As summer approaches, hydration is more important than ever — so drink up! But what to do with all of those empty water bottles rolling around the back seat? Try putting them to good use with one of these 6 simple crafts.
- Piggy bank: Decorate a 20-oz. bottle (or larger) with construction paper, glue or tape, and markers. Then fill with small coins. Because the opening is a wide circle instead of a narrow slit like many traditional piggy banks, kids can easily get their change out when they're running for the ice cream truck.
- Flower vase: Decoupage a 20-oz. bottle with tissue paper — you can use a variety of colored tissue paper, or just white tissue paper and paint it once it's dry. When everything's dried, add some water and flowers and enjoy your living masterpiece.
- Stained "glass": Tape colored cellophane or plastic wrap around half-pint water bottles. A variety of colors works best, one per bottle. Then tie one end of an 18-inch string around the neck of each bottle, and tape the other end of each string to a sunny window. They'll glow with color in the bright light.
- Rainstorm "snow" globe: Put a quarter-cup of blue crayon shavings or blue and silver glitter into a 20-oz. water bottle. Fill the rest with water, seal tightly, and shake shake shake!
- Message in a bottle: Show your kids a way to send notes that's even more fun than texting. Write on a small piece of paper, roll it up tightly, slide it into a bottle, and twist the top back on. Kids will love leaving these messages all over the house for you and each other.
- Magnetic magic: Put paper clips, pins, tacks, and any metallic material into a large bottle. Add water, sand, or glitter, and screw the tip on tightly. Give your child a large magnet and show her how she can magically move the items inside the bottle.