options available. Many makers craft propagation stations that feature glass vials in custom-crafted holders. Check out some of those options below.

Bulb Propagation Stand

My Planter World | $14.70+

Plant-Shaped Tube Holder

Leaf and Node | $24.95

3D Printed Planters

Rosebud | $30+

Rattan Propagation Wall Hanging

Dunn Rustic | $25.50+

Circular Station

Olive Turned Legs | $17.59

Four-Tube Plant Propagation Holder

JDM Wood Creations | $24+

Wall Decor With Propagation Tubes

sculptureDIY | $39.96+

Hanging Hexagon Propagation Station

PlantsNsht | $12.75+

Live Edge Cedar Hanging Propagation Station

Roots Sprout and Home | $45+

Monstera Concrete Plant Propagation Station

Kyte Studio | $18

Related Articles:

20 Stylish Stands That Provide the Perfect Stage for Your Potted Plants

11 of the Most Popular House Plants That Are Perfect For Your Indoor Jungle

“Plant Daddy” With Over 300 Indoor Plants Offers His Top Tip for Cultivating an Indoor Jungle

READ: How to Easily Multiply Your Indoor Jungle by Propagating Your Existing Plants

Photo: Stock Photos from KATE AEDON/Shutterstock
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, My Modern Met may earn an affiliate commission. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Spring is here, and what better way to brush away the winter cobwebs than with some fresh new projects? Crafting during this time of year is always fun. After all, you've got warm weather and fresh blooms as inspiration for your art activities!

Need some help to start making? These quick and easy crafts can be done in minutes. They're fun for the whole family (including toddlers and big kids) and will be sure to ignite your creativity. For instance, one of our favorite craft projects is great for green thumbs. If you want to cultivate some new flowers or herbs for your favorite cocktail, try making some adorable watermelon pots. Or if you're ready to redecorate after spring cleaning, try a tie-dye lampshade that will cast a neon glow.

No matter what you choose, these fun craft ideas will have a big impact. So scroll down and get ready to start creating!

These fun and easy crafts to get your creative juices flowing.

No-Sew Sock Bunnies

Photo: Stock Photos from MIGLENA PENCHEVA/Shutterstock

Greet the season with these charming no-sew sock bunnies that up-cycle your mysterious lone hosiery. Everything you need is already in your kitchen, junk drawer, or laundry room (no sewing machine required). Follow these instructions from Feeling Nifty to create your own Peter Rabbit centerpieces. The kids can help make the critters, but be aware of choking hazards—these are for display, not for cuddles.

Rock Painting

Photo: Stock Photos from LESTER BALAJADIA/Shutterstock

There are lots of ways to decorate rocks from your garden or beach. They make cute paperweights or you can stick them right back into the garden from whence they came.

Learn how to use paint pouring to create stunning galaxy rocks with acrylics and a pouring medium. For a more little-kid-friendly approach, use non-toxic paints and paintbrushes. But whichever method you use, be sure to thoroughly wash and dry your stones before beginning.

Tie-Dye Lampshade

Photo: Stock Photos from DMITRIY ABRAZHEVICH/Shutterstock

Like a lava lamp for adults, tie-dyed lampshades are a groovy upgrade for boring lighting. Jade from ILovetoCreate has a simple recipe for using a tie-dye kit, markers, and a few simple tools to craft the coolest lampshade.s The color scheme and design are all up to you.

Decorative Flower Pots

Photo: Stock Photos from TIPPYTORTUE/Shutterstock

April showers bring May flowers, and those blooms need pots. Cheap terra cotta pots can be transformed into whimsical designs with acrylic paint. Make sweet ice cream cones, juicy watermelon slices, or modern striped vessels. If you are going to put your painted pots outside, it is worth considering a spray sealer or appropriate shellac to preserve your artistry.

Victorian Pressed Flowers

Photo: Stock Photos from PHOTKA/Shutterstock

Pressed spring flowers between the pages of an old book are a Victorian pastime that has ample modern applications. You can use pressed flowers as scrapbooking accents, art between glass, or even in resin jewelry. However, these little creations are beautiful on their own. Learn how to best preserve blooms with our handy guide on how to press flowers.

Easy DIY Pinecone Bird Feeder

Photo: Stock Photos from JANA185/Shutterstock

The classic pinecone bird feeder never goes out of style. Draw the songbirds closer with peanut butter and birdseed. You will need twine to hang the feeder, ideally somewhere where you can view all your new feathery visitors.

