Upcycle your plastic ice cream container into super functional organization for smaller items, like chapstick, cotton balls and more!
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I was eating some ice cream the other night when inspiration hit me. I hate throwing away containers that can be used for crafts, decor or organization. Why not upcycle this plastic ice cream container into a quick and easy storage solution? So that’s what I did and how I ended up with a new place to store my chapstick.
*SIDE NOTE* I know not everyone has as much chapstick as I do, but the great thing about this project is that you aren’t limited to storage of just one type of item. (I have a list at the bottom of other ideas.) Take this idea and run with it! But before you do, let me share a few steps to get you started.
Materials Needed
- Plastic Ice Cream Container with Lid (I used my Talenti gelato container.)
- 100% Acetone Nail Polish Remover
- Cotton Balls
- Scrapbook Paper or Patterned Cardstock
- Mod Podge (white school glue will work too since you only need a little)
- Foam Brush
- Scissors
- Ribbon
- Pencil
- Adhesive, such as double sided tape or a hot glue gun
How to Upcycle Your Ice Cream Container
First, wash and dry your container and lid.
Next, get some nail polish remover and cotton balls to scrub off the words and images on the outside of the container. This is the part that took me the longest, about 15 minutes. At first, it might seem like it’s never going to come off, but after a bit of rubbing, it will start to lift off.
Once the container is cleaned off, grab some scrapbook paper/cardstock and cut out a circle for the top of the lid. This is to cover the words on the lid. If there are no words on your lid, you could skip this step. Another option would be to spray paint the lid.
Apply the Mod Podge to the lid using the foam brush. Don’t add too much or it will make your paper too wet when you lay it on top and cause wrinkles. Work quickly so the Mod Podge doesn’t dry out.
Place the circle of paper on top and smooth it out, starting in the center and working your way to the edges. Wipe off any glue that gets squeezed out the sides. Let dry. Assuming there isn’t too much Mod Podge, this shouldn’t take more than 5 minutes or so.
Next, get your ribbon, scissors and adhesive. Pick a place on the side of the lid to start adding your ribbon. I actually had some ribbon that was adhesive on the back side which made adding it to the lid super easy but I know that’s not a common craft supply. It was a little thicker than I needed so I trimmed it once it was adhered.
At this point, you can either be done, or you can add other embellishments to your container: foam letters, stickers, 3D flowers, a wooden bead on top of the lid, or anything else you want! I left my container pretty simple since it’s not going to be visible.
Last, add your chapstick! (Or whatever else you’re storing in your cute, new upcycled container.) I was able to fit 13 of the EOS chapstick tubes into mine.
More Ideas of What to Store in Your Upcycled Container
- Cotton Balls
- Q-Tips
- Hair Ties
- Small Hair Clips
- Nail Polish and Mini Emery Board (Gift Packaging Idea)
- Cookies (Gift Packaging Idea)
- Candy (Gift Packaging Idea)
- Small Holiday Items: plastic hearts, gold coins, small Easter eggs, ornaments (Decor)
- Beaded/Chunky Bracelets
- Washi Tape
- Buttons
Now before you go out and buy a bunch of ice cream, be sure to check out the other amazing ways to combine craftiness and organization from my talented friends!
Easy Fabric Storage Ideas with Dollar Tree Supplies by Laura of Me and My INKlings
Shimmering Hair Tie Storage Hanger created by Lindsay of Artsy-Fartsy Mama
Organize your Refrigerator with easy to read labels from Laura of Laura’s Crafty Life
Create colorful DIY Felt Trays with a tutorial from Smitha at Smiling Colors
Upcycled Chapstick Organization is easy and super cute by Shani of Sunshine and Munchkins
A brilliant storage solution with a DIY Blanket Ladder from Justine of Little Dove
Stylish Crocheted Storage Baskets with Free Patterns by Erica of 5 Little Monsters
DIY Pegboard Garage Storage for a Shared Workspace from Kelsey at Poofy Cheeks
