Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Cardboard Cradles

Cardboard Cradles from Recycled Oats CanYou can file this under "Aren't I a thrifty recycler?"

With a cardboard oats can such as Quaker rolled oats (empty of course--unless you like your sleeping arrangements to include oatmeal. I hear it's good for exfoliation . . . ) you can make a quick little doll cradle for a quiet afternoon of play.

We zapped our can with a bit of spray paint we had on hand and used an extra lid for the bottom then finished it off with a scrap of lace and voila! Instant doll cradle. With or without the oatmeal.

Here's a picture of the rockers in case you need a better visual:

Cardboard Cradles from Recycled Oats CanIn case it's not obvious, you cut a rectangular piece from the can then cut the rockers diagonally from that rectangular scrap. Cut slits in the bottom of the can where the rockers should be then slip the rockers into the slits and you're ready to rock on.

Though I just noticed that the picture gives away the fact that we ran out of red paint and had to finish up with pink.

Oh well, it's still cute.

And thank you to everyone kind enough to wish me a speedy recovery--I'm clean, sober and Advil-free, thank you very much (though it's going to be awhile before I can sit comfortably again). At least I can provide some entertainment for the kids here in my sadly bruised state.

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Oh, and today is the last day of the Write-Away Contest this month so get your entries in by tonight!

Sponsored by My Good Greetings for earth-friendly cards and stationery and by Mia Costello running for the Anchorage School Board.

16 comments:

Jolanthe said...

LOL - I'm glad to hear your broken bum is healing. :) The cradle is sweet.

Jennifer said...

I might not be able to crochet, but I know I can do this! Thanks for the new idea.

jacjewelry said...

Very cute! And glad you're feeling better. :)

One Mom said...

great idea! I have a 5 year old granddaughter who uses practically EVERYTHING in the recycle bin for crafts - she will love this!

threesidesofcrazy said...

Thank for the recent trips down memory lane. I love these ideas for the kids to be creative and thrifty too. Did you ever make a Christmas tree out of a Reader's Digest or a pig out of a bleach bottle?

Melissa said...

I am glad that you are healing enough to be off of medicine! Be sure to take it easy! (I know you needed that advice.)

Anonymous said...

Not only is this a cute cradle, I am so happy to see a blog about making rather than buying something (usually something with batteries). Kudos! Lenore "Free-Range Kids" Skenazy

Anonymous said...

Such a cute use for an empty container.I'll have to do this with some kiddos from church. Mine are too old now.

I am one of those who made a Christmas tree from Reader's Digest and a pig out of a bleach bottle. Yah Girl Scouts!

I laughed viewing the Sponge Bob video. Ouch for you though. :-( Glad you are feeling beter.

Chrisbookarama said...

Aw, cute!

Munchkins and Music said...

My daughter is going to love this! This is such a great idea. Sorry to hear about your bum, hope you feel better! That's gotta hurt.

Barbara said...

So cute, I just love this idea. Growing up we had small doll canopy beds made out of shoe boxes covered with fabric and dowel rods for the posts. I wish I had some pictures I might just have to make some for my nieces to play with.

SarahHub said...

Oh. So. Cute!

Janet said...

Very cute - we even have an empty oatmeal carton loose in the living room somewhere.

Anonymous said...

What a clever idea! I'm glad you're on the mend =)

char said...

Wow! Very clever idea - now we don't have to spend any $ for more kids stuff that will just get used for a few days and then tossed aside!

Anonymous said...

cute. my daughter will love it!!