As a voracious crafter myself, a proponent of learning and making, and the author behind this weekly How-Tuesday column, I am constantly on the prowl for new and interesting tutorials and the chance to learn new skills. Whether it be from the pages of a craft book, at the table of a local art center, or a chance encounter somewhere in the depths of the blogosphere, I say, bring it on! These ten how-to projects, all created by your fellow Etsy members, caught my eye for their playful and clever use of materials, as well with their sunny subjects that look forward to a spring season that is just around the corner here in the Northern Hemisphere. So, spring forth and get busy crafting!
1. How to Make Plantable Recycled Paper Tags
The full tutorial can be found here.
By PulpArt
2. How to Appliqué a Little Pink House
The full tutorial can be found here.
3. How to Make a Pennant Rubber Stamp Roller
The full tutorial can be found here.
The full tutorial can be found here.
By ArtMind
5. How To Make a Tomato Planter
The full tutorial can be found here.
By mck254
6. How to Make an Appliqued Succulent Sachet
The full tutorial can be found here.
By lupin
7. How to Make a Coffee Bag Apron
The full tutorial can be found here.
By MaidenJane
8. How to Recycle Junk Mail into Paper Beads
The full tutorial can be found here.
The full tutorial can be found here.
By RedVelvetArt
10. How to Make a Tiny Terrarium in a Lightbulb
The full tutorial can be found here.
By tinyterra
Thank you to all the Etsy artists included in this post for sharing such lovely tutorials!
Eco-Friendly How-To’s | More How-Tuesday Posts | More Top 10 Lists

191 comments
Sign in to add your ownpuscake says:
wonderful projects! I'll have to try some!
3 years ago
EJPcreations says:
What amazing projects!!! I love the light bulb terrarium. Off to go read.
3 years ago
julessabjewelry says:
I found the light bulb terrarium a few weeks ago and have to say it's one of my absolute favorites! I also love the plantable recycled paper "deely boppies". It's a fantastic way to recycle while bringing new life to the earth!
3 years ago
CatzillaCrafts says:
Wow this is awesome!! Thanks for sharing! =^_^=
3 years ago
candacejean says:
Oh my gosh! All of these are absolutely WONDERFUL.. I can't even pick which one to go to first! Thank you so much for sharing awesome trade secrets. Can't wait to start getting crafty. :)
3 years ago
everydayelegant says:
Those are great! I love the terrarium !
3 years ago
CatherinetteRings says:
Awesome projects ! Love the Terrariums .
3 years ago
laurelinsailor says:
Love the terrariums too!
3 years ago
lacravatteduchien says:
This is great! I love tutorials!!!
3 years ago
kissavintagedesign says:
What fun! I always like trying something new...
3 years ago
Harem6 says:
Amazing finds!All so different!Thank you for sharing!
3 years ago
AmityUK says:
Tiny Terrariums! Eep!
3 years ago
HandmadeHandsome says:
Very inspiring.
3 years ago
girltuesdayjewelry says:
That terrarium is on my "to make" list!
3 years ago
dreamyvintage says:
These are too fab and interesting to pass! I will be checking them out ASAP. Thank you :)
3 years ago
kclarkphotography says:
Love those terraiums and they would be perfect around the plant munching cats of mine. Thanks
3 years ago
ClementinesJewelry says:
So inspiring! thank you!
3 years ago
Ebruk says:
Awesome projects !
3 years ago
StarRedesigns says:
Check out my twist on the terrarium lightbulb idea! Fishbowl: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42733939 Vase: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42590743 Inkwell: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42280239
3 years ago
AlmaStoller says:
These are all great tutorials. Love it. thanks so much Julie... Alma Stoller
3 years ago
lovelygifts says:
Great ideas!