For Crafty Youngsters

Racing Car Chutes

Photo: Stock Photos from STUDIO.G PHOTOGRAPHY/Shutterstock

For your little motorist, this toilet paper roll craft will be hours of racing fun. Work together to paint the rolls fun colors with non-toxic paint, then glue the dry rolls to cardboard or thick construction paper. The lanes can be laid down by cutting some colorful paper with scissors and gluing the squares down in neat rows.

Adorable Octopi

Photo: Stock Photos from ZZZENIA/Shutterstock

Kids will love making jellyfish out of paper plates, watercolors, yarn, and strips of bubble wrap. Use your imagination and get creative with your colors and shapes. For an extra-colorful take that can even help your kids understand how colors are formed, try this “salty” jellyfish from i heart arts and crafts.

Fire Breathing Dragon With Pom Poms

Dragons may be legendary creatures, but you can bring the magic to life with this easy DIY craft by Our Little Project. All you'll need are toilet paper rolls, some pom poms, craft paper, and some tissue paper. The step by step tutorial will show you how to assemble the items together to recreate the head of a dragon. While a glue gun is recommended, you can also replace this item with glue sticks to make the project safer for kids of all ages.

Paper Plate Fans With Popsicle Sticks

When the weather gets hot, this craft will be a useful activity. The Pinterested Parent provides instructions on how you and your little ones can make DIY fans using paper plates, popsicle sticks, and some glue. The fun comes when kids can decorate the project with paint and make their fan extra unique.

Recycled Crayons

Photo: Stock Photos from SUXUSUXU/Shutterstock

Recycling is necessary and crayons are no exception. From broken sticks and tiny nubs, you can create rainbow swirled crayons in different shapes. Adults can handle baking them in the oven and kids can have fun coloring once the crayons have cooled. These simple instructions will teach you to make this cool craft in minutes.

Squirt-gun Paintings

Photo: Stock Photos from LORELYN MEDINA/Shutterstock

Jackson Pollock would be proud. As the weather gets warmer, taking art to the backyard can make for a very fun day and some exceptional paintings. Load up some squirt guns or spray bottles with liquid watercolor or fluid acrylic paint and let your kids decorate a big sheet of paper. The website Fireflies and Mud Pies has more guidance for endless spring and summer fun with paint.

This article has been edited and updated.

Related Articles:

Craft Your Own Wearable Art With These Essential Jewelry Making Supplies

15 Tissue Paper Flower Tutorials on How to Craft Your Own Beautiful Blooms

Learn to Love the Loom When You Try the Ancient Art of Weaving

READ: 12 Quick and Easy Spring Crafts for the Whole Family To Get Creative

Photo: Stock Photos from Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, My Modern Met may earn an affiliate commission. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Terrariums are a great way to bring fresh green in your home without a lot of effort. With just some basic supplies, you can build these all-inclusive habitats that allow plants to thrive. Although terrariums are easy to craft, getting all of the supplies together can be troublesome; if you’re just planning on one terrarium, you’ll likely have materials left over. That’s where terrarium kits come in handy. They have everything you need in one convenient package.

Do-it-yourself terrarium kits come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and plant types. With this much selection, you can certainly find a set that will suit your desired style. For instance, some come with succulents and cacti, for a desert aesthetic. Other kits feature air plants and pebbles or sand which look beautiful when hung in your home. Don't worry about how to assemble these sets. The instructions will demystify the whole process.

In addition to what's inside the terrarium, you'll also want to keep in mind what kind of container you want. Open containers, for instance, give you the opportunity to look inside and even adjust if necessary. Whereas a closed container keep the plants sealed away, retaining moisture for plants like live moss. With so many popular choices, it can be difficult to find the kit that's right for you.

Fortunately, we've made the process easier by selecting some of the best kits. Each one will certainly serve as inspiration to start working on a project. And soon you'll be on your way to making your own terrarium that you can proudly display in your office or home.

Scroll down to see some of our favorite DIY terrarium kits from Etsy, below.

Want to build a terrarium without having to scour for supplies? Try these all-inclusive terrarium kits!

