{"id":58433,"date":"2026-06-26T04:11:34","date_gmt":"2026-06-26T04:11:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/?p=58433"},"modified":"2026-06-26T04:18:41","modified_gmt":"2026-06-26T04:18:41","slug":"upcycling-craft-ideas-for-plastic-free-july","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/cospedia\/upcycling-craft-ideas-for-plastic-free-july","title":{"rendered":"Turn Trash into Treasure: Fun Upcycling Craft Ideas for Plastic-Free July"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"58433\" class=\"elementor elementor-58433\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3d13f5e e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"3d13f5e\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-998350f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"998350f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Plastic-Free July is more than just a month-long challenge, it&#8217;s a chance to inspire children to care for the environment through simple, everyday actions. One of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to get involved is through upcycling, the creative process of transforming used or unwanted items into something new, useful, and fun.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Rather than throwing away plastic cups, bottles, spoons, or polystyrene packaging, encourage kids to see these everyday materials as opportunities for creativity. Upcycling helps reduce waste sent to landfill, conserves resources, and teaches children that even small changes can have a positive impact on the planet.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">These hands-on craft activities are perfect for home, the classroom, or holiday programs, making sustainability both educational and entertaining. We&#8217;ve created 4<span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">\u00a0fun and easy upcycling projects that will breathe new life into everyday plastic items. Kids can <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">make a Tortoise Treat Holder from a Plastic Cup<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">build an Airplane Piggy Bank with a Plastic Bottle<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">create a Cute Penguin with a Polystyrene Ball<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">, and <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">make Bright Tulips from Plastic Spoons<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Whether you&#8217;re looking for an engaging Plastic Free July activity or a creative way to teach kids about sustainability, these DIY projects are sure to inspire. So, gather your waste materials, unleash your imagination, and discover how a little creativity can turn everyday &#8220;waste&#8221; into something truly wonderful.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ea57975 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ea57975\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">1. Make a Tortoise Treat Holder from a Plastic Cup<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1c8cf9e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1c8cf9e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3><strong>Materials required:<\/strong><\/h3><ul><li>Plastic glass<\/li><li><a title=\"Joggle eyes\" href=\"https:\/\/cos.net.au\/search?categories=252910&amp;p=1&amp;pb=10&amp;searchTerm=joggle%20eyes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Joggle eyes<\/a><\/li><li>Coloured <a title=\"copy paper\" href=\"https:\/\/cos.net.au\/search?categories=5520&amp;p=1&amp;pb=10&amp;searchTerm=copy%20paper\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">copy paper<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/cos.net.au\/search?categories=255171&amp;p=1&amp;pb=10&amp;searchTerm=glue%20gun\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Glue gun<\/a><\/li><li><a title=\"Snap cutter\" href=\"https:\/\/cos.net.au\/search?brands=STERLING&amp;categories=4220&amp;p=1&amp;pb=10&amp;searchTerm=snap%20cutter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Snap cutter<\/a><\/li><li><a title=\"Glue stick\" href=\"https:\/\/cos.net.au\/search?categories=255169&amp;p=1&amp;pb=10&amp;searchTerm=glue%20stick\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Glue stick<\/a><\/li><li>Colouring suppliers (markers, crayons, or