Some of our very favorite craft projects are taking items that would usually be garbage (or recycling) and turning them into whole new creations. There is a treasure of craft supplies right in your discard pile! For some great ideas on using two of these staples: cardboard tubes and egg cartons, we have a pair of fun books by Fiona Hayes.
The first, 51 Things to Make with Cardboard Tubes, shows you how to transform unwanted cardboard tubes into dinosaurs, vehicles, jungle animals, monsters, woodland creatures, ocean life and much more. These are great activities for parents and children to create together and serve as a “jumping off” point for kids to use their imagination and make their own creations. The 51 projects included in the book feature a well-balanced mix of techniques, materials, colors, and styles for a range of ages.
I am a little bummed that so many brands have moved to plastic or styrofoam egg cartons because cardboard egg cartons are really the best ones for projects! (Although you can see our mini basket craft with styrofoam egg cartons here.) If you are lucky enough to have cardboard cartons, you’ll want to check out 51 Things to Make with Egg Cartons. Using the ideas in this book you can transform unwanted egg cartons into insects, monsters, reptiles, and much more. Again, these are great activities for adults and kids to work on together and the 51 projects feature a well-balanced mix of techniques, materials, colors, and styles for a range of ages.
About the Author: Fiona Hayes sounds like my kind of lady! She has illustrated, designed and written children’s books for nearly 20 years, and has worked with children and adults on a wide range of craft projects. She has always loved making things, from baking to all sorts of crafts. From her point of view, things you make are always better than anything you can buy, and best of all, creating wonderful stuff makes you and everyone else smile!
Reader Giveaway: One lucky Jinxy Kids reader will win both 51 Things to Make with Cardboard Tubes and 51 Things to Make with Egg Cartons. To enter, just complete the entry form below by 11:59pm ET on 9/20/16. Good luck!
51 Things to Make Giveaway
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
I’m a busy blogger and happy auntie of Little R, who I spend time with several days per week – which ends up being the FAVORITE part of my week! We love to cook together, do crafts, play outside and turn boring errands into fun adventures.
Caitlyn B. says
My nieces and nephew will love making these crafts with me!
Sonya Morris says
I will be using this to make fun crafts with the kids. I love using cardboard boxes for crafts.
courtney b says
my daughter would love this !:)
Thanks!! xoxoxo
Jenette says
I would be making these with my daughters.
Ashley Judd says
I would love to give this as a Secret Angel Christmas gift!
Stephanie Liske says
I would love to win these for my husbands daughter. She would have fun with these.
M Moore says
I’d be making theses crafts with my four kids. My favorite material to use is cereal boxes.
Rosanne says
I will be making these with my grandchildren or giving it to my daughter in law to make with her 1st grade students
susan smoaks says
i would make these with my kids. we like to do crafts together.
Stephanie Larison says
My oldest daughter would love to do these crafts! We like using toilet paper rolls for crafts.
Barbara Fox says
I will be making these with my granddaughter & hopefully, soon, my grandson. I like using anything that I would normally throw out when making kids crafts!
Mallory Roberts says
I’ll make these crafts with my three year old son if I win the books. Thanks for the giveaway! This looks so fun!
Francine Anchondo says
My kids will be and they like to use everything they can think of.
Katt Lewis says
I love the alligator! I have Grandkids in mind for these.
Marty Crosson says
My daughter and I would make some and then donate the book to her pre=school.
Rosey says
I like the giraffe, we’ll make that one. My favorite thing right now to use to recycle and make projects is empy yogurt cups.
Tina reynolds says
My kids would love this we always try and reuse things. Reduce reuse equals a ton of fun
Amy H. says
My daughter and I would do these crafts! We’ve used toilet paper rolls for crafts.
Candie L says
This would be perfect for my nieces on a snow day. Thank you
james jenkins says
My wonderful neighbor, Lisa, loves making crafts projects with her at-home kids; these are for her. I just like re-purposing all types of materials, especially heavy-weight, printed papers.