Up-cycle cereal boxes to make picture frames

I love eco-friendly crafts that allow me to up-cycle objects that would normally go in the trash. A few weeks ago, I transformed a used matzah box into a scrapbook album. That project was so popular that this week, I am turning old cereal boxes into picture frames. In fact, you can use all types of boxes — Girl Scout Cookie boxes, dog biscuit boxes, detergent boxes — and this is a fun project for the kids, too! 

What you’ll need:

• Empty cereal box
• Wrapping paper
• Scissors
• X-Acto Knife
• Straight edge
• Spray adhesive or glue stick
• Hot glue gun
• Embellishments

Step 1

Cut the box so it lies flat, and then cut the end flaps. If the box is large, turn it horizontally and cut it in half to make two frames.

Step 2

Apply spray adhesive to the plain side of the box and adhere a piece of wrapping paper to it. Spray adhesive spreads an even coating of glue, but it is messy and needs to be applied in a well-ventilated space. A glue stick is a good alternative, especially if you’re doing this project with kids.

Step 3

Using an X-Acto Knife and straight edge, trim the excess paper along with any edges of the cereal box that may have been cut unevenly with the scissors. Be careful when using the knife, and keep it away from children. Then cut a square or rectangular hole on one side, where the photo will be inserted.

Step 4

Apply hot glue to the end flap and fold it over one side to assemble the frame, with the wrapping paper on the outside. The finished product will be a three-sided, easel-style frame. Add embellishments such as ribbon, buttons and charms to the front using the hot glue gun. When you’re done, tape a photo onto the back of the front panel, where the opening is.

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