pencil colours)<\/li><li><a title=\"Pencil\" href=\"https:\/\/cos.net.au\/search?categories=252545%7C252550%7C252547&amp;p=1&amp;pb=10&amp;searchTerm=pencil\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pencil<\/a><\/li><li>For decoration (<a title=\"pom-poms\" href=\"https:\/\/cos.net.au\/search?pb=10&amp;searchTerm=pom%20pom\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">pom-poms<\/a>, <a title=\"buttons\" href=\"https:\/\/cos.net.au\/search?categories=2529&amp;p=1&amp;pb=10&amp;searchTerm=buttons\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">buttons<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/cos.net.au\/search?categories=2529&amp;p=1&amp;pb=10&amp;searchTerm=beads\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">beads<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/cos.net.au\/search?pb=10&amp;searchTerm=rhinestone\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">rhinestones<\/a>, or jewels)<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-64c3540 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"64c3540\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-content\/smush-avif\/2026\/06\/Plastic-Glass-Tortoise-Treat-Holder_-1024x614.png.avif\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-58587\" alt=\"Plastic free july craft for kids\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-content\/smush-avif\/2026\/06\/Plastic-Glass-Tortoise-Treat-Holder_-1024x614.png.avif 1024w, https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-content\/smush-avif\/2026\/06\/Plastic-Glass-Tortoise-Treat-Holder_-300x180.png.avif 300w, https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-content\/smush-avif\/2026\/06\/Plastic-Glass-Tortoise-Treat-Holder_-768x461.png.avif 768w, https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-content\/smush-avif\/2026\/06\/Plastic-Glass-Tortoise-Treat-Holder_-1080x648.png.avif 1080w, https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Plastic-Glass-Tortoise-Treat-Holder_.png 1250w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" data-smush-avif-fallback=\"{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/www.cos.net.au\\\/c\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/Plastic-Glass-Tortoise-Treat-Holder_-1024x614.png&quot;,&quot;srcset&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/www.cos.net.au\\\/c\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/Plastic-Glass-Tortoise-Treat-Holder_-1024x614.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/www.cos.net.au\\\/c\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/Plastic-Glass-Tortoise-Treat-Holder_-300x180.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/www.cos.net.au\\\/c\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/Plastic-Glass-Tortoise-Treat-Holder_-768x461.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/www.cos.net.au\\\/c\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/Plastic-Glass-Tortoise-Treat-Holder_-1080x648.png 1080w, https:\\\/\\\/www.cos.net.au\\\/c\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/Plastic-Glass-Tortoise-Treat-Holder_.png 1250w&quot;}\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-406346f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"406346f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3><strong>Step-by-step instructions:<\/strong><\/h3><h4 data-section-id=\"1n6qa0i\" data-start=\"257\" data-end=\"293\"><strong>Step 1: Create the Tortoise Shell<\/strong><\/h4><ul data-start=\"294\" data-end=\"426\"><li data-section-id=\"w4wnle\" data-start=\"294\" data-end=\"337\">Take a plastic glass and carefully cut the plastic glass in half.<\/li><li data-section-id=\"p2gu7w\" data-start=\"338\" data-end=\"410\">Keep the bottom part of the glass to use as the tortoise&#8217;s shell.<\/li><\/ul><h4 data-section-id=\"17nh1vf\" data-start=\"428\" data-end=\"461\"><strong>Step 2: Draw the Tortoise Body<\/strong><\/h4><ul data-start=\"462\" data-end=\"617\"><li data-section-id=\"13kd2cz\" data-start=\"462\" data-end=\"549\">On a piece of copy paper, trace the glass cut-out and draw tortoise shape with head, four legs, and a tail<\/li><li data-section-id=\"uqfq45\" data-start=\"550\" data-end=\"617\">Make the body large enough to fit under the plastic glass shell.