At Silver Mushroom, we’re big on reusing and repurposing as much ‘waste’ as possible. Why throw something away when it can have a new life? After Christmas, we tend to have piles of boxes from deliveries, leftover wrapping paper, and cards that you feel bad about throwing away. What if they could be used for something else?
Create The ‘Airsmush 9000’ With Your Recycled Christmas Boxes
For kids from 1 to 91…
Reimagine your recycled Christmas Boxes into your very own airplane that’s simply awaiting construction.
What you’ll need:
- Cardboard Box
- Marker Pens
- Tape
- Scissors
- Split-pin butterfly clip
How to:
1. Cut off the 4 flaps from the top of your cardboard box, draw a propeller onto the two longer pieces, and a nose onto one of the shorter ones. Cut the remaining flap in half, lengthways. These pieces will be your wings. Use this guide to help.
2. Using your marker pen, get artsy and draw circles on the nose and details onto the propellers.
3. Tape the wings to the inside of the box 1” from the top, then fold outwards.
4. Using the butterfly clip, poke a hole through the centre of the nose and the front of the plane box. Pop the pin through the nose and then the plane, spreading its wings to fit in place.
5. Tape the propellers to the front of the plane and get ready to take off!
‘Thank You’ Cards With Recycled Delivery Packaging & Wrapping Paper
What you’ll need:
- A sheet of recycled wrapping paper or packaging
- Tape
- Scissors
- Pens
How to:
1. Cut your recycled paper into a square. Measure it around 4 times the size of your ‘Thank You’ note.
2. Fold up from the bottom around an inch. Then fold up the two side corners into triangles. Following the lines of these triangles. Fold over the two side pieces around an inch.
3. Fold down the two top pieces into larger triangles, meeting in the middle.
4. Slide in your ‘Thank You’ note, and flow the top down so it resembles an envelope.
5. Tuck the flap of your envelope over, and secure with a small piece of tape.
6. Write the name of the recipient on the top, or decorate with some leftover ribbon.
7. Give to your loved one!
Head to this video for extra help!
Gift Tags From Cards & Recycled Packing For Next Christmas or Birthday Presents
What you’ll need:
- Christmas cards & packaging from Christmas deliveries
- Hole punch
- Ribbon/string
- Scissors
- Storage box
How to:
This one is super easy, but super effective! It also means lovely cards can be reused, rather than thrown. We can’t always keep each and every card, but that doesn’t mean they can’t have a second life and be passed on to someone else!
1. Looking through your Christmas cards, choose the ones with your favourite designs on the front. Cut around the shapes with enough leeway at the top to fit a hole punch.
2. Play around with the shapes – if it’s a smaller design you can cut it in a square, or something more unique if you’re feeling creative.
3. Wrap some leftover ribbon or string around the top to attach onto presents, and save your tag in a box. Safe and ready for the next celebration!
You can do the exact same with leftover packaging – it works particularly well with brown paper and card, since they will be perfect for any occasion!
