Craft stores can be addicting, because there are so many cute decorations to buy so sometimes you come out of the store with too much. Whether you end up not having the time or you just become frustrated, you may end up not using many of the items you purchased. Silk flowers are an easy item to keep buying, because they are versatile and there are so many colors and types. Instead of keeping them contained in a craft case or throwing the extras away, you can reuse them.

Even if you have been thinking about putting an old flower arrangement or bridal bouquet in the trash, stop yourself because these flowers can be used around your home or office. Silk flowers are durable, which is why they cannot be composted so gather your fake flowers and choose one of the following ways to recycle.

As long as you’re equipped with a hot glue gun, you can add silk flowers to almost anything. For instance, adding the head of the flowers to your daughter’s bedroom mirror can personalize it. Or dress up storage boxes and lampshades, especially if they are plain. If you enjoy changing your home’s decorations each season, start making flower arrangements for spring, summer, fall and winter so they are ready to go.

Even if you’re not the greatest home decorator, you can add the flowers to hair pins or barrettes, necklaces, bracelets, belts, jeans, shirts, etc. Maybe you can incorporate the flowers into a Halloween costume.

Other options include donating your old silk flowers to organizations that need craft materials for kid’s projects. Or you could make personalized gifts for friends and family. For example, if you have extra baskets or cloth jewelry cases, adding flowers to them can make perfect gifts for birthdays, housewarmings, party favors, etc. You may be surprised at how quickly you can create a pretty flower arrangement.

With some creativity and a little time, you can turn those old silk flowers into works of art. Letting them go to waste should be the last resort, especially since they are costly and are not biodegradable.