<\/li><\/ul><h4 data-section-id=\"3csm4m\" data-start=\"619\" data-end=\"650\"><strong>Step 3: Cut Out the Tortoise<\/strong><\/h4><ul data-start=\"651\" data-end=\"705\"><li data-section-id=\"1x4kdrr\" data-start=\"651\" data-end=\"705\">Carefully cut out the tortoise shape from the paper.<\/li><\/ul><h4 data-section-id=\"84wbm7\" data-start=\"707\" data-end=\"735\"><strong>Step 4: Make a Candy Slot<\/strong><\/h4><ul data-start=\"736\" data-end=\"887\"><li data-section-id=\"hy1hxb\" data-start=\"736\" data-end=\"807\">Cut a small slit or opening in the centre of the paper tortoise body.<\/li><li data-section-id=\"b4uvkr\" data-start=\"808\" data-end=\"887\">This opening will be used to insert lollies or treats into the treat holder.<\/li><\/ul><h4 data-section-id=\"y7nk9g\" data-start=\"889\" data-end=\"916\"><strong>Step 5: Attach the Shell<\/strong><\/h4><ul data-start=\"917\" data-end=\"1080\"><li data-section-id=\"8im4aj\" data-start=\"917\" data-end=\"975\">Apply glue using a glue gun around the edge of the plastic cup bottom.<\/li><li data-section-id=\"1ndmy1v\" data-start=\"976\" data-end=\"1055\">Stick it onto the centre of the paper tortoise body, covering the treat slot. Allow the glue to dry.<\/li><\/ul><h4 data-section-id=\"1uyuo8j\" data-start=\"1082\" data-end=\"1111\"><strong>Step 6: Decorate the Shell<\/strong><\/h4><ul data-start=\"1112\" data-end=\"1276\"><li data-section-id=\"1024hxl\" data-start=\"1112\" data-end=\"1218\">Decorate the plastic bottle shell using, markers, rhinestones, pom-poms, or\u00a0 glitter (optional).<\/li><\/ul><h4 data-section-id=\"acevew\" data-start=\"1278\" data-end=\"1301\"><strong>Step 7: Add the Details<\/strong><\/h4><ul data-start=\"1302\" data-end=\"1405\"><li data-section-id=\"14agl80\" data-start=\"1302\" data-end=\"1346\">Glue joggle eyes onto the tortoise&#8217;s head.<\/li><li data-section-id=\"utzx0\" data-start=\"1347\" data-end=\"1405\">Draw some shapes around the tortoise legs or any other facial features using a marker.<\/li><\/ul><h4 data-section-id=\"mf9j8d\" data-start=\"1407\" data-end=\"1434\"><strong>Step 8: Fill with Treats<\/strong><\/h4><ul data-start=\"1435\" data-end=\"1550\"><li data-section-id=\"1kkd4jj\" data-start=\"1435\" data-end=\"1498\">Insert <a title=\"treats\" href=\"https:\/\/cos.net.au\/search?pb=10&amp;searchTerm=confectionery\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">treats\u00a0<\/a>or any other fillings of your choice through the slit in the bottom.<\/li><li data-section-id=\"17hpwhv\" data-start=\"1499\" data-end=\"1550\">The treats will sit under the plastic shell.<\/li><\/ul><h4 data-section-id=\"1l5jedu\" data-start=\"1552\" data-end=\"1580\"><strong>Step 9: Display and Enjoy<\/strong><\/h4><ul><li>Your Plastic cup Tortoise Treat Holder is now ready to display, gift, or use as a fun party favour!<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3bb83ee elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3bb83ee\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">2. Build an Airplane Piggy Bank with a Plastic Bottle<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-382f619 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"382f619\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3><strong>Materials required:<\/strong><\/h3><ul><li>Plastic bottle<\/li><li>Coloured copy paper<\/li><li>Snap cutter<\/li><li>Marker<\/li><li>Glue stick<\/li><li>Scissors<\/li><li>Pencil<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-61512e3 elementor-widget__width-inherit elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"61512e3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-content\/smush-avif\/2026\/06\/Plastic-Bottle-Airplane-Piggy-Bank_-1024x614.png.avif\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-58597\" alt=\"Plastic Free July DIY crafts for kids\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-content\/smush-avif\/2026\/06\/Plastic-Bottle-Airplane-Piggy-Bank_-1024x614.png.avif 1024w, https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-content\/smush-avif\/2026\/06\/Plastic-Bottle-Airplane-Piggy-Bank_-300x180.png.avif 300w, https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-content\/smush-avif\/2026\/06\/Plastic-Bottle-Airplane-Piggy-Bank_-768x461.png.avif 768w, https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-content\/smush-avif\/2026\/06\/Plastic-Bottle-Airplane-Piggy-Bank_-1080x648.png.avif 1080w, https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Plastic-Bottle-Airplane-Piggy-Bank_.png 1250w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" data-smush-avif-fallback=\"{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/www.cos.net.au\\\/c\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/Plastic-Bottle-Airplane-Piggy-Bank_-1024x614.png&quot;,&quot;srcset&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/www.cos.net.au\\\/c\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/Plastic-Bottle-Airplane-Piggy-Bank_-1024x614.