Monday, June 7, 2010

Upcycled Sand Toys

Upcycled Sand Toys
Upcycling is taking something that would otherwise be considered trash and turning it into something useful.
There are four main reasons that I love this project:
1. It's basically free
2. It's good for the environment
3. If the kiddos lose or break it, no big deal!
4. Easy clean up and storage

Plus the kiddos will have a TON of fun with it:) ****
So here is how to make your very own upcycled sand toys!
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*First*, collect containers that you think would make great sand toys. I collected yogurt cups {my boys eat the kiddie yogurt so our sand toys have characters on them at not extra cost}, plastic juice bottles, and various small bowls. Clean out all the containers well. You could even try spray painting or decorating the containers if you wanted to. Ours were cute enough on their own, so we didn't paint them.

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*Next*, you will need a net produce bag. Mine is from a small bag of lemons, but you could use the bigger ones that oranges come in. Use a piece of duct tape and cover the label of the produce bag. Use that space to write your child's name or to decorate the bag a little with a permanent marker.

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*Last*, put all your new upcycled sand toys in the bag. Weave a piece of ribbon through a few of the holes in the produce bag and then tie up your bag with the ribbon. You can also tie the ribbon at the top so that it makes a handle.Once your bag is finished, head to the beach, the sandbox, or the playground!
When it is time to leave, clean up is SUPER easy. At the beach, place all your toys back in the bag and dip it a few times into the water. If you are playing at the sandbox, a good spray with the water hose will get rid of most of the sand.

Visit thecsiproject.com

11 comments:

  1. So clever, EARTH FRIENDLY, and cute! LOVE IT!

    GLAD YOU liked my teary eyes mommy post. Our kiddos mean the world to us right? have a great day. Hugs, Jenn

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  2. Great idea. We use our empty chocolate milk containers to play in the sand. :)

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  3. Love it! I keep our bath toys in one of those mesh bags, but didn't even think about using them for sand toys.

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  4. Totally clever!!!

    www.makingmemorieswithyourkids.blogspot.com

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  5. Great idea! Now I just need a beach.

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  6. Such a great idea. I have loved these Summer ideas. You guys ROCK!

    XOXO
    Jen

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  7. My kids love it when I recycle kitchen containers to their sandbox. They are in heaven!

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  8. Another great idea! I'm now a follower and I've grabbed your button. :)

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  9. Very cute idea. I've seen women use empty detergent caps as well. They make great "scoopers" too!

    I would love it if you stopped by my blog to check out a fun giveaway!
    http://alittleknickknack.blogspot.com/2010/08/another-csn-store-giveaway.html
    Have a great night!

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  10. Excellent idea! I'm gonna start collecting little containers for the summer! Thanks for the inspiration!

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