Terrarium Building Kit

Living Arrangement | $42.99+

The Little Tree Terrarium Kit

GreenMountainMoss | $29.99+

Magic Forest DIY Kit

EmeraldRabbitStore | $42.76

Open Succulent Terrarium Kit

PlayfulPinkElephant | $39.99

DIY Succulent Terrarium Kit

Succulent Gift Shop | $72.95

DIY Succulent Terrarium Kit for Books or Cups

Boomdyada | $28.95

DIY Unicorn Terrarium for Kids

Sugar Blush Studio | $34.75

Cat Crystal Ball Moss Terrarium Kit

TheMossBossStudio | $32+

Amethyst Crystal Air Plant Terrarium Kit

PortDr | $69.99

Seaside Terrarium Kit

PortDr | $54.99

The Rainforest ZERO

TerraLiving | $115+

Succulent Terrarium with Moss

Bliss Gardens | $19.95

Live Moss Mini Terrarium Kit

TacuNatureStudio | $28.50+

Air Plant Terrarium Kit

PrismaticGardens | $36.39

Fairytale in Jar Moss Terrarium Kit

Emerald Rabbit Store | $42.76+

This article has been edited and updated.

Related Articles:

3 Easy Steps to Brighten Your Home With a DIY Terrarium

Etsy Artist Creates Massive Round Terrariums You Can Hang on Your Wall

15 Hanging Succulent Planters to Turn Your Walls Into Vertical Gardens

READ: 15 Terrarium Kits That Have Everything You Need To Bring Some Green Into Your Home

Photo: Stock Photos from thanasus/Shutterstock

Drawing is the foundation of so many creative practices, from architects to fashion designers to animators and artists. Using a piece of paper and a pen or pencil, the opportunities for self-expression are endless. And by using different drawing techniques, it's incredible to see just how many different ways there are to sketch.

There are innumerable drawing styles to be studied and explored, each one conveying a different final product. Naturally, different types of illustration call upon different skills from the artist. Some are quite detailed and meticulous, requiring a lot of patience, while others work well when the artist is able to be loose and free with their strokes.

The most skilled illustrators don't stick to just one type of drawing but experiment freely in order to stretch their skills. Of course, they may specialize in one particular way of sketching, but by being flexible with their work they are able to test different drawing styles and bring those lessons back to their main work. For instance, Leonardo da Vinci may be known for the Mona Lisa, but he was also known to fill hundreds of notebooks with refined finished sketches and spontaneous doodles.

As you look to carve out your own personal style, consider playing with these different types of drawing in order to understand the positive impact they'll have on your creative growth.

Different Types of Drawing Styles

Line Drawing

Stock Photos from DODOMO/Shutterstock

While lines form the basis of all drawing styles, line drawings use contours without shading to create memorable sketches. If you really want to exercise your drawing skills, try continuous line drawing. In this exercise, the pen or pencil never leaves the sheet of paper, so the end result is formed from one single line.

Doodling

READ MORE: Artist Turns Random Shadows of Everyday Objects Into Playful Doodles of Whimsical Figures

While we may think of doodling as a mindless past time, this type of drawing is a wonderful way to let your subconscious mind flow. Great artists like Leonardo da Vinci are known for their doodles, which populate the margins of his notebooks. Illustrator Vincent Bal plays with the shadows and shapes he finds in everyday like and transforms them into whimsical works of art with his doodles. Meant to be executed quickly and with simple, clear lines, doodles are wonderful, immediate impressions of the world in front of us.

Cartoon

Stock Photos from Gil C/Shutterstock

Cartoons have a long history, dating back to print magazines in the 19th century when they were used as satirical and comical illustrations. Cartoon illustration is a large category, having evolved over time. Some different cartoon styles include caricature, anime or manga, and classic Disney. Playing with cartoon drawings means liberating yourself from hyperrealistic representations, while still attempting to capture the essence of a figure in a semi-realistic manner.

Pointillism

READ MORE: Artist Spends Hours Recreating the Beauty of Nature With Millions of Hand-Drawn Dots

While we often associate pointillism with the post-Impressionist paintings of Georges Seurat, it's a technique and style that also works well for drawing. By stippling hundreds, or even thousands, of tiny dots, artists are able to build up light and shadow. The results can often be shockingly realistic, with viewers only realizing that dots—not lines—were used when looking at the finished artwork closely.

Photorealism / Hyperrealism

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Cj Hendry (@cj_hendry)

For artists working in a photorealistic or hyperrealistic drawing style, patience is key. Hundreds of hours can be passed in front of any artwork in order to polish to a level where it looks like a photograph. While portraiture is a popular subject for hyperrealist drawings, you don't need to limit yourself. For instance, artist Cj Hendry uses colored pencil to draw colorful blobs on paint that look so real, you'll want to dip your paintbrush in them.