3 years ago
floresdelsol says:
oh beautiful ideas! I love the terrarium check out Ruffled blog here for my tutorial on moss milk glass centerpieces! http://ruffledblog.com/2010/03/diy-moss-and-milkglass-centerpieces/
3 years ago
RageHaus says:
The tiny Terrarium is too precious. What a fun way to get some greenery inside.
3 years ago
Floreal says:
Awesome tutorials.. love this one..Tiny Terrarium in a Lightbulb www.twitter.com/florealdesigns
3 years ago
blackcatcraft says:
Love these ideas, especially the terrariums!! Link to Apt. Therapy also has great ideas for making them into planters too!!
3 years ago
Xenotees says:
Chock full of awesome Julie! Especially the light bulb terrariums!
3 years ago
BululuStudio says:
Excellent tutorials, thank you for sharing.
3 years ago
SiuTing1108 says:
i love spring~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
3 years ago
mycherrytree says:
so beautiful and fine! vesna
3 years ago
paramountvintage says:
ooooh, they all look like so much fun to make. since san diego has been so warm and beautiful, i've had a chance to garden all week. i definitely want to make the tomato planter!
3 years ago
boutiqueseragun says:
Good ideas
3 years ago
parallelbotany says:
Awesome! thanks for including my papier mache bead tutorial in this list of great how-tos. I feel so honored :)
3 years ago
BirdonWireStudio says:
Marvelous collection! I love the lightbulb terrarium. I get asked all the time how I make my needlefelted creatures. I was thinking a How-To would be a great idea. These How-To's are very helpful How-To's on how to write How-To's. Okay, now my head is spinning. Hooray! Thanks for all of these ideas!
3 years ago
YouAreYou says:
WOOHOO! Can't wait to make the sidewalk chalk with my 3 year old! Thanks!
3 years ago
Balanced says:
fun, fun! I'm off to craft something.
3 years ago
LAccentNou says:
Fabulous!!!
3 years ago
thelittlemarket says:
Yay...I love a good tutorial and here you gave us a whole collection of them! Thank you!!
3 years ago
Relydesign says:
great!!! thanks a lot ;)
3 years ago
madebyagah says:
Oh, I love the pillow!
3 years ago
HoldTheWire says:
So many amazing ideas! I'd love to try those terrariums.
3 years ago
lifeofcolors says:
These are great tutorials. Thank you!
3 years ago
SwingStationStudio says:
Tiny terrariums!!! Contained in pretty lightbulbs! I cannot "contain" my excitement... hehe, bad joke. But awesome tutorial!
3 years ago
StitchnStudio says:
These all look very interesting. Which one should I try?
3 years ago
StitchSprite says:
What a fabulous article! Loving all these craft ideas. I will be trying the rubber stamp idea first!
3 years ago
theindiecollective says:
what great ideas! i love the light bulb terrarium and plantable recycled tags, also love the idea of how to turn your junk mail into beads fabulous!
3 years ago
lorilooms says:
How FUN! I'm doing at least one tonight! ;)
3 years ago
aisle3studio says:
i want the lightbulbs with plants inside. those rule
3 years ago
chichimai says:
wow!!!!!!! pretty ideas.. everything is so lovely... even do we don't experience spring in our country, I'm starting to picture out how spring feels... It seems a cool, fresh weather....^^ HAPPY SPRINGTIME EVERYONE...
3 years ago
MyJunkyTrunk says:
Really informative. Thanks for the article, and Happy Spring!
3 years ago
BlackStar says:
Oh chalk! I used to love hopscotch. Cool tutorials.
3 years ago
maggiemaevintage says:
these look like great fun!
3 years ago
Arctida says:
The light bulb terrarium is amazing! I also like the *Worlds Away - Kit* :)
3 years ago
brianarose says:
SO cool! These would be great for wedding favors, ya?
3 years ago
RoughMagicCreations says:
Oh! Sooooo tempted to drop everything and try some of these -- er, make that ALL of these! :)
3 years ago
EviesToolEmporium says:
Thank you so much for sharing! Michelle-
3 years ago
TheStrangestDreams says:
I love those chunky beads and the Terrariums, might have to give it a go when I have the time... I certainly have the junk mail!
