By Brenda Hyde

Egg Carton Tulips: Take each section of the egg carton and cut it out, then using the scissors make the edges zig zagged like the top of a tulip. Paint each "bloom" with craft paint and allow to dry overnight. At this point you can use markers or fine brushes to add little details to the tulips or leave them plain. You can now use pipe cleaners to attach a stem, or glue them to the tops of pens or pencils for fun spring toppers. They can also be used to decorate an inexpensive hat for a silly spring bonnet!

Easter Egg Holder: Cut the top off of the egg carton, and paint the bottom a nice spring color. Add colored paper shreds to the carton when dry, or plastic grass. Cut a bunny face and ears from construction paper or foam boards (Styrofoam trays work well too!). Glue the bunny face on to one side of the egg carton and place in the decorated hardboiled Easter eggs for a breakfast treat!

Seed Starters: Finally, use your egg cartons to plant seeds. Each child should have their own seed tray-remove the lid of the egg carton. Have them place soil in each egg hole, and then carefully put one seed in each section. Label each tray with their name and the date. Give them small notebooks to keep a little gardening diary of the progress. Pick up some inexpensive seeds, so they can all share and plant different flowers. Choose seeds that germinate quickly and transplant easily so they don't become discouraged. The cartons fit easily in windowsills too!

About the Author:

Brenda Hyde is Mom to three little ones, a freelance writer and editor/owner of OldFashionedLiving.