how to make a PIZZA BOX IDEA FILE
My kids are becoming more and more like me (scary). They have a million ideas for a million things they want to try. They are 4 and 6 and and have been begging to do science experiments and sewing projects respectively. I’m not sure where this well spring of ambition came from, and some days it wears me out, but most days I want to run with it. So we’ve started a set of pizza box idea files. We’re hoping to fill them with ideas that the kids can browse whenever we’re ready for the next project. I wanted something that could be a bit cluttered and still be okay, to encourage rummaging. And we’re hoping to make duplicates of our favorite ideas to give away.
We started with pizza boxes and assembled them inside out (borrowing this idea that Family Fun had for storing kids’ artwork). The kids used modge podge to decoupage wrapping paper to the top of each box. Once it dried, they illustrated each box with sharpies.
We wanted a label for each box. So we threaded a paper label on a ribbon. We unfolded one side of the box, banded it around and reassembled the box.
Now we’re on to collecting ideas. Sometimes the kids sketch out their ideas and sometimes I add an idea. If I see a fun idea on a blog, I save the entire project as a PDF but print a small picture to remind us of the project, and into the idea box it goes! The real trick, I think, will be creating some down time to really enjoy the projects together.
I’ve thrown together a new gift guides page, incase you’re like me and like to see as many ideas as possible in one glance.
Tags: DIY gifts kids can make, gifts for nieces and nephews, gifts for preschool boys, gifts for preschool girls, gifts for school age boys, gifts for school age girls, gifts for the grandkids, gifts for the whole family, gifts that are cheap or free, gifts that encourage creativity
July 1st, 2009 at 8:45 am
Amber, why oh why must you be so cool? Can you please be my mommy?
July 8th, 2009 at 5:07 am
Very cool!
July 8th, 2009 at 7:54 am
I love this idea! My daughter is just beginning to make things and I’m finding all kinds of ideas to try with her. Thanks!
July 8th, 2009 at 1:49 pm
is it wrong that i kind of want to do it for myself?
July 25th, 2009 at 11:21 am
So, where do you find the pizza boxes. I’m assuming these aren’t used?? I mean, won’t they be all greasy & stuff if they’re used?
I love this idea for storing artwork but can’t find new pizza boxes anywhere!! help!
July 27th, 2009 at 5:43 am
Hi Lori!
I just walked into our local pizzeria and gave them a really pleading smile. They were happy to hand them over, then we assembled them inside out. Ya, I ruled out used greasy boxes!
July 28th, 2009 at 1:18 am
Very cute idea!
July 28th, 2009 at 5:17 am
this is a great idea. I think I want some of those idea boxes for myself, come to think of it. And at 2 and 4 years old, my kids are ready/almost ready for this.
But then maybe it can be age appropriate. A box is a box. It’s what you put inside that counts, right?
July 28th, 2009 at 5:50 am
[...] at this fun way to organize Boredom Busters! Better for older kids, but I’m keeping this tucked away as an [...]
July 28th, 2009 at 8:08 am
What a neat idea! I’d love to see the insides of one. Are they filled with papers, like pages ripped from magazines, or actual supplies? For paper ideas, we have a 3 ring binder with page protectors and pages slip into those for inspiration later. I also have an altered book where I paste recipes I’d like to try, decorating ideas, and such. Somehow I never seem to get to any of the ideas anyway though. :)
Great blog! I’m off to look around!
~Alicia
July 28th, 2009 at 2:10 pm
Hi Alicia. Ya, ours our filled with pages from magazines, dozens of small pictures from online we’ve saved up and printed out, and my daughter’s own “designs” she draws and throws in. I’ve used binders with plastic sleeves for my own projects, but wasn’t sure I’d really stay on top of this with the kids, since I don’t always manage to keep on top of it myself. So I actually wanted something a little more haphazard. I like it b/c I can save a pdf of the project on my computer and use the little picture in the box as a reminder to my daughter that we have the instructions.
July 28th, 2009 at 6:12 pm
Fantastic idea! Now I’ll have to ask the local pizza places if I could have some boxes…pretty please! :)
July 28th, 2009 at 10:58 pm
perfectly brilliant. will have to make these. thanks!
January 21st, 2010 at 8:25 am
[...] turned inside out are another favorite of mine (original idea from here, I also used this idea here). I love to use tissue paper for wrapping, and I find pizza boxes protect it nicely. Sweater boxes [...]