3 years ago
VerreDesign says:
Tomatoes and Light Bulbs, here I come!!
3 years ago
StelmaDesigns says:
Those light bulb terrariums are so CUUUTTTE!
3 years ago
MaaPstudio says:
Love the light bulb terrarium too, brilliant idea!!
3 years ago
Vintage50sEyewear says:
Wow! I have got to have the Terrarium in a Light Bulb. That is just way to cool!
3 years ago
MinceCo says:
thanks for sharing, i cut myself with glass recently so i will be careful if i try the lightbulb thingo.
3 years ago
xoxsmiley says:
The lightbulb terrarium is an awesome project! I can't wait to try it.
3 years ago
Hammermann says:
The terrarium light bulb tutorial looks pretty cool!
3 years ago
byhandathome says:
clever, pretty, springlike! <3
3 years ago
breadandroses says:
I like the tomato planter! We always have more plants than garden space and this can help avoid crowding. Great idea.
3 years ago
laurastark says:
I heart the Tiny Terrarium. It's eclectic, modern and repurposed. Fantastic!
3 years ago
allthenumbers says:
This is SO COOL! I'm getting my tomato plants next week so Mimi's tutorial is perfect! Thank you for the inspiration Etsy!!
3 years ago
ArtSnark says:
fantastic projects! Great for homeschooling too
3 years ago
YuraPockylover says:
Those terrariums tutorial looks fantastic!
3 years ago
gilstrapdesigns says:
These are some really good projects to try. Thanks!
3 years ago
TeaAtHomeWithOlivia says:
Love everything! I have a couple of projects to try now. Thank you all.
3 years ago
VintageMonograms says:
Thanks for featuring my pennant rubber stamp roller among such fantastic DIY projects!!
3 years ago
birchbeerboutique says:
AHmazing! Thank you for this little gold mine. I have a little mirror bulb for that I've been saving for a special project...like the light bulb terrarium. Brilliant! (no pun intended)
3 years ago
AlpineGypsy says:
It never ceases to amaze me how creative this little community is... AWESOME stuff! :) Heidi
3 years ago
KristyLynnJewelry says:
What great projects and ideas, definitely going to have to try some!!! Thanks for sharing!!!
3 years ago
JosStudio says:
These are wonderful, I want to do them all!
3 years ago
TreeFrogJewelry says:
Fantastic collection of how to's! I'm inspired by the terrariums and the coffee sac aprons.
3 years ago
NoisyTarli says:
OH MY GOODNESS!! I'm overwhelmed with awesomeness at the present moment. :)
3 years ago
KristenVonHohen says:
I want the lightbulb!
3 years ago
EmsOddsAndEnds says:
so neat!!
3 years ago
sabbio says:
Wonderful selections and tutorial!
3 years ago
FloweryDeer says:
LOVELY! Gonna try some!!!
3 years ago
peaseblossomstudio says:
Stop tempting me! I do too much already!
3 years ago
JLynnCreations says:
lol peaseblossomstudio!! My thoughts exactly ;) These are wonderful ideas though!!
3 years ago
MyHappyHome says:
These are insanely awesome. THANK YOU!
3 years ago
HardCandyGems says:
Thank you this is awesome!
3 years ago
LastChantsStudio says:
So what's up with the reseller up there!!! Remove it before I barf.
3 years ago
ArtMind says:
Fantastic list! Thanks heaps for including my tutorial! :)
3 years ago
steventhomasart says:
second that
3 years ago
LastChantsStudio says:
O.K....Who's moderating? Hello? Hello?
3 years ago
StormsHandicrafts says:
Great tutorials!
