Upcycle plastic packaging boxes:

Ever purchase or receive items packed in a plastic box or case?
I had a few of them from electronic devices and even holiday light decorations. While some of the packages can be used to store items, some aren’t practical for it, and it’s just becomes more trash.

I always feel bad for throwing them out, so I decided to try and make something new.

One idea I had, that was also fun for kids, is to transform some of the plastic packages into paper mache moulds. All you have to do is grease the inside with cooking oil (or lubricating spray) and paper
mâché the inside, making sure to get all the corners and edges.
Leave it to dry, gently pop it out, and paint it to create buildings, creatures, face masks and more. The same mould can be used over again for other materials like putty, modelling clay, and especially rubber
or clay moulding materials.

Here’s a package from a set of simple knives that can be used as a mould, or a use it to start seedlings off before transfering them to bigger planters.

If you would like to use the plastic package itself, paint or collage over it to create a trinket box/tray.

One of the things that I made was a simple planter. All you have to do is poke a few drainage holes and you’re done. There’s also the option to hang them by threadding a cord or string through holes on
the side.

This option would be great for those of you who use plastic cups and don’t want to throw them away! String a few together, either hanging at different lengths, or strung on some dowels/branches to create a
potted plant mobile.

Next time you come across plastic packages, give one of these projects a try -and show me how it turned out!