Architectural

READ MORE: These Drawings of Europe’s Most Beautiful Churches Are Tiny But Packed With Details

This type of drawing can be extremely technical, but no less artistic. While architectural drawing is a skill often honed in the design world, non-architects are still able to create stunning artwork. Whether drawing an exact replica of a historical building like Notre Dame or creating your own fantasy piece of architecture, precision, attention to detail, and an understanding of perspective drawing are necessary.

Anamorphic

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Sándor Vámos (@vamosart) on Mar 17, 2019 at 12:15am PDT

Another technical style, 3D drawings require mastery of perspective to create depth and illusion. While it may take some practice to get the hang of, the results are stunning and surprising works of art that will delight viewers. Sometimes called anamorphic drawing, there are lots of great YouTube drawing tutorials that can help beginners get the hang of this style.

Fashion

Stock Photos from Doctor Black/Shutterstock

Used by designers to get their ideas down on paper, fashion illustration often calls for quick, gestural drawings that convey the essence of a garment. These works typically feature long, elongated figure drawing to mimic the height of models and, as the focus is on the clothes, not the face, facial features are often lacking or minimal. Within fashion illustration itself, there are many different styles, some rougher and others more polished.

Common Art Media Used in Drawing

Photo: @helloimnik

Media is an important component of any drawing style. Having the right mediums will partially dictate what you can—and cannot—do in a work of art. Architectural sketching, for instance, would be very challenging with vine charcoal and easier to create with a precision drawing pen.

Here are some of the common media used in the drawing styles we've discussed. If you've never used a particular material before, it can be a challenge to know where to start. Don't worry; we've got you covered with our comprehensive guides to media of all kinds that include information on what to look for and the most-loved brands.

Pencil — Pencil drawing is one of the essential supplies of an artist.  Here are the best drawing pencils for professionals and beginners who love to sketch. It includes tips on how to select the graphite pencil that's right for you.

Markers — Breathe vivid color into your illustrations with art markers. Coming in sets of 12, 18, or even 60 pens, they offer a variety of hues at your disposal. Check out the best art marker sets for coloring enthusiasts and watercolor markers that mimic the carefree fluidity of paint.

Pastels — Like markers, pastel offers a quick and satisfying way to imbue your work with color. Learn about pastels, which are crayons made of powdered pigment that is mixed with a binder of either gum, clay, or resin. They come in multiple varieties: soft (sometimes referred to as “chalk”) and oil pastels.

Pens — Like the humble pencil, pens are something you'll find in most artists' supply stash. There's more to pens than your typical ballpoint; some are made for fine linework while others excel in cartooning. Get acquainted with a variety of drawing pens and figure out what's best for you.

How-to-Draw Tutorials

Humans

• Build Your Drawing Foundation When You Learn How to Draw a Skull
• Learn How to Draw Human Hands with This “Handy” Step by Step Guide
• How to Draw Different Kinds of Hair: Short, Long, Straight, Wavy, and Curly
• Learn How to Draw Three Different Types of Braids: Three-Strand, French, and Fishtail

Animals

• Learn How to Draw Your Favorite Feline Purrfectly in Two Different Ways
• Learn How to Draw a Sloth Hanging on a Branch in 9 Steps
• Learn How to Draw a Lion in 7 Easy Steps
• Learn How to Draw Feathers with This Step-By-Step Guide

Nature

• Learn How to Draw Thousands of Flowers Using the Same Simple Technique
• Learn How to Draw Water in 6 Different Ways
• Learn How to Draw a Roaring Fire Illustration Step by Step
• Learn How to Draw a Realistic Saguaro Cactus in 14 Steps

This article has been edited and updated.

Related Articles:

Learn to Draw Anything with These Handy Online Resources and Books

Talented Artists Share Their Favorite Tips for Improving Your Drawing Skills

7 Fun Drawing Games That Challenge You to Flex Your Creativity Muscles

Best Drawing Pencils for Professionals and Beginners Who Love to Sketch

READ: 8 Different Types of Drawing Styles You Can Try Right Now

Cozy places can be more than a comfy chair or a spot next to a fireplace. Kelly Haworth of Oh Homely Girl shows that, with the right design and styling, a potting shed is also a warm and inviting place. In a post on her website, she details how she created a beautiful shed from scratch and filled it with gorgeous greens and vibrant blooms. The DIY project was so well-received, in fact, that she won a Shed of the Year competition at the end of 2022.

The shed project started in 2021 when she and her family received an allotment plot, which is a space in a community garden. They inherited the land in as-is condition, and it left much to be desired; the plot was basically a mud pit. It could only go up from there.