3 years ago
LastChantsStudio says:
Whoa! Handmade?> "We can supply cheap women shoes, brand shoe, safety shoe, clothes, sports products, craftwork and electronic products. Sell:Ed/POLO tshirt$13,jean$30,handbag$35,jordan shoes$32,coach lv handbag$35,coogi/burberry jean$30 Free shipping! Me thinks the moderator not be moderating.
3 years ago
pasin says:
Great ideas...
3 years ago
LastChantsStudio says:
Thanks Admin support!!! Much appreciated!
3 years ago
AMIdesigns says:
I love the plantable recycled gift tags - will definitely have a go at making them
3 years ago
lunahoo says:
Wonderful tutorials!! I love this post :) Thank you!!!
3 years ago
GoodDealJewelry says:
Super cool! Will try some definitely! Thanks for sharing!
3 years ago
archaicdesign says:
too much fun!!!
3 years ago
WickedDarling says:
Wow! These are fabulous! Can't wait to try making these! Thanks!
3 years ago
whyte says:
Loving the hand sewn appliquéd hoop with house and flowers......ah such graceful and tidy stitching! Beautiful work, thanks for sharing all the tutorials!
3 years ago
skycreation says:
Wow! So much to create! THANK U!
3 years ago
iktomi says:
These are all great ideas! I love the tomato planter because it's time to get these babies into the ground!
3 years ago
poshpie says:
they are all so cute!!!
3 years ago
carlossantiago says:
those little Terrariums are driving my crrrrazy! i am getting me some and other gorgeous things!
3 years ago
bbbennyandthejet says:
yahooOoOoo FUN! The crafting itch just kills me in the spring.. time for new projects!! This is the perfect storque post.. ;D
3 years ago
beadsbloomsbeyond says:
This is neat, thanks etsy :o)
3 years ago
KreatedbyKelly says:
I love the light bulb terrarium!!! Too cute!!
3 years ago
mck254 says:
Beautiful days in Boston are making me think spring- thanks so much for including my tomato tutorial!
3 years ago
MissHildebrandt says:
Tonight we are making sidewalk chalk for acouple of early April Birthdays! Thanks! ~Hildebrandt
3 years ago
herrondipity says:
Love the plantable tags. I have lots of cookie cutters and a sack of envelopes and paper for recycling, so I will definitely give these a try.
3 years ago
SewMerry says:
Great list of fun tutorials; I want to try several of them! I think the lightbulb terrariums are one of the coolest things I have ever seen.
3 years ago
MissToryDesigns says:
I've worked in horticulture as my day job for 15 years and never seen something so clever! Thanx tinyterra!
3 years ago
copabananas says:
this article and featured items are fabulous!
3 years ago
Whimsywares says:
Awesome projects. We love the terrarium and plantable paper!
3 years ago
SpiceofLifeDesigns says:
Beautiful projects! Going to add the terrarium and plantable paper to our science lessons. :)
3 years ago
mia09 says:
Thank you very much for sharing these great projects!!! I am going to try the light bulb terraniums. I like projects that teach how to recycle discarded objects. I do the same when browsing for vintage jewelry and including these gorgeous findings in a new peace: these are the jewelry that sell faster. Thanks again
3 years ago
OurLunarEclipse says:
oooooh where do i start? which to do first? thanks!
3 years ago
StudioCherie says:
Great variety
3 years ago
RubyStudios says:
I love a lot of these ideas!! A use for junk mail? Finally! I'm off to read about baby terrariums!
3 years ago
worksandfinds says:
Nice.
3 years ago
SkyBox says:
The light bulb terrarium is such a great idea! And the tomato planter - FTW - is appreciated. I love having a garden and move around too often to have a permanent one, so thanks for the portable how-to!
3 years ago
AudreyGardenLady says:
What a great selection of ways to go green! Thanks for sharing these terrific tuts!
3 years ago
CassiasGarden says:
Oh I love all of these! Being an avid passionate gardener, I especially LOVE the tomato planter and the light bulb terrariums! Those are must-do's!
