5 Clever Ways to Reuse Markers and Pens

5 Clever Ways to Reuse Markers and Pens
5 Clever Ways to Reuse Markers and Pens
marker cap image via Shutterstock

Find SOMETHING to do with those used markers before they go sit in a landfill for forever! Below are five ways to reuse markers and pens instead of tossing them.

5 Clever Ways to Reuse Recycle Markers and Pens
used marker jump rope from Mommy on a Shoestring

1. marker jump rope: A handmade jump rope is always ideal so that it will be correctly sized to the jumper, but you can’t just cut off a piece of rope and start jumping–you need some heft. These DIY marker jump ropes add the perfect weight to a jump rope; the used marker jump rope from Mommy on a Shoestring uses both the marker bodies and the caps, while the DIY jump rope from Mama’s Little Muse uses only the caps, for a colorful, easy-to-swing skipping rope.

2. toddler painting: Even when markers are too dried-out for drawing, their inner ink reservoirs always have something extra inside for crafting. Simply Alicia used this concept to do dried-out marker bubble painting with her toddler.

3. give them to the Pen Guy: The Pen Guy makes art from an astonishing array of old pens and markers, all of which are donated by people like us!

5 Clever Ways to Reuse Recycle Markers and Pens
recycled crochet hook holders from LadyWillow TreeHouse

4. toys: The recycled Hanukkah Menorah from Inna’s Creationsincludes candles with bases made from old marker barrels and quilled paper flames. Considering how much my kiddos loved playing with unlit candles and play food when they were younger, they would have LOVED to have a stash of candles like these.

For another cute kids’ toy idea, check out the marker cap finger puppets from All Free Kids Crafts.

5. crochet hook holders: LadyWillow’s TreeHouse uses old pen and marker barrels to craft upcycled crochet hook holders. This project works especially well with novelty pens, since the  holder’s purpose is to give a unique look to the crochet hook.

Do you have a favorite way to recycle old pens and markers? Please share them in the Comments!

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Written by Julie Finn

I'm a writer, crafter, Zombie Preparedness Planner, and homeschooling momma of two kids who will hopefully someday transition into using their genius for good, not the evil machinations and mess-making in which they currently indulge. I'm interested in recycling and nature crafts, food security, STEM education, and the DIY lifestyle, however it's manifested--making myself some underwear out of T-shirts? Done it. Teaching myself guitar? Doing it right now.

Visit my blog Craft Knife for a peek at our very weird handmade homeschool life, and my etsy shop Pumpkin+Bear for a truly odd number of rainbow-themed beeswax pretties.

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