Every summer has a handful of rainy days, and when your little ones are bored they can feel as though they could last forever. But roll up your sleeves and get creative with these five fabulous ways to put your leftover Plastic Containers to good use!
1. Make an Octopus
Turn any room into an under the sea adventure with this fun pal! Place a round container upside down on some newspaper and paint the Octopus’ body your favourite colour. While that’s drying, cut out eight long strips of coloured paper. Laying the first strip out in front of you, fold about 1cm from the bottom back on itself, then turn. Measure another 1cm and fold it back on itself – you should have the beginnings of a wiggly leg! Repeat until all eight legs are wiggling at you and then attach to the body with glue or tape. Finally, add some big googly eyes and a smile. To hang, thrust a pencil through the top of the container, thread string through and tie a knot in the end.
2. Grow a Flower
This one might take a little time to see any results, but is great fun nonetheless. Paint the container in bright colours and leave it to dry. Chance a wet trip out into the garden or to the garden centre for a little soil and some seeds. When the pot is dry, add the soil and make a small impression in it with your finger. Plant the seeds and cover. Don’t forget to add labels, name badges and water frequently!
3. Make a Birdhouse
Start by cutting out a circle into the lid of the container. Then, using scissors, pierce the lid just beneath this circle and push a small length of dowel rod through (about 5cm should be enough). Stick the lid to the container using glue and leave upside down to dry. Then decorate the birdhouse – you could make a block of flats or a country cottage. Try cutting another lid in two to make a triangular roof.
4. Light up the Room
With a few fairy lights (or even Christmas lights in the middle of their time off!) and an upside-down light coloured container, you can have a night light ready in moments. White tubs work best for this, it doesn’t matter what shape it is. For extra magic, draw some characters, shapes or stars onto the tub to cast long shadows as you drift off to sleep.
5. Help the Fairies Redecorate
Fairies deserve to be house proud too, so to help the pixies and sprites in your garden keep up with the Magical Jones, paint a shallow container a colour they’d love. Add some windows and a tiny door, possibly a chimney or two and attach it to a tree. Now all you have to do is wait for them to move in!
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