Egg Carton Cacti

Make Cacti reusing egg cartons! Such a fun recycle craft- egg carton cacti!

When I took egg cartons out of the craft cupboard, I had a total different craft in mind. As I was folding the egg cartons, to somehow make a crocodile, I realised that these would make great cacti.

This craft is relatively quick to make and perfect for another afternoon when kids are complaining of boredom. Also see this Geometric holder Recycle craft!

You will need:

• 2 x Egg cartons (a tray that holds 30 eggs and lid)
• Paint
• Toothpicks
• Small polystyrene balls
• Paper or fabric flowers
• Pillow stuffing
• A pot and pebbles
• Staples
• Masking tape
• Gut or string
• Modge podge and a few strips of newspaper
• Glue

What to do:

Start with the bottom of the carton, fold in half, lengthwise.

The edges will not quite close and it is impossible to get a stapler in the spaces so make a few holes through both sides and tie together with gut or string. For extra strength, secure with strips of masking tape to prevent the gut tearing through the holes. You can paint a layer of modge podge over the join and glue a few strips of newspaper over the join. 

While the podge is drying, construct the next cactus. If your cactus looks all skew and wonky at this stage, not to worry, once you place it in the pot, you can straighten it.

Take the lid of the carton and fold lengthwise, to make four sides. Secure the side with staples and cover the staples with a length of masking tape.

Use a piece the extra egg carton lid to keep the shape of your cactus. Tear a length of carton and stuff inside the cactus. Cover the top openings of the cacti with more pieces of carton.

Once construction is done, paint your cacti green. Use a lighter shade of green over a darker green to give depth.

To make the thorns, poke a hole through the polystyrene ball and insert both the ball and toothpick into the cactus.

Once you are done with the thorns, glue paper flowers to the top and side of the one cactus. Use the pillow stuffing to give the woolly effect on the other cactus.

Add a few small rocks or pebbles to the bottom of your pot to give it weight. “Plant” the cacti and use pebbles to secure into the pot properly.

Finish off by tidying the bottom of the pots, use more pebbles, sand or scrunched up brown paper.

Your egg carton cacti are now ready to use as a table decoration for a themed party or to brighten up any windowsill.