Hang on to your cardboard boxes and turn them into upcycled cardboard cactus. You just need a few craft supplies you probably have on hand and a set of free printable patterns.
If you’re looking for a colorful craft to make with the kids, this cardboard cactus is a must-try!
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Save your cereal or snack boxes and turn them into beautiful cardboard cactus craft.
As the weather warms up, chances are you’ll be spending more time outside, hosting parties, barbecues, and celebrating a few spring/summer-related festivities. This cactus craft would make the perfect decor for a Cinco de Mayo party or any summer-themed tablescape.
And when it comes to upcycling cardboard, this isn’t my first rodeo. I’ve actually upcycled cardboard boxes into super cute storage bins for the buffet in our kitchen.
WHY I LOVE THIS PROJECT
Of course, when it comes to frugal crafts, you can’t go wrong with giving an upcycled project a try. Not only are you saving money but also helping the environment in your own way.
If you’re like me, saving money is always a plus, but also using up some of the things in your craft stash is even better!
SUPPLIES NEEDED
- cardboard box (think cereal boxes, or other similar thin cardboard material)
- acrylic paint (white, bright green, medium green, and dark green)
- clay flower pots (Dollar Store)
- felt scraps in bright colors
- small rocks (Dollar Store)
- sand (Dollar Store)
- duct tape (Dollar Store)
- colored pencils
- black permanent marker
- hot glue
- paintbrush
- pencil
- scissors
- free cardboard cactus patterns (download below)
TUTORIAL: HOW TO MAKE UPCYCLED CARDBOARD CACTUS CRAFT
Follow this quick step-by-step tutorial below:
- Gather the necessary supplies and print the free cardboard cactus patterns. Flatten the cardboard box and trace the patterns with a pencil. Flip the pattern up to trace where the slits will need to be.
- Cut out the patterns. Double-cut the slits to the width of your cardboard.
- Slide both pieces together to make sure the cactus shapes fit.
- Paint the smallest clay flower pot completely with white acrylic craft paint. Let it dry.
- Paint the medium size clay flower pot top, leaving a one-inch section natural at the bottom.
- Paint the largest clay flowerpot bottom, leaving the rim natural. Let the paint dry, and apply a second coat, if necessary.
- Paint all sides of the Prickly Pear Cactus pattern pieces with medium green acrylic craft paint. Then paint the front, back, and sides of the Barrel Cactus pattern pieces with dark green acrylic craft paint.
- Paint all sides of the Cereus Cactus pattern pieces with bright green acrylic craft paint. Let the paint dry. Then apply a second coat, if necessary.
- Doodle designs onto the clay flowerpots with a permanent black marker. Think modern patterns like triangles, scallops, and a mix of horizontal and vertical lines.
- Once dry, lay all cactus pieces flat and draw needle patterns on each cactus with different shades of colored pencils. Assemble each cactus, securing all pieces with a small dot of glue from a glue gun.
- Trace flower patterns onto brightly colored scraps of felt, and then cut them out with scissors. Use colored paper or craft foam instead of felt to create the flowers.
- Attach the flower layers together with a glue gun and glue sticks, pinching in the center to create dimension. Then attach it to the top of the cactus.
- Apply a piece of duct tape to the hole at the bottom of each flower pot. Fill with rocks and sand, then “plant” the upcycled cardboard cactus.
This is the perfect rainy-day activity to make with the kiddos. Get creative and use a variety of materials from your recycle bin to spark inspiration!
MORE UPSCALE CARDBOARD CRAFT IDEAS:
- Need extra storage bins to hold craft supplies, toys, or even bookshelf items? Learn how to upcycle cardboard boxes with this super easy tutorial.
- Make your own DIY organizer with this cardboard bottle carrier craft. This project will help you get and keep your desk organized in no time!
- Looking for even more cardboard craft ideas? These creative ideas will blow you away!
Cardboard Cactus Craft
Yield:
3 small cactus pots
Turn an ordinary box into an upcycled cardboard cactus craft with this fun and easy tutorial!
Materials
- cardboard box (think Amazon box, food box, or delivery box)
- acrylic paint (white, bright green, medium green, and dark green)
- clay flower pots (Dollar Store)
- felt scraps in bright colors
- small rocks (Dollar Store)
- sand (Dollar Store)
- duct tape (Dollar Store)
- colored pencils
- black permanent marker
- hot glue
- paintbrush
- pencil
- scissors
- free cardboard cactus patterns (download below)
Instructions
- Gather the necessary supplies and print the free cardboard cactus patterns. Flatten the cardboard box and trace the patterns with a pencil. Flip the pattern up to trace where the slits will need to be.
- Cut out the patterns. Double-cut the slits to the width of your cardboard.
- Slide both pieces together to make sure the cactus shapes fit.
- Paint the smallest clay flower pot completely with white acrylic craft paint. Let it dry.
- Paint the medium size clay flower pot top, leaving a one-inch section natural at the bottom.
- Paint the largest clay flowerpot bottom, leaving the rim natural. Let the paint dry, and apply a second coat, if necessary.
- Paint all sides of the Prickly Pear Cactus pattern pieces with medium green acrylic craft paint. Paint the front, back, and sides of the Barrel Cactus pattern pieces with dark green acrylic craft paint.
- Paint all sides of the Cereus Cactus pattern pieces with bright green acrylic craft paint. Let the paint dry. Then apply a second coat, if necessary.
- Doodle designs onto the clay flowerpots with a permanent black marker. Think modern patterns like triangles, scallops, and a mix of horizontal and vertical lines.
- Once dry, lay all cactus pieces flat and draw needle patterns on each cactus with different shades of colored pencils. Assemble each cactus, securing all pieces with a small dot of glue from a glue gun.
- Trace flower patterns onto brightly colored scraps of felt, and then cut them out with scissors. Use colored paper or craft foam instead of felt to create the flowers.
- Attach the flower layers together with a glue gun and glue sticks, pinching in the center to create dimension. Then attach it to the top of the cactus.
- Apply a piece of duct tape to the hole at the bottom of each flower pot. Fill with rocks and sand, then “plant” the upcycled cardboard cactus.
DON’T FORGET TO PIN THIS CARDBOARD CACTUS CRAFT FOR LATER:
