Total Time 1 hour Ages 5 to 8
Manny brought a little green into his neighbor's home when he built her a flower box. Now Preschoolers can learn about being green with this eco-friendly craft.
by Miranda Becker
What you'll need
- 1-gallon paper milk carton
- Duct tape
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Red marker
- Red construction paper
- Mod Podge
- Paint brush, or sponge
- Red masking tape or duct tape
- Red, self-adhesive craft foam
- Yellow, self-adhesive craft foam
- Unsharpened pencil
- Hole punch
- Black puffy paint
- Stones or rocks
- Soil
- Seeds or plants
How to make it
1. To start, wash a milk carton with soapy water and let dry.
2. If your carton has a screw-on cap, leave it on and fold the top of the carton down to create a flat surface.
3. Secure using duct tape.
4. To create the tall ends of your toolbox, use a ruler to draw a straight line crosswise through the center of the carton (as shown). Then measure in 1.5" from each side, and draw two lines lengthwise. Measure 1.5" from the bottom and top of the carton and draw a line crosswise to create two rectangles.
5. Cut out the rectangles, and cut along the center line crosswise. Discard the cardboard rectangles and then cut along the seams to create the tall ends of your toolbox. Once you have created your ends, trim the tops so that they are the same length.
6. Use a red marker to draw long squiggly lines on the red construction paper, creating a wood grain pattern. Tear the red construction paper into long strips.
7. Spread Mod Podge on the outside of the milk carton, and attach strips of paper. As you work, spread layers of Mod Podge over the paper strips. This will make the paper water-resistant. Let dry completely.
8. Use red tape to seal the edges of the carton and cover imperfections. Use red tape to cover the unsharpened pencil -- this will be the handle of the toolbox.
9. Make holes in the tall sides of the carton using a hole-punch. You will insert your handle into the two holes. Use red self-adhesive craft foam to make the bolts that hold the handle in place.
10. Finish your planter with a yellow craft foam label. Write your child's name on the label.
11. Place stones in the bottom of the planter for drainage and top with soil. Now you're ready to plant seeds or plants!
