[Milk Carton Crafts] Fun ideas for elementary school kids. Perfect for summer vacation homework!
There are probably plenty of elementary school kids wondering, “What should I make for this summer vacation?” So here are some milk-carton craft ideas that are perfect for summer homework! Milk cartons are something every household has, so they’re very easy to use as a material.
In addition to classics like piggy banks and vehicles, you can make toys that you can play with for a long time.
From moving cars to cute dollhouses, there are lots of different ideas.
Be sure to have fun creating wonderful crafts with milk cartons!
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[Milk Carton Crafts] Fun ideas for elementary school kids. Perfect for summer vacation homework! (41–50)
lantern
Let’s make a lantern with a striking shape using drawing paper and a milk carton.
First, cut off the top of the milk carton, then attach drawing paper to all four sides of the carton using double-sided tape.
Decorate it cutely by adding stickers or washi tape on top.
Next, take a slightly longer sheet of colored paper, cut vertical slits into it, and wrap and attach it over the decorated carton.
Punch holes and thread chenille stems (pipe cleaners) through to finish.
You can also add patterns to the colored paper you put on top.
Give it a try!
spinning top
This is a spinning top made from an opened milk carton, with four wings spread out in all directions.
As you cut each wing, try to keep them the same size and aim for a shape that spins more easily.
To improve spin, cut the tips of the wings at an angle and attach a plastic bottle cap in the center as the axle.
It’s recommended to build it with the inside (white side) of the carton facing up, as it makes pen decorations easier.
To keep the wings straight and stable, you can also reinforce them by layering thick paper or cardboard.
puzzle cube
A cube puzzle made from milk cartons is recommended because it’s simple, reusable, and makes good use of waste materials.
Combining three pieces to form a cube seems easy but is surprisingly challenging, so it could be effective for children’s learning as well as brain training for the elderly.
It’s also easy to make, making it great for recreational activities.
This three-dimensional puzzle game uses simple, readily available materials, can be made quickly, and helps develop imagination while exercising fine motor skills.
chair
Let’s collect the milk cartons you drink every day and make a chair! It’s a great parent–child project to try during a long vacation like summer break, steadily drinking milk each day.
First, cut open the milk cartons.
On the bottom side, cut diagonally with scissors to create a zigzag edge.
Do the same on the opposite side, then assemble the carton into a triangular prism and stuff it with newspaper.
Make 24 of these.
Combine them into parts—one part using 5 prisms and another using 7—and put the parts together to form a hexagonal chair base.
Reinforce the seat with cardboard, attach your favorite fabric, and you’re done! You can create various chair shapes depending on how you combine the parts, so give it a try!
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.
Bowling
Let’s make bowling pins using milk cartons! It doesn’t have to be milk—any type of drink carton is fine.
Once the carton is empty, rinse the inside and reassemble it back into its original shape.
Before sealing the top, add a marble or a small amount of water as a weight.
Then decorate it however you like with construction paper, origami paper, or stickers, and you’re done! For the ball, crumpled newspaper or flyers, or a plastic play ball, are great options.
Lantern
For an easy craft, we recommend making a lantern.
First, cut off the top and bottom and open up a milk carton.
Peel off the printed outer layer and the prep is done! Then draw whatever you like.
To let the lantern’s light shine through, use a craft knife to cut out parts of your drawing like a paper cutout.
Stick colored cellophane on the inside, and your lantern is complete.
lantern shade
Let’s make a lantern with a filigree-like look using a milk carton.
The finer the details, the more delicate your lantern will be.
First, open up the milk carton and cut off the top and bottom.
Once you have a rectangle, peel off the printed layer starting from the edge.
When it becomes plain white paper, draw any design you like on it and cut it out.
You can also draw pictures in the open spaces.
Cut the top edge into any shape you like, such as zigzags or waves.
Place it over an LED light and switch it on to finish.
House-shaped storage shelf
Don’t milk cartons look like little houses? Let’s make a house-shaped storage shelf inspired by that shape! It’s a fun summer break craft to do with your kids while thinking about recycling.
The basic method is to cut the milk carton and decorate it with things like craft bands.
When making the shelf section, you’ll be cutting right along the edge of the carton, so be careful when using a utility knife.
Feel free to decorate the walls, roof, and windows however you like! You can display it in your room as a miniature house or use it to store your favorite items.
Drawer organizer
A pull-out drawer organizer is really handy to have, isn’t it? We’ll make one by covering milk cartons with fabric, and the great thing is that thanks to the fabric, it won’t look like it’s made from milk cartons.
Use two cartons to create the outer case and the inner drawer.
Make the inner part about 5 mm smaller so it slides in and out smoothly.
Brush a diluted wood glue on both pieces and apply your favorite fabric.
Using different fabrics for the outside and inside makes it extra cute.
Since it’s hard to pull out as is, attach a handle to finish it off.