3 years ago
busterandboo says:
Really want to make the paper.....!
3 years ago
kidgiddy says:
very cool!
3 years ago
mazedasastoat says:
So nice to see instructions for a mini terrarium that DON'T involve stealing swathes of moss from the great outdoors! They're all brilliant projects, just what we need to fill the last few long winter evenings.
3 years ago
maomaokitty says:
So many fun things to do! Wish I had more free time to try them all! I'm hoping to make some of the plantable seeded tags. I just love when I buy an item and the tag goes out in the garden instead of in the trash.
3 years ago
ArtisticIntentions says:
These are great! I love the light bulb terrarium!
3 years ago
accentonvintage says:
Very nice! Wonderful ideas!
3 years ago
BellaChicbyalicia says:
These are all great! Thanks for sharing :)
3 years ago
TheNightjar says:
oh wow this is great, i will be kept busy for some time now- thanks a bunch!
3 years ago
DemarestProductions says:
These are fantastic!
3 years ago
DormouseDesigns says:
That's a fantastic article! I will definitely have a go at making a light bulb terrarium this weekend. Thanks very much!
3 years ago
TheVintageRecycler says:
Lightbulb terrarium! We've come a long way from the large Arrowhead water bottles, haven't we???!!!!! Excellent tutorial and information pertinent. Thanks so much!
3 years ago
ShebboDesign says:
I love tutorials! Great share! Thank you :=)
3 years ago
paperartistry says:
Love the light bulb terrarium idea - very creative
3 years ago
funkeyfinds says:
fun crafty goodness!
3 years ago
HornCatCreations says:
These are just waaaayy too cool! Thanks so much for sharing them!
3 years ago
ElegantHobbies says:
Thanks for posting these.. They're great...
3 years ago
barebirdie says:
I love it all! If you'd like to see more easy and unique tutorials on how-to crafting and design just visit www.seecatecreate.wordpress.com ! So FuN!
3 years ago
SweetPeaFabrications says:
Love all of these! Such craftiness!
3 years ago
JainaBee says:
wow, thank you for sharing the tutorials
3 years ago
HempWhatNot says:
If I only had a handy man.
3 years ago
KettleConfections says:
A beautiful project I'll have to try!
3 years ago
JeansVintageCloset says:
Amazing items to make and so unique the junk mail paper beads are super, I wonder what the issuers of the junk mail would think about that!
3 years ago
KateVanDorenStudio says:
I love sustainable and i love light bulbs! what can i say! I can't wait!
3 years ago
iragrant says:
Oh this is a wonderful post! I following ArtMind blog and her tutorial always Superb! Her tutorial give me some ideas how to entertain my daughter, always fun to do her tutorial with my little one:) I will check others tutorial too now!
3 years ago
frenchtoastfriday says:
Just got some succulents yesterday. The terrarium tutorial came at the perfect timing. Thanks!
3 years ago
CrowbirdieBeads says:
This is perfect! I was just thinking about what to put up on my Spring Tree that hangs in the kitchen (it's a bare branch that we decorate seasonally) and the butterflies would be ideal!
3 years ago
bingolady says:
can someone please tell me how to crochet a simple cover for a wire coat hanger
3 years ago
NatureWalkCrafts says:
these are amazing, i love trying out new crafts!
3 years ago
princessdoodlebeans says:
FABulous!! Can't wait to make some chalk with my girls!
3 years ago
LafesHiddenTreasures says:
Enjoyed all of these shared tutorials! Some great ideas and talent here!
3 years ago
3vintagehearts says:
i luvvvv the apron from coffee sack! veryy clever!
3 years ago
5gardenias says:
what a fabulous bunch of fun-- great post !!
3 years ago
beautifulspoon says:
i LOVE diy stuff!!! i'm constantly searching for blogs where people post how-to's because they are so fun! :)
3 years ago
photographicamy says:
Fun ideas! Can't wait to make the chalk!