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/www.cos.net.au\\\/c\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/Plastic-Bottle-Airplane-Piggy-Bank_-300x180.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/www.cos.net.au\\\/c\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/Plastic-Bottle-Airplane-Piggy-Bank_-768x461.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/www.cos.net.au\\\/c\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/Plastic-Bottle-Airplane-Piggy-Bank_-1080x648.png 1080w, https:\\\/\\\/www.cos.net.au\\\/c\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/Plastic-Bottle-Airplane-Piggy-Bank_.png 1250w&quot;}\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-415cabb elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"415cabb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3><strong>Step-by-step instructions:<\/strong><\/h3><h4 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\" data-section-id=\"17zy040\" data-start=\"67\" data-end=\"99\"><strong>Step 1: Prepare the Bottle\u00a0<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.3rem;\">Base<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.3rem;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4><ul><li data-start=\"100\" data-end=\"282\">Take a clean, empty plastic bottle and remove any labels, glue, or residue.<\/li><li data-start=\"100\" data-end=\"282\">Make sure it is completely dry before starting, as this will be the main body of your airplane piggy bank.<\/li><\/ul><h4 data-section-id=\"1149y33\" data-start=\"284\" data-end=\"326\"><strong>2. Wrap the Bottle with Colour Paper<\/strong><\/h4><ul><li data-start=\"327\" data-end=\"580\">Choose a coloured craft paper of your choice.<\/li><li data-start=\"327\" data-end=\"580\">Apply glue evenly on the bottle and carefully wrap the paper around it.<\/li><li data-start=\"327\" data-end=\"580\">Leave the bottle cap and upper neck area uncovered, as this will act as part of the airplane\u2019s front design.<\/li><\/ul><h4 data-section-id=\"1vnt94p\" data-start=\"582\" data-end=\"620\"><strong>3. Create and Attach the Windows<\/strong><\/h4><ul><li data-start=\"621\" data-end=\"826\">Draw small circles on a piece of paper to make airplane windows.<\/li><li data-start=\"621\" data-end=\"826\">Cut them out neatly using scissors.<\/li><li data-start=\"621\" data-end=\"826\">Stick these circles evenly on both sides of the bottle to create a realistic airplane look.<\/li><\/ul><h4 data-section-id=\"10ynhgj\" data-start=\"828\" data-end=\"851\"><strong>4. Make the Wings<\/strong><\/h4><ul><li data-start=\"852\" data-end=\"1064\">Draw a pair of airplane wings on a sheet of paper. Make sure they are symmetrical and large enough to stand out.<\/li><li data-start=\"852\" data-end=\"1064\">Cut them out carefully, then apply glue and attach them securely to the middle sides of the bottle.<\/li><\/ul><h4 data-section-id=\"8hntgi\" data-start=\"1066\" data-end=\"1104\"><strong>5. Design the Tail and Propeller<\/strong><\/h4><ul><li data-start=\"1105\" data-end=\"1285\">Draw the airplane\u2019s tail fin and front propeller (fan) on paper. Cut them out neatly.<\/li><li data-start=\"1105\" data-end=\"1285\">Use markers to outline or highlight the shapes for a more finished look before sticking them.<\/li><\/ul><h4 data-section-id=\"1wqkzw8\" data-start=\"1287\" data-end=\"1325\"><strong>6. Attach the Tail and Propeller<\/strong><\/h4><ul><li data-start=\"1326\" data-end=\"1495\">Stick the tail fin at the back end of the bottle and the propeller at the front near the cap area.<\/li><\/ul><h4 data-section-id=\"89tjhk\" data-start=\"1497\" data-end=\"1523\"><strong>7. Add the Coin Slot<\/strong><\/h4><ul><li data-start=\"1524\" data-end=\"1699\">Using a snap cutter, carefully cut a small slit on the top of the bottle. This will be the coin slot for your piggy bank.