Crafty ways to reuse, recycle household castoffs

Barely halfway into summer break, the mystique is wearing off. For parents seeking fresh ways to amuse the kids without breaking the bank, inspiration, materials and tools are within easy reach around the house.

The average American generates 4.4 pounds of municipal waste every day, according to the World Resources Institute. Nico Morrison Sidell - of Redo Reuse ( www.redoreuse.com), a repurposed-clothing design program - and Nancy Pennington of the N.C. Museum of History share three craft projects made with recycled materials that are sure to add some spice to what's left of school vacation:

Recycled Fabric Lunch Sack Recycled Fabric Checkerboard Musical Spoons

Some other crafty tips:

-- For sewing projects, let children use embroidery needles: They are bigger and easier for little hands. Things will move more smoothly if you pre-thread them.

-- When working with recycled items, be sure to wash them with hot, soapy water and dry completely before use. Fabrics should be put through the laundry according to instructions, and plastic items might be best cleaned in the dishwasher. Any remnants of dirt, food or grime will eventually compromise the craft.

-- Think you have nothing to recycle into a craft project? Look again. Those things destined for donation - clothing, shoes or housewares - all have potential, especially once you let your imagination kick in. Think about color and texture: sandpaper, ribbons from gifts saved for their beauty, throw pillows that have lost their shape, and the jar of buttons you never seem to need can all become something new.

-- Look at games or toys your children love, and think about ways to re-create them using other materials. They will have fun "copying" their favorites (like the checkerboard), and might make a memento that lasts in a way the store-bought version might not.

-- Use powdered soft drink mix as a dye for natural fibers such as cotton or wool.

-- Measure twice, cut once.