My family eats cereal like it’s going out of style, but I can put those empty containers to good use with these upcycle crafts. From cereal box photo mats to cereal box DIY gift tags, discover six cereal box crafts you’ll actually use.
Cereal box photo mats
Photo credit: Amy J Delightful
Although this original fabric-covered mat tutorial by Amy J Delightful uses a mat board, this post has blown up on Pinterest swapping out mat boards for cereal boxes. Double them up for extra strength before you cover it in fabric and frame your favorite photo of your kids.
Materials:
- Rectangular piece of cotton fabric approximately 11×13 inches or bigger
- 2 (8×10 inch) cereal box mats or single mat from mat board
- Spray glue
- Scissors
- Craft knife
- Mod Podge
- Small foam brush
Directions:
- First, place your fabric face down and mist the back of the fabric with spray glue.
- Next, for the cereal box version, adhere the 2 cereal box mats printed side together before spraying one side of your mat and center it on your fabric. The glue sides should be joined together. Press down firmly all over the back side of the mat and make sure all the bubbles are out of the fabric.
- Then cut off the corners of the fabric with scissors, leaving only a tiny margin by the corner of the mat.
- Now give the back side of your mat a coat of spray glue and starting next to the corner, pull the fabric firmly up over the mat, one side at a time. Press down, smoothing out all air bubbles.
- Next, cut an X on the interior of the fabric starting at each corner of the mat. Trim edges.
- Then pull fabric up and over the edge of the mat, starting in the corners. Pull firmly to ensure that the fabric is tight. Use Mod Podge on your foam brush to help adhere if fabric doesn’t stick.
- Finally, once all edges are in place, use Mod Podge to go over the edges of the fabric for extra security and to prevent fraying and allow to dry before adding your cereal box photo mat to your picture frame.
Mini cereal box seed starters
Photo credit: Whimsy-Love
Mini cereal boxes may be small, but they do a mighty good job of bringing little seedlings into the world before they are planted outside. Check out this seed starter tutorial by Whimsy-Love that makes upcycling cereal boxes a colorful way to recycle and go green.
Materials:
- Mini cereal box
- Glue gun
- Craft knife
- Potting soil
- Seeds
- Flat dish
Directions:
- First, glue the top of the cereal box closed with a hot glue gun.
- Next, take a craft knife and cut the box open on the front of the box along the dotted lines.
- Then fill the boxes with dirt and seeds and label your box.
- Finally, place your mini cereal box seed starter on a dish to catch any rogue water and place on a sunny sill.
Cereal box cupcake carrier
Photo credit: Money Saving Queen
Save the earth and deliver smiles when you upcycle a cereal box into a cupcake carrier. Warning: This cereal box cupcake carrier by Money Saving Queen may get more attention than your cupcakes.
Materials:
- Empty cereal box
- Tape
- Craft knife
Directions:
- First, tape the opening of your cereal box closed with masking tape.
- Next, cut the front of the box on three sides with a craft knife to create a flap for your cereal box cupcake carrier.
- Then place tape on the two cut corners to keep the lid from falling in.
- Finally, fill with cupcakes and carry to your next shindig.
Cereal box storage bins
Photo credit: Nisha Brinda
Perfect for your office, pantry or playroom, this super-customizable cereal box storage bin by Nisha Brinda makes upcycling look good.
Materials:
- Empty cereal box
- Utility knife
- Construction paper
- White glue
- Scissors
- Packing tape
- Ruler
Directions:
- First, mark your cereal box 7 inches up from the bottom for the depth of your storage bin.
- Next, cut down the sides and fold them in to make the cereal box storage bin more sturdy.
- Then mark and cut 1-inch handles on two opposite sides 1.5 inches below the top edge.
- Now reinforce the sides and bottom with packing tape before you cover the outside of the cereal box with construction paper and glue. On another post Nisha uses patterned duct tape in lieu of construction paper, which could be really cute here, too.
- Finally, fill your cereal box craft with office supplies, toys or whatever needs organizing.
Cereal box 3-D star
Photo credit: Grey Luster Girl
From Memorial Day to Fourth of July to Christmas, there’s no holiday too big for these cereal box 3-D stars from Grey Luster Girl that dress up your abode in a snap.
Materials:
- Empty cereal box
- Pencil
- Craft knife
- Hot glue gun
- Spray paint
Visit Grey Luster Girls’ blog to continue reading >>
Cereal box gift tags
Photo credit: Off Beat and Inspired
Upcycle crafts that turn trash into treasure are worth their weight in gold. Find out how Off Beat and Inspired used cereal boxes to add flair to gifts, decor and more.
Materials:
- Empty cereal boxes
- Scissors
- Paper punch in the shape of a gift tag (optional)
- Hole punch
- Mod Podge
- Printed paper (newspaper, book pages, fabric — anything you want)
- Pen
- Paper towels
- Baker’s twine
Continue reading Off Beat and Inspired’s post for directions >>
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