<\/li><\/ul><h4 data-section-id=\"vblf81\" data-start=\"1701\" data-end=\"1729\"><strong>8. Final Touch and Use<\/strong><\/h4><ul><li data-start=\"1730\" data-end=\"1889\">Check all parts are securely attached and make any final decorations if desired.<\/li><li data-start=\"1730\" data-end=\"1889\">Your airplane piggy bank is now ready to use for saving coins and small notes.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-97634dc e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"97634dc\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fa1e0a8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"fa1e0a8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">3. Create a Cute Penguin with Polystyrene Balls<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1c98eda elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1c98eda\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3><strong>Materials required:<\/strong><\/h3><ul><li>Polystyrene ball<\/li><li>Coloured copy paper<\/li><li>Glue stick<\/li><li>Glue gun<\/li><li>Snap cutter<\/li><li>Scissors<\/li><li>Joggle eyes<\/li><li>Colouring supplies (markers, paint, crayons, pencil colours)<\/li><li>For decoration (pom-poms, buttons, beads, rhinestones, ribbon, or jewels)<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e4e8132 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"e4e8132\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-content\/smush-avif\/2026\/06\/Polystyrene-Ball-Penguin_-1024x614.png.avif\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-58608\" alt=\"Plastic free July craft ideas for kids\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-content\/smush-avif\/2026\/06\/Polystyrene-Ball-Penguin_-1024x614.png.avif 1024w, https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-content\/smush-avif\/2026\/06\/Polystyrene-Ball-Penguin_-300x180.png.avif 300w, https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-content\/smush-avif\/2026\/06\/Polystyrene-Ball-Penguin_-768x461.png.avif 768w, https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-content\/smush-avif\/2026\/06\/Polystyrene-Ball-Penguin_-1080x648.png.avif 1080w, https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Polystyrene-Ball-Penguin_.png 1250w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" data-smush-avif-fallback=\"{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/www.cos.net.au\\\/c\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/Polystyrene-Ball-Penguin_-1024x614.png&quot;,&quot;srcset&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/www.cos.net.au\\\/c\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/Polystyrene-Ball-Penguin_-1024x614.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/www.cos.net.au\\\/c\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/Polystyrene-Ball-Penguin_-300x180.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/www.cos.net.au\\\/c\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/Polystyrene-Ball-Penguin_-768x461.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/www.cos.net.au\\\/c\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/Polystyrene-Ball-Penguin_-1080x648.png 1080w, https:\\\/\\\/www.cos.net.au\\\/c\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/Polystyrene-Ball-Penguin_.png 1250w&quot;}\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4ae6569 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4ae6569\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong style=\"font-family: inherit; font-size: 29px; font-style: inherit;\">Step-by-step instructions:<\/strong><\/p><h4 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\" data-section-id=\"9yxe2h\" data-start=\"57\" data-end=\"95\"><strong>Step 1: Prepare the Polystyrene Balls<\/strong><\/h4><ul><li data-start=\"96\" data-end=\"264\">Take two polystyrene balls.<\/li><li data-start=\"96\" data-end=\"264\">Carefully cut a small flat section at the bottom of each ball using a snap cutter so they can sit firmly and stick together without rolling.<\/li><\/ul><h4 data-section-id=\"1nimysf\" data-start=\"266\" data-end=\"300\"><strong>2. Assemble the Penguin Body<\/strong><\/h4><ul><li data-start=\"301\" data-end=\"515\">Using a hot glue gun, glue the two balls on top of each other.