Plastic Bottle Bank

• You can recycle an old soda bottle by making it into a bank that will teach your child to save his money. Before beginning, thoroughly wash out the inside of the bottle and remove any labels. Have your child use construction paper, foam shapes, or acrylic paint to decorate the outside of her bank. She could also cover the bottle with glue and roll it in glitter for a more sparkly bank. While the outside is drying, cut a slot in the lid big enough for quarters and folded bills to fit inside. The lid is screwed on to finish the bank. For better monetary control, coat the inside of the lid with craft glue before screwing on. You can cut off the top when your child would like to use the money.
  
  

Egg Carton Ladybugs

• Before you throw away your old egg cartons, cut off the cups for a colorful craft for your child. Lay out a drop cloth before you begin, as this craft can get messy and you do not want your furniture ruined. Your child should paint the cut-off cups using acrylic paint of any color, then dot it with black acrylic paint. Once the paint is dry, glue large black pompoms to one end of the cup. Black pipe cleaners are folded in half and twisted around your child's finger to create antennae. For the finishing touch, add craft wiggle eyes to the pompom to give your child's ladybug a little face.
  
  

Toilet Paper Roll Cow

• This toilet paper roll cow is better for older children. Your child will use white acrylic paint to color two toilet paper rolls and four egg carton cups. Dot black acrylic paint on to the rolls for spots, and around the base of the egg cups for hooves. Glue one toilet paper roll horizontally over the egg cups to form the body of the cow. The second roll is then glued partially over the first, so that it hangs over the edge. Have your child stuff the holes in the toilet paper rolls with cotton balls and create ears and horns from construction paper. For the finishing touch, add a pink pipe cleaner folded into a semi-circle for the mouth.
  
  

Glass Jar Candle Holder

• Another inexpensive craft that helps to save the environment is to use old glass jars as candle holders. Fill a couple of mixing bowls with a small amount of salt. Your child can then stir the salt with old sidewalk chalk, which will color the salt. Have your child mix the salt in different combinations to create a colorful combination. You can then pour the salt into an empty glass jar and place a small tea light candle inside for an inexpensive candle holder that will fit into any light colored room, patio, or beach house.