Here’s a project I can’t wait to replicate. Eliza and her mom crafted this project after being inspired by a Spend Share Save box at a friends house.

The idea is simple, start by digging an empty box out of the recycle bin:

Divide the inside into sections (scotch tape and cardboard):

Using a sharp knife, and adult supervision, cut the lid into three pieces to match the sections created on the inside:

When all the chopping and taping is done, decorate your bank and start dividing up your funds. My favorite part is the ‘share’ section.

Thanks for the great idea Eliza!!

This project takes a simple idea, and multiplies the fun!

You start with a shoe box, or a box of similar size, and create a room for your toys to dwell. The best thing about this project is not only do you get to do it over and over, at different times, with different friends, etc., but you get to take them all home, and assemble each piece into a grand mansion.

The bedroom, for instance, could have been made at a cousin’s house over Thanksgiving, the kitchen, at a sleepover and the playroom on a rainy afternoon. Creating add-on houses is great for holidays, sick days, vacation days and sleepovers.

The examples below are from one of ingenious kids I spend time with. She used wallpaper and wrapping paper scraps to adorn the walls. Altoids tins became closets and beds. Popsicle sticks are now hardwood floors and stamps transformed into artwork.

Click on the pictures below to get a closer look at the creative uses for everyday trash.

(You MUST click on the pictures to see the incredible detail!)

Fold in the flaps, like so…

In a medium sized bowl, mix wall paper paste and water until you get a medium-watery adhesive glue. Cut paper into medium sized strips and squares.

**We used blueprints found in the trash**

Line your work area with newspaper topped with parchment paper (to keep the glue from sticking to the paper). This gets messy!

Dip your paper into the glue, then apply to the box…

Continue applying layers of paper in an overlapping fashion until the entire cardboard box is concealed. Use your hands to smooth out any lumps or air bubbles as you go along.

Work swiftly while the project is wet, because as the glue begins to dry, the paper is more likely to rip.

I put mine on top of an old plate while drying…

Allow this project ample time to dry, overnight is best! As the glue dries the paper will harden to the surface of the box.

Once dry, you can use your new creation for whatever you want. This one is the perfect Paper Recycle Bin…

Tip: Make sure you have plenty of supplies prepared before you get started, because once you get your hands dirty you should just keep going until the project is done.

Save a box and make a toy!

This is a great gloomy-day/sick-day activity for children because it takes up a lot of time, but you’re having so much fun you don’t really notice it pass. It’s so easy to get wrapped up collecting tidbits from around the house and adding the little details that will make playing with your finished project so much fun!

All you need to get started is an old box, scissors, some glue or modge-podge, magazine clippings & paint. Where you go from there is up to you…

Help kids get started by deciding on a theme… Castle, Jungle, City, or Pirate Island (like us!) Draw a simple outline in pencil, cut-out any shapes then let them go.

The steps in this project are outlined visually, below.