<\/li><li data-start=\"301\" data-end=\"515\">This will form the body and head of your penguin.<\/li><\/ul><h4 data-section-id=\"z7bwk6\" data-start=\"517\" data-end=\"548\"><strong>3. Mark the Penguin Shape<\/strong><\/h4><ul><li data-start=\"549\" data-end=\"705\">Use a black marker to draw the outline of the penguin\u2019s body.<\/li><li data-start=\"549\" data-end=\"705\">This will help guide where the black and white sections should be painted or coloured.<\/li><\/ul><h4 data-section-id=\"12unpab\" data-start=\"707\" data-end=\"734\"><strong>4. Colour the Penguin<\/strong><\/h4><ul><li data-start=\"735\" data-end=\"910\">Paint or colour the back side of the penguin black, leaving the front side white to create the classic penguin look.<\/li><li data-start=\"735\" data-end=\"910\">Allow it to dry completely before moving to the next step.<\/li><\/ul><h4 data-section-id=\"9iyxkr\" data-start=\"912\" data-end=\"944\"><strong>5. Make the Wings and Feet<\/strong><\/h4><ul><li data-start=\"945\" data-end=\"1127\">Take a piece of copy paper and draw two flippers (wings) and two small feet.\u00a0 Cut them out carefully.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul><h4 data-section-id=\"zgiw0o\" data-start=\"1129\" data-end=\"1159\"><strong>6. Attach the Body Parts<\/strong><\/h4><ul><li data-start=\"1160\" data-end=\"1315\">Stick the wings on the sides of the penguin body and the feet at the bottom using glue.<\/li><li data-start=\"1160\" data-end=\"1315\">Make sure they are evenly placed so the penguin can stand properly.<\/li><\/ul><h4 data-section-id=\"1fnuv94\" data-start=\"1317\" data-end=\"1354\"><strong>7. Add Eyes and Facial Features<\/strong><\/h4><ul><li data-start=\"1355\" data-end=\"1490\">Stick joggle eyes onto the head area to give your penguin a fun expression.<\/li><li data-start=\"1355\" data-end=\"1490\">You can also draw or add a small beak or lips using paper or marker.<\/li><\/ul><h4 data-section-id=\"18c4ykg\" data-start=\"1492\" data-end=\"1522\"><strong>8. Decorate Your Penguin<\/strong><\/h4><ul><li data-start=\"1523\" data-end=\"1685\">Finish by decorating your penguin using rhinestones, beads, or glitter for extra charm and creativity.<\/li><li data-start=\"1523\" data-end=\"1685\">Let everything dry completely before displaying your craft.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ed12aa9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ed12aa9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">4. Make Tulips from Plastic Spoons<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fc0e70f e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"fc0e70f\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e35a441 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e35a441\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3><strong>Materials required:<\/strong><\/h3><ul><li>Plastic spoon<\/li><li>Chenille stems<\/li><li>Coloured copy paper<\/li><li>Glue stick<\/li><li>Scissors<\/li><li>Colouring suppliers (markers, paint, crayons, pencil colours)<\/li><li>For decoration (pom-poms, buttons, beads, rhinestones, ribbon, or jewels)<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8c29bd8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"8c29bd8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-content\/smush-avif\/2026\/06\/Tulip-Flower-1024x614.png.avif\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-58492\" alt=\"Plastic free July craft for kids\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-content\/smush-avif\/2026\/06\/Tulip-Flower-1024x614.png.avif 1024w, https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-content\/smush-avif\/2026\/06\/Tulip-Flower-300x180.png.avif 300w, https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-content\/smush-avif\/2026\/06\/Tulip-Flower-768x461.png.avif 768w, https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-content\/smush-avif\/2026\/06\/Tulip-Flower-1080x648.png.avif 1080w, https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Tulip-Flower.png 1250w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" data-smush-avif-fallback=\"{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/www.cos.net.au\\\/c\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/Tulip-Flower-1024x614.png&quot;,&quot;srcset&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/www.cos.net.au\\\/c\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/Tulip-Flower-1024x614.