Building your own craft kit is an inexpensive way to have materials handy for some everyday learning fun. From storage to art supplies, chances are you have many of these materials on hand and after reading this article, you’ll also think about your recyclables in a new light!
Step 1: Start with Storage
If you have cardboard or plastic shoeboxes on hand, then you’re already ahead of the game. The boxes are easy to store and stackable, just write a label on an index-card size piece of paper and tape it to the box.
Step 2: Inventory your Junk Drawer
In my house, the junk drawer is the random catchall drawer full of “treasures” like wine corks, rubber bands, a highlighter, paper clips, buttons, scissors, and maybe even a clothespin. Add these to your craft box because a wine cork and a paper clip are a great way to explore sink and float!
Step 3: Reuse your Recyclables
Before trashing paper towel tubes, plastic water bottles, and cardboard boxes, keep a few on hand. Invite your child to help in collecting items to repurpose. Did you know the empty gallon of milk actually makes an awesome birdfeeder?
Step 4: Visit the Dollar Store
Next time you wander into your local dollar store, take a stroll by the craft aisle and pick up some of these basic supplies.
Step 5: Have Fun!
Everyday Recyclables
- Toilet Paper Rolls
- Paper Towel Rolls
- Egg Cartons
- Cereal Boxes
- Paper and plastic Grocery Bags
- Milk Caps
- Plastic water or juice bottles
- Plastic silverware
- Paper plate
- Colored tissue paper (from gifts)
- Paper or plastic straw
Household Items
- Aluminum foil
- Cotton balls
- Cotton swabs
- Sponge
- Wax Paper
- Zippy bags
- Clothespins
- Rubber bands
Dollar store finds:
- Beads
- Pipe cleaners
- Craft sticks
- Construction paper
- Markers
- Crayons
- Kid scissors
- Glue stick
- Buttons
- Wiggle eyes
- Yarn
- Tape
- Food coloring
- Craft foam
- Pom-poms