When we lived in Idaho, we used to buy our milk in big glass bottles from a local dairy farm. I miss that milk (…not to mention all that wide open space). <*Sigh*> I ‘m sure there must be a local farm SOMEWHERE on the fringe of this big city, but I haven’t found it yet. So, meanwhile we’ve resorted to buying milk in plastic gallon jugs.
Last summer we made a watering can out of a couple of these and I recently went online searching for those How-To directions. Instead, I saw a photo of a sandwich holder and was instantly smitten.
I love projects that start (and end) in my recycling box. No trips, no tools, no purchases necessary.
Just a girl and her recycling box. Oh yes – those projects suit me perfectly.
They’ll be great for carting sandwiches to/from the pool this summer (waterproof!). I’m also envisioning these going to school in lunchboxes sometime soon. After all, I want to savor each and every moment that my daughters enjoy announcing to all their friends,
“Hey! My mom MADE this sandwich holder…this skirt…this backpack…these leg warmers…”
Etcetera, etcetera. Because let’s be honest, there may come a day when they run at the sight of my newest creation. A day when they beg for plastic from Target and gift cards from Macys.
But for now – they think I’m a genius. <smile> And I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that… I. Love. That.
Here’s how I made ‘em:
1. Cut out a couple of cardboard templates, which look (sorta/kinda) like this:
2. Trace these onto your milk containers. You’ll trace the small one onto three edges and the large one onto one edge.
3. Cut these out with a box cutter. VERY carefully. You’ll have cartons that look like this:
4. Once the shape is right, take a thumb tack and punch tiny holes around the bottom edge of the three shorter flaps (not the larger flap/lid). This helps them fold open and close easier.
5. Then add a small square of industrial-strength Velcro and you’re finished!
I also made a mini version from a yogurt container, which turned out really cute and would be perfect for fruit/snacks.
Fill ‘em with anything you like. <smile>
![love-s-210[1]](http://sharedthreads.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/love-s-21017.png?w=70&h=86 "love-s-210[1]")
So cool. I will have to save this project for when I live in a country that sells milk by the gallon in plastic containers. And I love that your example is full of candy! -M
The candy container was a (sweet-filled) gift for a friend. What does your milk come in? Glass or tetra-packs (i.e. boxes)? ♥s
It comes in 1 liter cartons. xM
Great idea! Thanks for sharing!
[...] a “before” shot. What are you starting out with? Old milk cartons? An ugly kitchen? A pile of beads and string? Showing us the before shot sets us up to be impressed [...]
Now that is spiffy!