Crafty by Nature

How to Turn Recycling into a Beautiful Vase

comments (22) April 8th, 2009

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Erika Kern, contributor

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Spring blooms look right at home in this beautiful cardboard vase.

The light shines beautifully through the corrugated waves of the vase when used as a votive holder.

Check out the recycling bin for this projects materials.

Spring blooms look right at home in this beautiful cardboard vase.

Photo: Erika Kern

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So, I just moved and my home is a chaotic jumble of boxes and stuff. I was at a loss for this week's post because my sewing desk is still in pieces and in various stages of being repainted, and all my embroidery materials are scattered to the four corners of my world. What to do? Why, take inspiration from my surroundings, of course! So channeling my inner Jeffery, I went to work on that cardboard and made something beautiful. Want to follow suit? Here's what to do!

You'll need:

Cardboard
A jar (I used a 5-inch-tall old olive jar that was 8 inches around)
Marker
X-Acto knife and scissors
Measuring tools and self-healing cutting mat
Glue

Start by using a marker to outline the circumference of your jar for the base of your cardboard vase. Cut out the base, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around the marked circle.

Cut your cardboard into 1/2-inch strips, making sure to cut against the grain of the corrugation.

A pile of 1/2-inch strips.

Cut your strips into 1-1/2-inch pieces. Your pieces might have to be slightly bigger or smaller depending on the size of your jar.

Figure out how many cardboard pieces you need to go around the base of your vase, making sure your jar will fit. Glue the pieces to the base.

Use only a small bead of glue on each cardboard brick so that the glue won't squeeze out the sides. This will keep the vase neat.

Glue the second layer down using a bricklike pattern to add support and visual interest.

Slide your jar into the cardboard tube throughout the process to make sure that it still fits inside. Continue adding cardboard pieces until your jar is fully hidden.

Once your jar is hidden, slide it out of the cardboard tube and allow the glue to dry overnight. This will ensure that the jar is removable for easy cleaning.

Spring blooms look right at home in this beautiful cardboard vase.

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posted in: green, recycle, cardboard

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Comments (22)

Preethy writes: This is really good.
Posted: 10:58 pm on November 29th

DianeR writes: We have done this in the past using popsicle sticks. My husband also made a very creative dining room light cover for our apartment in the 1980's using popsicle sticks. For Bible School, children could use the popsicle sticks and make a box to store their favorite things. Our children use to make the boxes about 1 or 2 inches high and make a separate lid using a bead as the top handle.
Posted: 9:28 am on March 11th

daly writes: amazing, thanks.
Posted: 8:19 pm on March 10th

diane58a writes: What a great use and great recycling
Posted: 8:46 am on October 12th

craftbyliz writes: OK I haven't tried your project but wanted to show you mine. sorry I didn't do the step by step but if you like I can share them with requests.... I wasn't thinking it was going to turn out this cute!!

Thanks for the share..... I do hope the picture shows if not please stop into my pic gallery... ciao
Posted: 11:57 am on July 30th

craftbyliz writes: Alittle late to comment but it's never too late to post a comment.
I LOVE IT!
I'm going to try this and I promise to post pics when I'm done. I think I'll change somethings not sure. Will keep you posted.
Also, I've done something like this but with towel and toilet paper rolls. I'm doing my best to post it on here soon.
Take care and keep sharing!!!
Thanks
Craftyliz....
Posted: 12:43 pm on July 17th

eveh writes: I can't wait to try this. Thanks for such clear instructions. I can see this being used as a candle holder, plant pot, letter box (if you make it square) and so many other things. I will start with a vase though.
Posted: 12:56 am on June 11th

cucicucicoo writes: I love this idea! I still have some boxes hanging around from our move over a year ago and this is a great way to use them! Thanks!
Posted: 9:13 am on June 10th

ariyarga writes: This is a great idea! Gonna try this soon!
Posted: 12:40 am on June 8th

pef1996 writes: This is a great idea! I might have to use this as I've got some ugly looking jars that need to be covered up! Thanks for the idea!
Posted: 8:56 pm on April 29th

erika_kern writes: Thanks all! Having no kids of my own, I never even thought of this as a kid's craft but it would be great! I worked with fairly small pieces but if you use a bigger jar you could use bigger pieces for smaller hands. You could also skip the jar and make it into some sort of basket or bowl.

So happy you all like this! My mom wants me to mention that the flowers are from her yard. Giving credit where credit's due!
Posted: 1:22 pm on April 13th

JenniferStern writes: I looked quick the first time, and I thought that your vase was a basket. That's really ingenious! ...Pretty flowers too.
Posted: 8:31 am on April 13th

Boosha writes: I have 4 grandkids 2- 6 year olds, one 5 and one 3. I think they will love putting together their own vase. Great idea. Thanks!
Posted: 2:57 pm on April 12th

SewFineKY writes: So inspired and creative. This Grammy really likes it. Can't wait to get the kids working on it. I will precut too.
Thank you this will make an excellent summer afternoon project. j
Posted: 2:27 pm on April 12th

Isra95 writes:
Beautiful work
Posted: 12:25 pm on April 12th

Persus writes: Haven't tried it yet, but seems like it would be great to use for a VBS craft! (We'll have to cut the pieces for the kids, of course). Will try it, and also try to spray it with a sealant. Here's something the parents will be proud to display in their homes!
Posted: 12:39 pm on April 11th