Tiffany Threadgould is a design junkie who gives scrap materials a second life. Her business, RePlayGround ( replayground.com), sells recycled goods and features DIY projects.
When I walk down the cereal aisle, I see my childhood. My mouth waters for the sugary sweet cereals that I once coveted. Growing up, my mom only allowed me to eat them on very special occasions. When I was finally on my own and could eat anything I pleased, I realized I was more attracted to the colorful box art than the overly sweet contents.
On recycling nights I find myself eyeing the brightly colored graphics coming from the recycling bins, and I usually can’t pass by without filling up with an armful of these treasures. The mighty cereal box’s sturdy structure can easily be transformed into projects packed with a full serving of recycled fiber.
1. Start with a large cereal box that’s at least 9" wide. Open up and flatten out the box. Cut the front and back panels to 14½" tall by 9" wide.
MATERIALS
2. Mark a line 2½" from the bottom of the panels, then score along the line. You can use a butter knife or a bent paper clip to make the score lines.
3. Place the panels side by side on a flat surface with the printed sides facing down. Tape the 2 together along the inside center. Then fold up the pockets along the score lines. Close the folder and run a piece of tape along the spine. Leaving it closed, wrap the tape around to the other side. Then tape the pockets.
» EMPTY FOOD BOX LIKE A CEREAL BOX
» THIN ELASTIC CORD, 10"
» SCISSORS, RULER, GLUE, AND TAPE
» PEN OR PENCIL
» PAPER SCORING TOOL LIKE A BUTTER KNIFE OR BENT PAPER CLIP
» SMALL HOLE PUNCH ( 1") OR TACK
» PAPER TEMPLATE FROM CRAFTZINE.COM/ 09/RECYCLE (OPTIONAL)
MAGAZINE HOLDER Mark an angled line around the box using a marker. The lowest side of the box should be about 3½" from the bottom. Cut along this line all the way around the box, then fill it with your favorite magazines.
POSTCARD Flatten out a cereal box. Mark a 4"× 6" rectangle and cut it out. Mark lines on the blank side of the postcard for the address, and start writing.
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