Easy Christmas Crafts: Recycle Your Oatmeal Containers

Turn empty oatmeal containers into decorative and useful Christmas items. Using inexpensive materials, you can create a cardholder for yourself and a treat container for the nice neighbors who always take care of your cat.

For any craft project, follow common sense guidelines. Keep newspaper handy to protect work surfaces, and a roll of paper towels to quickly mop up spills or dry hands. Read package directions first for products you are unfamiliar with. Gather all the supplies you will need beforehand so you can spend your time doing the fun stuff.

Cardholder

Supplies needed
Empty oatmeal container, preferably all cardboard
Sharp knife
Tape measure
Construction paper
Scissors
Duct tape
Several feet string, yarn, or thin ribbon
Glue stick or double-sided tape

Keep it simple
First, remove cardboard bottom of oatmeal container, carefully cutting out with sharp knife. Snip out any remaining fragments using scissors. Measure both circumference and height of container. Adding ½ inch to circumference, cut construction paper to those measurements. Adhere to container using glue stick or double-sided tape, overlapping the seam. Use generous amounts of adhesive to ensure construction paper remains attached. With duct tape, attach one end of string to inside of container. Other types of tape will not hold the string securely enough. Begin wrapping the string around the container top to bottom, pulling string through middle. Space each wrap closely to the prior wrap. Continue until entire container is wrapped with string. Again, adhere end of string to inside of container with duct tape. If string is not long enough to wrap entire container, simply adhere end to inside of container and begin new string the same way. Continue wrapping as described above. Thread Christmas cards through wrapped string so that folded edges are against container. You can easily display several cards using your new cardholder.

Jazz it up
If you want to add a little pizzazz to your cardholder, try these ideas. Instead of construction paper, use Christmas-themed wrapping paper, wallpaper, shelf paper, or acrylic paint to cover body of container. Glue a coordinating color of cord to top of container using white glue. Create and glue a small matching bow, adhering where cord ends meet. Alternate colors of string or ribbon, adhering each beginning and ending to inside of container using duct tape.

Treat Container

Supplies needed
Empty oatmeal container
Wrapping paper
Tape measure
Scissors
Glue stick or double-sided tape
Ribbon or rickrack
White glue
Gift tag
Gift bow

Keep it simple
Remove lid. Measure circumference and height of container. Cut wrapping paper using those measurements, adding ½ inch to circumference. Adhere to container using glue stick or double-sided tape, overlapping seam. Use generous amounts of adhesive so that paper remains in place. Glue ribbon or rickrack to bottom edge of container using white glue. Glue more near top of container, taking care to leave room for the lid. Add bow and gift tag to lid. Fill with Christmas treats and deliver to the lucky recipient. If you are using baked goods, wrap first in plastic wrap before adding to container to prevent oils from seeping through.

Jazz it up
Instead of wrapping paper, use construction paper and add your own embellishments. Use cord, twine, stickers, appliqués, glitter glue, or small, flat-backed beads you can buy at the craft store. Paint small wooden shapes and adhere to container. Have your kids draw on the paper first. Glue cord around edge of lid using white glue. Place lid on construction paper and lightly trace around edge. Cut out with scissors, moving in at least ½ inch to accommodate the raised edge most lids have. Adhere circle to top of lid and add embellishments or a bow. Personalize your treat container by adding gift recipient's name and a holiday greeting to the body of the container. Decorate for a beloved pet and fill with treats.

Keep all your empty oatmeal containers and decorate throughout the year for different holiday occasions. This way you will always have a personalized gift container ready for last minute gifts.