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Simple yet amazing crafts made with milk cartons! A collection of ideas that will captivate elementary school children and toddlers.

Don’t you think it’s a waste to throw away those milk cartons you always use? In fact, just by making use of their boxy shape, they become perfect materials to make kids’ summer craft projects more fun.

What’s more, the things you can make with milk cartons are simple yet impressive—sure to make people say “Wow!” Here, we’ll introduce idea-packed crafts like a capsule toy machine, pixel art, and a motorcycle that even young children can enjoy.

Because the materials are so familiar, the sense of accomplishment is all the greater when you’re done.

Be sure to use this as a reference and enjoy making some wonderful crafts!

Easy but Amazing Crafts Made from Milk Cartons! A Collection of Ideas (41–50) That Elementary Schoolers and Preschoolers Will Love

Naruko

Handmade Instrument [Click-clack Naruko]
Naruko

Would you like to make a clapper (naruko) with a charming click-clack sound? Cut the corners of one panel of a milk carton into rounded shapes, fold the panel in half, and make a slit at the center of the crease.

Next, fold two panels of the milk carton so each becomes one-quarter of the original width to form a handle.

Insert this handle into the slit you made and secure it with tape.

Then freely decorate the milk carton with drawings, and attach four plastic bottle caps so they overlap on the inside of the folded section and on the upper part of the inserted handle.

That’s it! Simply shake it side to side to make a click-clack sound, so even small children can easily and enjoyably join in musical play.

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Paper airplane launcher

Let’s make a paper airplane launcher using a milk carton! This craft is amazingly simple and quick to make, and you only need items you likely already have at home: a milk carton, rubber bands, scissors, and a stapler.

First, open the milk carton and cut off the top and the bottom parts.

Staple a rubber band in the center, fold that section inward, fold any excess outward, and then fold a part to make a handle—that’s it.

Fold along the creases, stretch the rubber band and hook it over the opposite corner, set your paper airplane in the gap along the fold, and when you hold the handle and open the milk carton, the paper airplane will launch forward with great force.

utatane
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Lantern shade made with cellophane

Milk cartons made of sturdy material are handy for crafts.

Here’s a simple lantern you can make using a milk carton.

Cut off the spout and the bottom of the carton, then cut window openings in whatever shapes you like.

Cover the windows with cellophane or a thin napkin that lets light through.

Make the cut-out window side the bottom of the lantern, and attach a stand to hold a candle.

Place a candle-shaped light from a dollar store on the stand.

Punch holes at the top, thread a string or wire through to make a handle, and you’re done.

Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)
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In conclusion

Crafts using milk cartons that both children and adults can enjoy hold limitless possibilities depending on your ideas. Children can not only have fun making them, but also delight in playing with the finished creations. Milk cartons are perfect for summer vacation projects and crafts—why not try creating a one-of-a-kind piece? Add your own original touches and make something that will amaze everyone.