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/www.cos.net.au\\\/c\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/Tulip-Flower-300x180.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/www.cos.net.au\\\/c\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/Tulip-Flower-768x461.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/www.cos.net.au\\\/c\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/Tulip-Flower-1080x648.png 1080w, https:\\\/\\\/www.cos.net.au\\\/c\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/Tulip-Flower.png 1250w&quot;}\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-98acfdf e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"98acfdf\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b45fa48 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b45fa48\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3><strong>Step-by-step instructions:<\/strong><\/h3><h4 data-section-id=\"xulme2\" data-start=\"320\" data-end=\"349\"><strong>Step 1: Prepare the Spoons<\/strong><\/h4><ul data-start=\"350\" data-end=\"548\"><li data-section-id=\"19xf94y\" data-start=\"350\" data-end=\"405\">Take 10-15 plastic spoons.<\/li><li data-section-id=\"wa5qrh\" data-start=\"406\" data-end=\"511\">If desired, paint the spoon heads in bright tulip colours such as red, pink, yellow, purple, or orange.<\/li><li data-section-id=\"1igdeoc\" data-start=\"512\" data-end=\"548\">Allow the paint to dry completely.<\/li><\/ul><h4 data-section-id=\"15amim1\" data-start=\"550\" data-end=\"579\"><strong>Step 2: Remove the Handles<\/strong><\/h4><ul data-start=\"580\" data-end=\"728\"><li data-section-id=\"1taueha\" data-start=\"580\" data-end=\"678\">Carefully cut off most of the spoon handles, leaving a short section attached to the spoon bowl.<\/li><\/ul><h4 data-section-id=\"18gqq6c\" data-start=\"730\" data-end=\"761\"><strong>Step 3: Create the Tulip Bud<\/strong><\/h4><ul data-start=\"762\" data-end=\"1003\"><li data-section-id=\"k6o75o\" data-start=\"762\" data-end=\"841\">Take 2 spoons and place them in the centre with the curved side facing inward.<\/li><li data-section-id=\"jge3fq\" data-start=\"842\" data-end=\"928\">Arrange 2\u00a0additional spoons around it, slightly overlapping to form flower petals.<\/li><li data-section-id=\"16k7cae\" data-start=\"929\" data-end=\"975\">Glue the spoons together where they overlap. Hold until the glue sets.<\/li><\/ul><h4 data-section-id=\"1tmyv2c\" data-start=\"1005\" data-end=\"1031\"><strong>Step 4: Attach the Stem<\/strong><\/h4><ul data-start=\"1032\" data-end=\"1156\"><li data-section-id=\"1kzczzp\" data-start=\"1032\" data-end=\"1116\">Glue the bottom of the flower bud to a green chenille stem or a straw.<\/li><li data-section-id=\"57l4o0\" data-start=\"1117\" data-end=\"1156\">Ensure it is secure before moving on.<\/li><\/ul><h4 data-section-id=\"q7en9n\" data-start=\"1158\" data-end=\"1184\"><strong>Step 5: Make the Leaves<\/strong><\/h4><ul data-start=\"1185\" data-end=\"1317\"><li data-section-id=\"9vfjb1\" data-start=\"1185\" data-end=\"1247\">Draw and cut two leaf shapes from green copy paper.<\/li><li data-section-id=\"1kr1eft\" data-start=\"1248\" data-end=\"1317\">Fold each leaf slightly down the centre to create a realistic look.<\/li><\/ul><h4 data-section-id=\"15kv8ht\" data-start=\"1319\" data-end=\"1347\"><strong>Step 6: Attach the Leaves<\/strong><\/h4><ul data-start=\"1348\" data-end=\"1444\"><li data-section-id=\"10fkzin\" data-start=\"1348\" data-end=\"1397\">Glue the leaves onto the stem below the flower.<\/li><li data-section-id=\"4kcmms\" data-start=\"1398\" data-end=\"1444\">Position them on opposite sides for balance.<\/li><\/ul><h4 data-section-id=\"9ngy2j\" data-start=\"1446\" data-end=\"1478\"><strong>Step 7: Add Finishing Touches<\/strong><\/h4><ul data-start=\"1479\" data-end=\"1567\"><li data-section-id=\"10190z6\" data-start=\"1479\" data-end=\"1524\">Check that all parts are securely attached.<\/li><li data-section-id=\"gm187i\" data-start=\"1525\" data-end=\"1567\">Add a ribbon around the stem if desired.<\/li><\/ul><h4 data-section-id=\"1g1gvxm\" data-start=\"1569\" data-end=\"1598\"><strong>Step 8: Display Your Tulip<\/strong><\/h4><ul data-start=\"1599\" data-end=\"1710\"><li data-section-id=\"jk45t2\" data-start=\"1599\" data-end=\"1710\">Place your tulip in a vase, use it as a gift, or create a bouquet with multiple flowers in different colours.