Haworth was working with a limited budget, but she knew she wanted to build a shelter where she could grow her own food and cultivate plants. “I didn’t want to sacrifice beauty for practicality either,” she wrote. “Surely both are attainable despite the budget constraints?”

To keep costs low, Haworth collected 15 doors for free by scouring Facebook Marketplace. They became the structure along with decking board and pallet wood. To keep things dry, she added a corrugated plastic roof and supporting timber. The total cost of the build was around $250 and took about three months.

The construction was just one part of creating this cozy space; the styling of the shed is what makes it an enchanting place that looks straight out of a fairy tale. A pink door welcomes you into the shed where plants line the walls and fresh-cut flowers are spread throughout. Haworth even created a small kitchenette with a burner so she can sip a cup of tea as she enjoys the literal fruits of her labor.

Scroll down to get a peek into her shed.

Can sheds be cozy spaces? Kelly Haworth shows that they can be with her award-winning DIY potting shed.

She started from scratch and constructed the structure using 15 free doors she found on Facebook Marketplace.

The construction was just one part of creating this cozy space.

The styling of the shed is what makes it an enchanting place that looks straight out of a fairytale.

Oh Homely Girl: Website | Instagram 

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Kelly Haworth.

Related Articles:

7 Work-From-Home Shed Makers Offering a Stylish Way To Get Some Much-Needed Space

Stylish “She Sheds” Are the Relaxing Women’s Version of Man Caves

6 Prefab Shed Makers Crafting Chic Modern Architecture for Your Backyard

READ: Cozy DIY Potting Shed Looks Like It’s Out of a Fairy Tale

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Экология (@ecology__planet)

Here's a thought exercise many of us would like to avoid: think about all the waste that you accumulate in a day, a week, or a month. Then, consider the people in your community and the world at large. The waste that we all create really adds up. It can feel overwhelming and distressing.

While recycling and composting are two options for sustainably getting rid of rubbish, there are some plastics that can’t be easily recycled and go straight to the landfill. It leaves us wondering: how do you mitigate waste and take personal responsibility for the plastic problem?

The first thing to do is to try and curb your reliance on single-use plastics. Opt for reusable containers, fabric totes, beeswax covers, and anything else that can be used time and again. But as much as you make the eco-friendly switch, plastics are unfortunately unavoidable.

Making ecobricks are one way to do something with your plastic without putting it in a landfill. The idea is simple: plastic bottles are filled with bits of unrecyclable plastic and then used to build things. And best of all, they are simple to create—anyone can do it—and require minimal supplies to get started.

When done correctly, ecobricks become solid plastic bricks that can be used to build structures. This keeps the plastics from degrading into toxins and microplastics while making them useful—all while showing the power of regenerative construction.

Scroll down to learn more about ecobricks and the steps to take in creating your own.

What is an ecobrick?

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by YBG | artisanal gifting (@youve_been_gifted)

An ecobrick, at its core, is a way to keep plastic out of the biosphere. It offers a way to reframe the idea of waste by packing it into a usable building block for a more sustainable future. A PET plastic bottle is filled and condensed with clean and dry used plastic.

When complete, an ecobrick can be put into short or long-term use. Short-term uses include furniture and modular functionality in open spaces. Long-term uses can be in gardens and for Earth building, which is inspired by the traditions of structures built long ago.

But regardless of the way you chose to use your ecobricks, they must fit the criteria established by the Global Ecobrick Alliance (GEA):

• An ecobrick is not made for profit.
• The plastic within them is compacted by hand and secured so that it can have long or short-term use.
• An ecobrick is filled with plastics that’s already been used, so it and CO2 are being subtracted from the biosphere (by virtue of it now being in an ecobrick).
• It’s used in building something that contributes to the “maintenance and encouragement of biodiversity.”
• Making an ecobrick is a consciousness-raising experience for those who are involved in it.

There are multiple types of ecobricks you can make, but the most common is simply called a regular ecobrick. This type is made with PET bottles—think soda bottles—that are then packed with clean plastic that’s been cut or ripped into small pieces. Layers are added and then compacted with special attention paid to evenly distributing the plastic and forming a solid, sturdy brick.

Why should you make an ecobrick?

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by GRHSS LAWNGTLAI (@info_media_cell_grhss)

Plastic has changed our world and made the previously impossible possible. But it is also a huge problem for our environment and is directly contributing to the climate crisis. To do our part, we need to think about living in a circular way; the things that we use needn't be tossed when they are done. They can be repaired, or they can be part of something larger so that nothing is thrown away and there is an immense value added to our lives and the lives of others.

