DIY Recycled Activity Box

As I mentioned we have a Birthday Party on the weekend for our friends little boys 3rd Birthday.  I really wanted to make use of 1 of the left over Picnic Baskets which is in the below post. So when I was looking at them, I thought about this idea of up-cycling them into a "Kids Activity Box", I am really happy how it turned out.

Step 1. First I peeled off the picnic blanket that was on the inside flap then I replaced it with a piece of chalkboard adhesive.

Step 2. Cut up toilet rolls and a postage tube then glue on some Kraft Paper (color & print is up to you) 

To make the main center holder, I just cut up some cardboard and hot glued them to form the holder. You will see the box already has the two bits of cardboard which you can create the side flaps of the holder.

Step 3. Work out your positions of your tube holders then hot glue them into place. You can also glue on little labels to them like I have.

Step 4. Paint the sides of the box in your desired colour, then you can add either paper or adhesive (contact paper) to the front and back of the box.

Step 5. Print out the free label to stick on the front and back of the box.

With the other side of the box i have added a few extra items for him to use.

I am sure the kids will get alot of use out of it.

Let the Creating begin I say!!!

xo

Daneve

DIY Picnic basket out of an IKEA carry box.

When planing any of my parties am a big beliver in recycling things before spending a lot of money at party stores. You can be amazed at what you can find and re-use over and over again. 

When I started to plan my son's Birthday picnic in the park party, I really thought it would be nice for every family to fill up a basket with their lunch, then to sit on the ground and have their own little picnic lunch.

As I was on a tight budget, I really didn't have the money to buy 20 real baskets. I noticed a friend carrying a free cardboard carry holder that she had just picked up at IKEA. The idea came into my head on how I could make use of the baskets and knew they could be used again after his party.

 As I needed 20 holders, I didn’t just want to walk out with them, so I asked the staff if I could purchase them. I was lucky to find out that I only needed to pay 20 cent for the whole lot! Bargain!!

So this is a before and after shot.

(please excuse the iPhone photo)

Step 1. Choose the side you want to make the drop down picnic blanket side. I chose the side that had the little middle window looking side. Once you have chosen the side, you can cut both corners of that side to open it up. (Use scissors or a Stanley knife to do this)

Step 2. Glue down the Basket weave print onto the front and back of the basket. I have included the free printable here of the weave. Cut up brown craft paper in A4 size and place them though the printer and trim them up a little before gluing them on.

• Hole punch the two top corners of the flap and both sides of the front of the box. This will be where you can tie some string to hold it closed.

Step 3. Is to glue down the cardboard flaps on the inside of both sides of the box. On the top of the image above you will see the flaps I am talking about.

• Glue on your little picnic blanket onto the inside flap, you can Download Free Here. You can even stick on a piece of clear contact to make it a little water proof. 

Step 4. This option is up to you, but I made use of the little window which was already on the box and added a little thank you note to the guests.

This photo is a in action from my friends Instagram photo on the day.

Already to be filled..

 That is me on the side setting up the table..

The Birthday Boy who turned 4.

Hope you enjoyed the Tutorial!!

 

 I will be also sharing with you soon on how I have made use of one of the left over baskets which I have turned into a Art Activity box for a little boys Birthday gift on the weekend..

Please feel free to share any images if you ever make one..

xo

Daneve