10 Clever Ways To Repurpose Popsicle Sticks In Your Home And Garden

Popsicle sticks are a commonly used material for crafters for a reason, but if you're looking for some ideas that stretch beyond school art projects and dioramas, you're in the right place. Thanks to their simplicity in design and ease of access, popsicle sticks can make for a convenient base for plenty of different home décor and gardening projects. With these ideas, you'll be able to create something that you use every day without unnecessarily shelling out cash.

If you want to try out these hacks, you have two options: you can buy new popsicle sticks or repurpose ones that would otherwise go in the trash after enjoying a frozen treat. If you're going for the repurposed route, collect your popsicle sticks and soak them in hot water before using them to help ensure that any sticky residue has been washed away. If they're still slightly stained from the popsicle, even after all of the residue is gone, it can be helpful to stain your popsicle sticks to your desired color using either wood stain or powdered drink mix. These bright stains will help cover up any leftover unsightly marks and bring an extra layer of vibrant fun to your final project.

One of the simplest things you can build with popsicle sticks is a picture frame, so this makes for the perfect quick and easy craft if you're not looking to spend hours on your next piece of home décor. Simply glue your popsicle sticks together into a square shape, then attach your photo to the back. If you want to hang this frame from a pushpin or turn it into an ornament, add a loop of string or ribbon between the top two popsicle sticks for easy hanging. With the addition of a small magnet, these little photo frames can also become fantastic refrigerator decorations.

Sanding hard-to-reach spaces can be a major hassle, especially if you're attempting to use regular sheets of sandpaper without ripping them. To help fix the issue and create a more maneuverable tool, consider making sanding sticks. All you need to do is wrap a piece of sandpaper around a popsicle stick, then secure it with a rubber band or glue. The end result is similar to a nail file but with customizable grit, so you always have access to the correct roughness. If you use multiple different kinds of sandpaper, you can also easily differentiate them by labeling the end of the popsicle stick with the grit.

While traditional teaching methods certainly work, adding some variety to your lessons can be helpful if you're teaching children or trying to ensure your kids maintain what they've learned over breaks. This simple popsicle stick puzzle is a great option. Lay out your popsicle sticks, then draw out a design. This can be as simple as you want — a singular letter, for example, or an entire piece of art. After you're done, shuffle up the popsicle sticks and challenge the child to arrange them in the correct order. Single-letter designs are great for kids learning the alphabet, but there's no limit to the possibilities.

Simple baskets are a great way to incorporate some stylish storage into your home, but you don't need to make another trip to the store if you want to accomplish the same look. If you have an old box, some glue, and popsicle sticks, you're good to go. Take your box, ensuring it's clean and free of debris, then begin gluing popsicle sticks vertically to the outside. Once you've completely covered the perimeter, let everything dry completely before handling. From here, you can even choose to add some decorative ribbons along the outside or handles on the top to further decorate your basket.

Wall shelving can get expensive, but with a little DIY, it doesn't have to be. With the help of some popsicle sticks, high-hold glue, and some patience, you can make this adorable geometric wall shelf on your own. Layer popsicle sticks on top of one another in your desired final shape, then glue down each of the connection points. After it's fully set, hang it on your wall and use it to store anything from your favorite houseplant to your prized knickknacks. Just make sure you don't try to hold anything too heavy — the final product is fairly sturdy, but it is still just popsicle sticks and glue.

Bird feeders come in just about every shape and size, but thanks to the flexibility of popsicle sticks, you can create a custom design that's the perfect fit for your flying friends. Build a solid base out of some popsicle sticks, making sure not to leave any gaps so the seeds can't slip out. Then, build up some walls to help cut back on spills. Glue down an additional popsicle stick extending out of one of the walls to give the bird a place to land, add some strings on each corner, and you're ready to hang your popsicle stick bird feeder on a branch.

Have you ever looked at an expensive piece of décor and thought to yourself, "I could make that"? If your answer is yes, this DIY project is for you. If you have an existing hanging light or lampshade base that could do with a bit of an upgrade, strip off the outer material and replace it with a layer of glued-on popsicle sticks to build your very own creative shade. Keep the sticks close together if you want to dim the amount of light that gets through, or slightly space them apart if you're looking for a more illuminated final product.

Identifying plants in the garden can be a challenge, especially when you first plant your seeds, but markers can make your life significantly easier. Rather than heading to your garden store to buy them, however, try your hand at making your own with the help of some popsicle sticks. Simply write the name of your plants — and add some illustrations, if desired — on the top of your popsicle sticks, then bury the lower part in the ground. Just make sure you use markers or pens that won't run when exposed to water, as your plant's names might begin to blur after exposure to the elements.

A little organization can go a long way in tidying up your office desk, and one of the most helpful things you can bring to your setup is a convenient holder for your pens, markers, highlighters, or pencils. If you don't have a spare cup or an old coffee mug available, consider making your own pen holder out of popsicle sticks. Cut out a circular shape out of cardboard, then begin gluing popsicle sticks around the perimeter. If your pen holder needs a bit more stability, it can also be helpful to tie some ribbon, string, or twine around the holder for decoration and additional support.

Indoor plants are one of the most beautiful kinds of décor you can add to your space, but you don't need to spend a ton of money to create a planter that's sure to wow. With some popsicle sticks, glue, and ribbon, you can make your very own popsicle stick succulent planter on a budget. After assembling a planter that fits your needs, fill it with rocks for drainage and specially blended succulent potting mix for the best results. Plant your succulents on top to create an adorable mini garden, and enjoy your low-maintenance DIY centerpiece.