Ecobrick turns bits of plastic into something useful that doesn’t contaminate our environment. Making one—and many more—will get you thinking about other ways you can be more conscious of what you’re getting rid of. It will empower you to build and help others in your community.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by RISE Foundation (NGO) (@risefoundation19)

How to Make an Ecobrick (and Tips for Doing So)

Photo: Ekaterina-P/Depositphotos

Making an ecobrick is easy, but there are some things you need to know and consider in order to make sure that your brick stands the test of time.

Step 1: Save and separate your clean and dry plastics.

Potential plastics include food packaging bags, straws, and clear plastic, like cling wrap. Make sure that each piece is clean and dry. This is very important because dirty or wet plastic inside your ecobrick can lead to bacteria (and other pesky microorganisms) to form and produce methane, degrading your ecobrick in the process. You can wash your plastic in a washing machine or dishwasher (avoid heat drying).

Keep your ecobricks to include only plastic—no metal, glass, or paper. Metal and glass can puncture the sides and paper will break down (unlike plastic).

Step 2: Choose a bottle and stick with it.

Find a PET bottle size and design you like and plan to stick with it. Having bottles that are all the same size makes it easier to build because of the uniformity. Opt for something that’s easy to obtain and consider what you’ll be using the bricks for.

Smaller bottles (like a soda bottle or something similar) are good for beginners so you can easily fill the ecobrick and figure out what was working and what you’ll change. If you’re working with others or giving ecobricks away, the size is more consistent, too.

You will also want to figure out an end-use for your ecobricks. Depending on what you’re building, you might require different size bottles.

Step 3: Grab a stick.

You will need a stick to compact the plastic in your eco-brick. Bamboo and wood are recommended. If you need a place to start, try the end of a wooden spoon.

Step 4: Get colorful.

Start your ecobrick with a color to aid in design, especially when multiple bricks are being used. To do this, use soft plastic that’s in a solid color (such as a plastic bag from the grocery store) and push it down to fill up the first half inch of your brick.

@ecotokcentral Make sure there’s not too much candy residue before putting them in though! #ecotokcentral #halloween #savetheearth #lettheearthbreathe #climatechange #oceanpollution #takeaction #ecobricking ♬ gilded lily –

Step 5: Fill your bottle and condense the layers as you go.

Cut the plastic into smaller pieces to make it dense. Start filling the bottle with loose plastic and then use your stick to compress it. Make sure you work around the bottle to ensure that the layering is even and not bulging in certain places.

You want it to be solid—it should be heavy when you’re done–but don’t pack your ecobrick too full. Otherwise, the top might eventually burst and it will no longer be a viable ecobrick. Leave a little less than an inch of space between the plastic filling and the cap.

Step 6: Weigh your ecobrick.

It’s important that your ecobrick meets certain standards for integrity in building. An ecobrick’s minimum weight has to be its bottle volume multiplied by .33. If you were using a 600ml bottle, for instance, it would need to weigh at least 200 grams (seven ounces).

If you’re planning on building something, you will want to designate a minimum density so that things stay consistent and will be structurally sound.

Step 7: Record your ecobrick.

Using enamel paint or nail polish, write the weight, date, intended project, and serial number generated by the GoBrik app. Don’t use tape or stickers to do this, however, and avoid permanent markers if possible. They aren’t permanent solutions and will eventually come off the bottle.

Step 8: Store until you’re ready to use.

Make sure your ecobricks are ready to use in the future by properly storing them out of the Sun, wrapped so they don’t collect dust, and set off the floor.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Akshar Foundation (@akshar_foundation)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an ecobrick?

Ecobricks are plastic bottles filled with bits of unrecyclable plastic and then used to build things.

What is an ecobrick used for?

Ecobricks have short and long-term uses in building. Most notably, they can be used to build structures in the place of conventional bricks.

Is it easy to make an ecobrick?

Yes. You only need plastic, a plastic bottle, and a stick to make your own ecobrick.

Related Articles:

LEGO Unveils New Sustainable Toy Bricks Made From Recycled Plastic Bottles

Coca-Cola Unveils Its New Sustainable Paper Bottles Ready for Testing

Old Shipping Crate Converted Into Sustainable Guest House

READ: What Is an Ecobrick? Learn About How You Can Build Things Using Your Plastic Trash