3 years ago
HotLavaClothing says:
Great tutorials! I really like those lightbulb terrariums :)
3 years ago
lilworkerb says:
Those light-bulbs are too cool for their own good!
3 years ago
pipandbean says:
I love this!! With two little girls at home we are going to try that sidewalk chalk!!! I love do it your self projects especially when it involves recycling things-great activity and lesson for the kids!! THANKS
3 years ago
BambuEarth says:
Love this blog. I've already picked up some plaster at the local hardware store and I'm going to try my hand at some sidewalk chalk! I bet my little sister will love it! Thanks!
3 years ago
RakishBadger says:
I LOVE the lightbulb terrarium! How clever!
3 years ago
AMSkrafts says:
the recycled beads and apron are awesome, and the terrarium light bulbs are adorable! so clever
3 years ago
anakim says:
Great!
3 years ago
LucindasNiceThings says:
What great projects! Thanks so much for sharing!
3 years ago
postroadvintage says:
cool! thanks!
3 years ago
SolderingSisters says:
The lightbulb terrarium would be a great project for my kids at school. I am thinking about maybe a Mother's Day present. It would be something different that I don't think the mom's have seen yet. Do you think they could make it home on bus?
3 years ago
PoshAdornments says:
I really enjoyed these tutorials. I have been wanting to make a sachet for awhile.
3 years ago
cleobelle says:
ohhhh the lightbulb terranium!!!!!!!
3 years ago
zJayne says:
So much creative talent, love it!
3 years ago
zeijlon says:
nice tutorials :)
3 years ago
MatthiessenandMay says:
I've been looking for creative ways to use old coffee bags!
3 years ago
moonsongranch says:
We are very earth-friendly and I've always wanted to do something much more exciting with my junk mail other than throw it away. Great job parallelbotany!
3 years ago
inajuicebox says:
Love the beads and Terrarium, can't wait to create some myself!
3 years ago
tinyspecials says:
cute and fun! Love the applique work on the houses in an embroidery hoop!
3 years ago
ILuv2MakeJewels says:
WOW I love these! Great job and thank you for caring about our environment. Thank you again for sharing this tutorial!
3 years ago
lastingattachments says:
Wow, just love the tomato planter, my environmental major son will definitely be trying this one out! We have been so reluctant to plant anything in our soil knowing that where we live, our neighbors treat their lawns with chemicals and the run off most definitely makes our soil toxic. This is a great, inexpensive and easy solution...Thanks~!
3 years ago
ShabbyChalks says:
I just LOVE the light bulb terrarium!! Everything here is so Eco-freindly, love it all!
3 years ago
beachsidestyle says:
Thanks for sharing your marvelous creativity. Keeps me going!
3 years ago
JhillDesign says:
those have to be the cutest terrariums ever. i think i need to make a bunch for our studio!
3 years ago
SpruceStreetDesigns says:
i want to make the chalk right now!! great info, thanx!!
3 years ago
elemegibere says:
Thanks for information
3 years ago
byae says:
I love the light bulb terrarium! Gotta try it out!
3 years ago
craftingwithlove says:
thanks for sharing! great projects. so adorable! lovely felt houses as well. just like my self-designed sweet cafe cases =)
3 years ago
sewtamz says:
Love the Tiny Terrarium in a Lightbulb - I think my kids would think that is so cool....
3 years ago
sewtamz says:
Love the Tiny Terrarium in a Lightbulb - I think my kids would think that is so cool....
3 years ago
moxieandepoxy says:
thank you so much for these tutorials! i love the light bulb terrarium and plantable papers. yay for reusing!
3 years ago
AllDogsAllowed says:
I have been dying to create a terrarium....the lightbulb idea is fantastic!!!!
3 years ago
kathryncole says:
Great Ideas! Thanks so much!
3 years ago
whatahussy says:
WHOA! Too cool for school!
2 years ago