Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

How to make big fat recycled cereal box beads

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Now I’ve seen a lot of paper beads and some are really cool. But these are FAB-U-LOUS! I love the size and boldness of these. They are made for cardboard cereal boxes and then varnished up so they glisten! Now unfortunately I eat Wheaties and those boxes are not printed in these bright primary colors. I think I’m going to get some “sweet” cereal boxes just so I can make some of these beads. More pictures are posted over at Emma’s Blog. Thanks for sending in and sharing this great design.

[tags]recycled cereal box beads[/tags]

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Comments

  3. Hi, You will need to varnish them to get them to shine. I use a water based floor varnish. These particular beads are varnish 3 times! This necklace is now for sale, so pop along to http://www.folksy.com/shops/jayfa to have a browse through my online shop. Lots of upcycling going on and also many more paper bead jewellery for sale.
    Thanks, Emma – Jayfa Jewellery

  4. Hi, love your cereal box beads! will try soon, I have been using church bulletins and selling them for the church Missionary work, have handed in over $500. at $10.00 a necklace and they always want more .Colored magazine adds work too. Thanks for the ideas. Betty

  5. I love your beads.I can’t believe they are made from cereal boxes.I am trying to make some paper bead jewelry to sell for hospice here in Ohio. How do you do the boxes?Aren’t they to stiff? These are beautiful.

Have you read?

How To Make A Milk Carton Village – A Recycled Craft for Kids

Ready to turn your recycling bin into a colorful, miniature village? Grab those empty milk cartons and let’s create a town filled with tiny houses, shops, and even a school or bakery! This craft is perfect for kids of all ages and encourages imagination, storytelling, and eco-friendly creativity.

 What You’ll Need:

  • Empty milk or juice cartons (washed and dried)

  • Paints or markers

  • Paintbrushes

  • Craft glue or glue stick

  • Scissors (adult supervision recommended)

  • Colored paper or old magazines

  • Bottle caps, buttons, or plastic lids (for windows or decorations)

  • Sticks, straws, or skewers (for flag poles or chimneys)

  • Optional: glitter, stickers, washi tape, cotton balls (for snow or clouds!)

 Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Clean and Prep the Cartons
Make sure your milk or juice cartons are washed and completely dry. Remove any plastic lids or caps and keep them for decorations!

Step 2: Plan Your Village
Decide how many buildings you want to make. Each milk carton becomes a house, shop, or whatever your imagination dreams up. Arrange them side by side or in a circle like a real village square.

Step 3: Cut Out Doors and Windows
With the help of an adult, carefully cut small door and window shapes into your cartons. You can also glue cut-out shapes from colored paper if you’d rather not cut into the carton.

Step 4: Paint and Decorate
Use paint or markers to bring your buildings to life. Make brick patterns, colorful siding, or roof tiles. Let each child choose their own theme – rainbow bakery, monster house, fairy home, or tiny fire station!

Step 5: Add the Roofs
You can paint the top pointy part of the carton like a roof, or glue on cardboard triangles to create overhangs. Want to add a chimney? Glue a straw or cardboard roll on top!

Step 6: Make Flags and Signs
Cut small flags from recycled plastic or paper and tape them to straws or sticks. Glue your flags to the rooftops. You can even create tiny signs for each building – “Toy Store,” “Library,” or “Super Cat’s House.”

Step 7: Build Your Village
Place all the finished buildings together on a large piece of cardboard, tray, or table. Use bottle caps for stepping stones, cotton balls for bushes or clouds, and draw roads with marker.

Step 8: Play!
Now that your village is built, use little toys, action figures, or LEGO people to live in your new town. Create stories and adventures—your Milk Carton Village is officially open!

 Learning Bonus:

This craft is not just fun—it also teaches recycling, fine motor skills, creative thinking, and storytelling. Plus, it’s a great group activity for playdates, classrooms, or family craft nights.

Let your kids’ imaginations run wild—and remember, no two villages need to look the same. Each one tells its own story!