Last month I was asked to participate in the Basha’s Egg Carton Craft Throw Down, Celebrity Edition. The winner of the throw down received $500 donated in their name to their charity of choice. Although I’m hardly a celebrity and I am not at all crafty I did not hesitate to participate. I welcomed the challenge to come up with a unique craft and involve Jacquelyn in it’s creation.
The charity I chose was the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix. My nephew Michael is autistic and that organization has been supportive and resourceful to him and his family. Michael is a fascinating little boy, with soulful eyes and an aura that exudes depth and intelligence. I really wanted to win this throw down for him! And I did!!!
I won! I had some stiff competition but I pulled it off and The Autism Society of Greater Phoenix will receive $500 in my name and in honor of Michael.
The craft is super simple and pretty darn cute, if I do say so myself.
The little “vases” that hold the flowers in the garland are the cone-shaped dividers between the cups of the carton. I used 8 cones, from two egg cartons and that was enough to make garland that stretched and hung perfectly across my fireplace mantle. You can make the garland as long or as short as you’d like simply by using longer jute rope and more egg carton cones.
The following directions are based on what I made and can be modified however you see fit; keep in mind I am not particularly crafty so if you these directions confuse you, I’m sorry, feel free to email me for clarification. If you know of a better way to make this craft, by all means – have at it. This is just a guide.
What you need:
- 8 egg carton cones, these are the dividers between the cups that hold the eggs
- 6′ jute rope
- White tempura paint and paint brush
- Bundle of small, light-weight, artificial flowers and leaves,
- Screwdriver or small knife to make holes in each cone
What you do:
- Cut the cone shapes out of the egg cartons, be careful not to squash the shape or cut them down too low.
- Paint the cones with the tempura paint. The material of the egg cartons is very porous so I recommend doing one coat, allowing to dry completely and then painting another coat. Allow to dry.
- Using a small knife or screwdriver poke a hole through one side of the cone. Repeat on the other side.
- String the cones on the jute rope.
- Tie a loop onto each end of the rope.
- Space each cone “vase” accordingly.
- Snip small flowers and leaves off the bunch and place into each cone. You MUST use small, lightweight flowers or the cones will not stay upright.
Hang your garland and admire your handiwork!
I chose to use white paint and the natural jute rope because they are neutral. I plan to switch out the flowers for the season/month. I’m thinking pink spray roses for Valentines, green four-leaf clovers for St. Patty’s, bright colors for spring and summer, orange flowers for the fall and maybe some holly berries in December.
The possibilities are endless.
