by Marcy Buzzelli

Created on: November 25, 2009   Last Updated: November 26, 2009

The next time you see any size paper cups - paper, plastic, or Styrofoam - on sale, buy them! On the surface, these cups are primarily intended for drinking beverages, but they are an ongoing source of endless crafts for kids. The plain white cups work well with almost any craft, but all colors with or without decorations have multiple uses when you are searching for craft ideas for kids!

In the springtime, disposable cups are great for starting an indoor garden. Let the kids decide on whether they would like to start the seedlings for an indoor flower or vegetable patch. With Mother's Day always a prime occasion for gift giving, the children can start a nice flower seedling, such as a marigold, in a paper cup filled with potting soil. Of course, before the cup is filled with soil, it should be decorated with paints, markers, or crayons, depending on the age of the child. Any mother or grandmother would appreciate several hand-decorated containers potted by her favorite child or grandchild!

Another use for disposable cups is to make baskets, perhaps for Easter gift giving. These little baskets are perfect for filling with small candies like jelly beans and miniature chocolate eggs. Some cups are already decorated with flowers or other colorful designs and make the project very easy. If the cup is not decorated, get out those markers, paints, or crayons and let your budding artist create her own masterpiece. Multi-colored pipe cleaners can be found at any craft store and make perfect handles for your basket. Your crafting child can pick out the color for the handle while you poke a hole in the cup to insert the handle. Shredded or crumpled tissue paper can be used to fill the basket before the edible goodies are added. Add a small bow to this original creation for an extra special touch!

A fall project that can be made with various size cups is best done when the leaves are colorful and falling off the trees. You could purchase leaves at a craft store, but this project is much more economical if you go to your front yard or to the park and gather a small bag full of colorful leaves. Also, this craft is best done when the leaves are not too dry. Using craft glue, or a glue gun if the children are old enough, attach the leaves all around the cup until the cup is completely covered and the child is pleased with his creation. Fill the cup with water and add a few colorful flowers, such as mums, to the decorated cup. Your child will be very pleased to see this miniature centerpiece gracing the kitchen table!

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