by Jennifer Baldwin

Created on: July 17, 2007

Empty boxes. That's right I said empty boxes, one of the most easily obtained craft material for kids. From an empty cereal box to the box your computer came in, they all can be used in a crafty way. Why throw them away, when you can use them in one of these fun crafts with your kids.

LET'S PLAY HOUSE!

What you will need:
1. Several large boxes (like the ones a refrigerator would come in).

2. Markers, paints, and anything else you wish to use to decorate your house.
3. A ruler and scissors (Always remember to watch children careful when using scissors).
4. Fabric scraps, old sheet or blankets.
5. Tape.

Steps:
1. Start by making doors and windows for your house. Using the ruler and a marker, mark the area for the door. Then taking your scissors cut the bottom, one side, and the top. Do not cut the other side, this way your door will close. For the windows use the ruler again to mark a square, and then use the scissors to cut them out.
2. If you have more then one box you can connect them by cutting an opening in one side of each box, and placing them together.
3. Now that you have built your house, it is now time to decorate. Using markers, crayons, or paints you can let you imagination loose. Paint a doorknob for your door, add shingles to the roof, or plant flowers around your house.
4. If you have scraps of fabric or an old sheet that you can cut, then you can add curtains to your windows. Cut a square the size of your window, and then tape it at the top.
5. You now have a beautiful box house. Just because you are finished don't let it stop your imagination. Using smaller boxes you can add a mailbox to your house, or why not make a box car!

A PIRATES TREASURE!

What you will need:
1. Any size box with a lid (depending on the size you want you treasure chest to be).
2. Construction paper, markers, crayons, paint, and anything else you want to use to decorate your treasure chest.
3. Treasure! Any little toys, pictures, or other things you want to put into your chest.

Steps:
1. First start by covering your box and lid with construction paper, any color you wish.
2. Now take your markers and other materials to decorate your box. You can draw pictures, write Keep Out, this is the time for imagination.
3. Once you're finished decorating, place your treasures inside. Now you have your very own treasure chest! Wait, don't stop there. Why not hide your treasure, and make a map to it. See if anyone can find your treasure!

These are just two crafts that implement boxes. If you and your child open you minds, and let your imagination soar, there will be endless ideas on how to use that empty box.

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