Did you move recently? Do you have a bunch of recycled boxes and are you unsure what to do with them? Old boxes and packing materials can be great for creating your own holiday crafts. Check out some of the great ideas we’ve done in year’s past using old boxes and leftover materials.
1: Glitter Snowflake
There is no better way to create some glittery holiday snowflakes than during winter with a delicious cup of hot cocoa.
Things you will need:
- Cardboard
- Scissors
- Glitter
- Glue
Step 1: Trace a snowflake shape from the internet on your cardboard box.
Step 2: Grab a pair of good strong scissors and carefully cut out the shape.
Step 3: Once the shape is cut out, use some school glue and put it on the snowflake. It may help to use a paint brush because you want the whole surface covered. (Please ensure that you have paper underneath to prevent a messy and sticky floor).
Step 4: Get colourful glitter and sprinkle it all over your snowflake. Tap off the excess and let dry.
2: Hanging window Garland
This is possibly the simplest holiday DIY, and can really spruce up your space. The best part is that they really help to fill any dead space in your home.
Supplies:
1 small cardboard box
Scissors
White craft paint
A paintbrush
Elastic string
Pencil
Step 1: Begin by tracing out any holiday shapes you like onto a cardboard box.
Step 2: Paint your holiday shapes on both sides. We found white paint to give the room a snow-covered look.
Step 3: Poke a small hole at the top of your shape using your scissors. Loop the elastic string through, and secure above a window or on the ceiling to create your hanging garland.
3: Name Tags
Instead of buying name tags on your gifts this year, get creative and assemble your own unique ones! This very simple and achievable craft will make your friends and family feel special this holiday season.
Supplies:
- 1 medium box (depending on how many tags you plan to make)
- Paint
- Ribbon
- Box cutter or Scissors
- Hole puncher
For the shapes of the tags, we recommend looking up Christmas patterns and printing them out to trace on. We chose three for this craft.
Step 1: Trace each of them carefully on the box and carefully cut them out.
Step 2: After cutting them out, punch a hole in the top of each tag.
Step 3: Next, paint each of them and add a ribbon to the top.
Step 4: Last, use the back to write the recipient’s name or even a cheery note.
4: Modern tree display
If you’re not crafty and want to have a Christmas tree that won’t give you a mess or take up too much space; this craft is for you.
Supplies:
1 medium box
Box cutter or scissors
Christmas lights
Step 1: Draw various-sized triangles on your box to resemble trees. Use your box cutter or scissors to cut them out.
Step 2: Poke holes through the cardboard, but be sure they aren’t too large.
Step 3: Poke the ends of your Christmas lights through the holes and display in your home! You can include other elements to set a scene or place it with some greenery in front of a fireplace, get creative!
5: Christmas Lights Storage
Things you will need:
- Sleeve of cardboard
- Lights
- Happy Smiles
If you’re feeling confused about how or where to pack your Christmas decorations, then why don’t you use a sleeve from your moving box and wrap your Christmas lights to store them. This is a great way to prevent those awful tangled knots for the next year.
6: Ornament Storage
Things you will need:
- A used moving box – preferably a dish pack box with cardboard dividers.
- Ornaments
There is no better way to store away Christmas ornaments, than to put them in a re-usable cardboard dish pack box. If you don’t have a dish pack box, you can make these dividers from another empty box, or you can use an empty wine case box if you have one. You can then store your ornaments by colour or design, to keep them organized and neat.
These are just a few ideas you can use to reuse and recycle moving boxes. Whatever you decide to do with your empty boxes, please do recycle them.
If you have a craft that you would like to share with us, let us know in the comments or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.