Make an Upcycle Material Vlog - Fun at-home activities for Kids.

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Make an Upcycle Material Vlog

Make a short vlog showing how to upcycle household materials into useful crafts (pencil holders, planters), explaining steps and recycling tips.

Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to make an upcycle material vlog

What you need

Empty tin can plastic bottle or cardboard tube, scissors, strong tape or glue, colouring materials like markers paints or stickers, ruler and marker, scrap fabric or paper for wrapping, potting soil and a small plant or pencils and pens, adult supervision required

Step 1

Pick one or two clean empty items from the list that you want to upcycle into a pencil holder or a planter.

Step 2

Wash the chosen item with soap and water and dry it completely.

Step 3

Use the ruler and marker to measure and mark where you will cut or where decorations will go.

Step 4

Ask an adult to help you cut or punch holes where you marked.

Step 5

Cover or tape any sharp edges so your project is safe to handle.

Step 6

Paint or wrap your item with scrap fabric or paper to make a neat base.

Step 7

Decorate your item with colouring materials stickers or other fun touches.

Step 8

Decide whether your finished item will be a pencil holder or a planter.

Step 9

If you are making a planter ask an adult to make small drainage holes in the bottom.

Step 10

If you are making a planter add potting soil and plant the small plant gently.

Step 11

If you are making a pencil holder add padding or place a smaller cup inside for stability.

Step 12

If you are making a pencil holder put your pencils pens or art tools inside.

Step 13

Write a short vlog script that explains what you made the steps you followed and one recycling tip to share.

Step 14

Practice your script and then record a short vlog showing the materials the steps and your recycling tip.

Step 15

Share your finished creation and your vlog on DIY.org.

Help!?

What can we use instead of a ruler, cutting tools, or potting soil if we don't have them?

Use a folded strip of paper or a piece of string to measure and a pencil to mark where you will cut or decorate, ask an adult to use kitchen scissors or a butter knife if a craft knife isn't available, and substitute potting soil with clean pebbles plus a small pouch of compost or use an artificial plant for a planter.

What should we do if paint won't stick, edges stay sharp, or the pencil holder wobbles?

After washing and drying the item, lightly scuff the surface before painting or gluing scrap fabric, cover sharp edges with tape or foam as the instructions say, and stabilize a wobbly pencil holder by adding padding or placing a smaller cup inside for stability.

How can we adapt the activity for different ages or skill levels?

For younger kids have an adult do the cutting and hole-punching while the child washes, paints, and uses stickers plus practices a one-sentence vlog, for middle ages let them measure with paper rulers and help decorate, and for older kids let them make drainage holes with supervision, plant, and edit a longer vlog.

How can we extend or personalize the upcycle vlog project after finishing the basic pencil holder or planter?

Create a matching desktop set from multiple cleaned containers, add name labels or waterproof sealant before planting, build compartments with extra cups for organization, and include a before-and-after time-lapse of plant growth or daily pencil use in your vlog.

Watch videos on how to make an upcycle material vlog

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DIY Recycled Crafts: How to Make Projects with Fabric and Cardboard | 5 Easy Upcycling Ideas

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Facts about upcycling and recycling

♻️ Upcycling turns old items into something new and useful while often keeping materials at a higher value than recycling.

📦 A glass jar, tin can, or cereal box can be transformed into a planter or pencil holder with just paint, glue, and imagination.

🎥 Vlogs are great for DIY — step-by-step videos help viewers follow along and learn hands-on projects more easily than text alone.

🌍 Upcycling helps reduce landfill waste and the need for new raw materials, which is better for the planet.

💡 Making and sharing upcycled crafts boosts creativity, problem-solving skills, and can save money — perfect things to show off in a short vlog!

How do I make a short upcycle material vlog with my child?

Plan a simple project (pencil holder or planter), write 3–5 short steps, and gather materials. Set a tidy workspace and use natural light. Let the child explain each step on camera while you film steady shots and close-ups of hands. Show before-and-after clips, add captions or voiceover highlighting recycling tips, then do a quick edit to trim pauses. Share privately with family or upload with parental controls enabled.

What materials do we need to make an upcycle material vlog at home?

Collect household recyclables like tin cans, plastic bottles, cardboard tubes, jars, and egg cartons. Have basic craft supplies: scissors, glue, tape, markers, paint, brushes, and a hot-glue gun for adult use. Use a smartphone or tablet for recording and a simple editing app. Optional: a small tripod, extra lighting, and protective table cover. Keep first-aid items and adult supervision available.

What ages are suitable for making an upcycle material vlog?

Children aged 5–7 can participate with heavy adult help for cutting and filming, focusing on simple talking parts. Ages 8–12 can plan projects, do safer craft steps, and help film; they enjoy editing short clips with guidance. Teens can manage the whole process, from scripting to sharing online, but should still follow privacy and safety rules. Adjust tasks to each child’s fine-motor skills and attentiveness.

What are the benefits and safety tips for kids making an upcycle material vlog?

Making an upcycle vlog builds creativity, problem solving, communication, and environmental awareness. It teaches reuse and practical crafting skills while improving confidence on camera. For safety, supervise cutting, hot glue, and paint; use child-safe tools and a covered workspace. Teach online privacy: no personal info, use family-only sharing if possible, and review comments together. Try variations like themed decorations, gift versions, or small-planter kits.

Ready to create?