Each time I share my obsession with repurposing my trash into crafts, I become just a bit less embarrassed about it (and it now embarrasses me that I’m not embarrassed any more). I’ve been hoarding laundry scoops for years. I’d build up a big stack while trying to figure out what in the world to do with them. I have used them in organizing, but I’d never figured out that perfect craft for them, so usually I just threw my scoop stack in the recycle bin…and then start collecting them again. Finally, I’ve figured out my perfect and so fun craft for a recycled laundry scoop and I can’t wait to share it with you.
When I scheduled a craft date with my friend, J., I knew that I wanted us to craft with these recycled laundry scoops. In preparation for our craft day, I popped over to the craft store and bought some miniatures. If you grab your craft store coupons, these miniatures are reasonably priced. (Pay no attention to the plastic lid and gum container in the photo. We couldn’t figure out what to do with them. Plus, we were having plenty of fun decorating the laundry scoops)
Recycled Laundry Scoop
Supplies
Laundry Detergent Scoops
Quilt Batting
Miniatures or Decorative Buttons – Be sure to check the measurements of your laundry scoops compared to the minatures.
Ribbon
We started by hot gluing batting to the bottom of the laundry scoop. J. figured out that pulling apart the batting gives a more wispy, snowy look. We ended up making some of the scoops with regular batting in the far back of the scoop and some with wispy batting. The wispy batting works best towards the front of the scoop to help hide the hot glue when you attach the miniatures.
If you want to turn your laundry scoop into a Christmas tree ornament, carefully poke a hole into the top of the scoop handle. Then thread a piece of ribbon or baker’s twine through to make a hanger for the ornament.
We used hot glue to attach the miniatures to the scoop and then carefully added the wispy batting to the scoop in front of the miniatures. You’ll need to be careful and hold the deer in place while adding the wispy batting since they only have small glue contact areas on each little hoof. 
I found these adorable Nativity buttons. I had thought I’d have to clip the button loop off the back, but I ended up leaving the loops on the buttons. The loops made it easier to glue the buttons into place.
We added bows to these 2 scoops because these miniatures are so much smaller and needed a bit more to balance the space out vertically. I’d recommend taking a recycled laundry scoop to the store to shop for your miniatures so you can judge the size of the miniatures as they’ll look in the scoop.
Are these not just the cutest little decorations?! My kids were even oohing and ahhing over them when they came home from school. Who knew that an upcycled laundry scoop could look this good?
It amuses me that I was able to use a recycled bow from a bag of candy, even using the twist tie that came with the bow,
And look at how cute the recycled laundry scoop looks with the recycled bow.
Shhh, don’t tell the other scoops, but this one is my favorite. It’s such a nostalgic scene and somehow still looks so charming in recycled laundry scoop. (The juxtaposition of the charming scene and the recycled trash scoop amuses me.)
I already told J. that as soon as I collect some more recycled laundry scoops, we’ll have another craft day and make a bunch more of these little cuties. Do you have a recycled laundry scoop I can have?
More of my repurposed Christmas projects:
You can make this sophisticated Upcycled Book Page Wreath using repurposed book pages.
Make personalized Christmas Decor from repurposed game blocks.
Make a charming DIY Advent Calendar from repurposed yogurt cups that’s perfect for deployed military or college students.
I’m a mom of 3, a veteran and military spouse. I’ve moved into 20+ homes all around the world. My passion is helping busy people make the space and time for what’s really important to them.
Cynthia L says
Oh my gosh, I just love these! Especially the Nativity scene. I think the angel hovering over baby Jesus is too cute! I save these scoops too, but never knew what to do with them! Great idea.
Bethany says
These are so adorable! What a great upcycle!
susan says
Thanks, Bethany! They are so much fun to make. Now I just have to gather some more scoops so I can make more.
Jenny @ MyLittleMe says
These are adorable! Time to save some laundry scoops!
Pat C. says
What a sweet idea! I can’t wait to make a few next Christmas! xoxo
susan says
Thanks, Pat. I’m looking forward to making more, too!
