How to Create a Planter From a Milk Carton

Kids love to make craft projects that can actually be used, especially if they can be given as gifts. This activity teaches them about using recyclable items to create a unique and decorative planter. Follow the steps below to help a child in your life create a beautiful planter that can be used as a Mother's Day gift or a present for Grandma and Grandpa.

Things You'll Need

• Empty 1/2-gallon cardboard milk carton
• Strong glue
• Pebbles or small stones
• Dirt or sand
• Small container plant
• Wood chips or twigs
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Wash out a 1/2-gallon cardboard milk carton. Cut little windows in the upper half of each of the 4 sides.

2. Collect pebbles or small stones, enough to cover each side of the milk carton. Also gather a small container of dirt or sand and enough wood chips or twigs to cover the top of the milk carton.

3. Slather 1 side of the carton with a strong glue. Cover the entire side with pebbles or stones. When this is done, sift some sand over the whole side to fill in the cracks between the rocks.

4. Wait until the glue has dried, then repeat Step 3 with each side until all 4 sides are covered. Shake off any excess sand.

5. Paste the wood chips or twigs on the top or roof of the milk carton. Wood chips work the best, but small sticks or twigs will work as well.

6. Buy a small container plant, preferably a vine, and set it inside the carton. The carton will look like a wishing well, with the plant twining around the sides.

7. Set it in a sunny window and enjoy the view!