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b3455bd e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"b3455bd\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-78b3474 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"78b3474\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Looking for even more ways to turn everyday waste into creative masterpieces? Explore our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/cospedia\/fun-upcycling-crafts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Plastic Free July: Fun Upcycling Crafts<\/strong><\/a> collection, featuring inspiring projects that encourage kids to reuse, recycle, and create. From transforming a plastic bottle into a cheerful bunny container to giving an old tissue box a new purpose as a toy car, these hands-on activities make sustainability both fun and meaningful.<\/p>\n<p>You can also discover our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/cospedia\/upcycling-craft-projects-for-kids\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>4 DIY Upcycling Craft Projects for Kids<\/strong><\/a>, where simple household items become exciting creations. Whether it&#8217;s a colourful pi\u00f1ata garland made from cardboard rolls or a charming wind chime crafted from paper cups, these easy projects spark imagination, develop creativity, and show children that small actions can make a big difference for the planet.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class='watch-action'><div class='watch-position align-left'><div class='action-like'><a class='lbg-style3 like-58433 jlk' href='javascript:void(0)' data-task='like' data-post_id='58433' data-nonce='201ca859e5' rel='nofollow'><img class='wti-pixel' src='https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-content\/plugins\/wti-like-post\/images\/pixel.gif' title='Did you find this useful?' \/><span class='lc-58433 lc'>0<\/span><\/a><\/div><div class='action-unlike'><a class='unlbg-style3 unlike-58433 jlk' href='javascript:void(0)' data-task='unlike' data-post_id='58433' data-nonce='201ca859e5' rel='nofollow'><img class='wti-pixel' src='https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-content\/plugins\/wti-like-post\/images\/pixel.gif' title='' \/><span class='unlc-58433 unlc'>0<\/span><\/a><\/div> <\/div> <div class='status-58433 status align-left'><\/div><\/div><div class='wti-clear'><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Plastic-Free July is more than just a month-long challenge, it&#8217;s a chance to inspire children to care for the environment through simple, everyday actions. One of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to get involved is through upcycling, the creative process of transforming used or unwanted items into something new, useful, and fun. Rather than &#8230; <a title=\"Turn Trash into Treasure: Fun Upcycling Craft Ideas for Plastic-Free July\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/cospedia\/upcycling-craft-ideas-for-plastic-free-july\" aria-label=\"Read more about Turn Trash into Treasure: Fun Upcycling Craft Ideas for Plastic-Free July\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":58622,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,2121],"tags":[2346,649,2324,3561,1369,3558,3565],"class_list":["post-58433","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cospedia","category-education","tag-art-activities","tag-arts-crafts","tag-craft-activities","tag-diy-crafts","tag-plastic-waste","tag-plastic-free-july-2","tag-upcycling-crafts"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58433","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=58433"}],"version-history":[{"count":126,"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58433\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":58650,"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58433\/revisions\/58650"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/58622"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=58433"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=58433"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=58433"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}