Phyl says
LAUNDRY SCOOPS MUST JUST BE IN YOUR NECK OF THE WOODS; BACK IN PGH. I HAVE NEVER SEEN THEM.
susan says
They come in the boxes of laundry detergent (not the liquid kind), Phyl. I don’t know if it’s regional or not.
Dorothy says
I just love the laundry soap idea, they are so cute and so easy, and recycling at the same time!!!
susan says
Thanks, Dorothy. I love how many endless options there are for creating.
seaurchin0 says
I love recycled items. These are so cute. Makes me wish I had saved some of the scoops .
susan says
Thanks. I can’t do laundry fast enough now so that I can have a new scoop to recycle.:)
GLENNIS MCPEAKE says
scoops are beautiful great idea
glennis
susan says
Thank you, Glennis. They were so much fun to make. I’m now collecting more scoops to make more ornaments as soon as possible.
Ona says
These are the cutest things I’ve ever seen! This is amazing!
susan says
Thanks, so much, Ona. They’re lots of fun to make.
O. Peters says
Like what I saw?
O. Peters says
Like what I saw!! Thanks for idea.
O. Peters says
I like what I saw!! Thanks for idea….looks like fun to do.OP
susan says
Thanks, it’s easy to make and your imagination is your only limit. 🙂
salguero hélène says
bonjours Susan
J ‘habite en France dans une petit village qui s appelle St AndrĂ© de la roche dans les alpes maritimes et je suis tombĂ©e en admiration devant les “Laundry Scoop” recycled .Je trouve l idĂ©e gĂ©niale.Ils sont adorables .J aimerais savoir ou vous avez achetĂ© les miniatures que vous avez mis dans les scoops blanchisserie car je n en trouve pas en France.Si vous avez un cite ou je pourrez m en proccurer ou l.adresse mail du magasin ou vouez lĂ©s avez achetĂ© ,car moi aussi j aime faire des choses avec des objets de rĂ©ccupĂ©rations(recycled).Car cet annĂ©e je fais le marchĂ© de noel de mon village .voila MERCI D avange HĂ©lène
susan says
Thank you, Helene. I’m so happy you enjoy my recycled laundry scoops. Every time I get them out for Christmas I smile. They’re so simple and yet so charming. I found the miniatures in my local sewing and craft stores. I used miniatures intended for doll houses and decorative buttons. I will look for online sites and add the links to this post. Best of luck and enjoy crafting. Also, I’ve visited Metz, Strasbourg, Paris and the Alps. We adored every place we visited.
Shirley Wood says
Stopping by from Christmas in July party! LOVE this idea. I would totally put a mini tree in my laundry room and use these for decor!
susan says
Love the idea of a mini Christmas tree in the laundry room, Shirley! Though I must say that I’m a bit jealous of how large your laundry room must be even for a mini tree. 🙂
Charlene LaFontaine says
I do love these repurposed laundry scoops into cute Christmas miniatures or ornaments. I too have plenty of left over laundry scoops. I can start on these to have ready for next year at Christmas. The Crèche would also look cute with a Star at the beginning of the handle. Thanks for a great idea. I also repurpose my Keurig coffee pods after I clean them. They too make cute little Christmas ornaments.
susan says
Thanks, Charlene. I had fun making them and displaying them each year. Lo-ove your idea of adding a star at the top of the handle (and guess what?! I just happen to have some left over stars from… who knows what. 🙂 )
Betty says
Where can you purchase the laundry scoops. Do not get scoops with my laundry soap. Thank you. Betty
susan says
That’s a great question, Betty. The scoops come in powder laundry detergent. I bet if you asked friends and neighbors or put a request up on Freecycle or Craigslist you could collect some.
Barbara Payne says
I love to make repurposed crafts. Thank you for this idea.
susan says
I love the challenge of creating with repuropsed items, too. Have fun crafting, Barbara. 🙂
Barbara Payne says
I love recycled projects. Thank you for this idea.
susan says
Have fun with it, Barbara. I’d love to see a photo if you make this tutorial.