• cover with decorative paper or cloth and cover the bottoms - they make great pen holders or vases for dry flowers
  
• slip bangles onto them and tie up with a pretty ribbon
  
• kids can paint them and make silly faces and characters for a puppet show!
  

• use them to make handmade paper. slice them and tear them up, put them in the blender, then flatten in the pages of an old phone book for a few days
  
• cut strips and weave together to make paper placemats of different colors and designs
  
• cut out spirals or fold in fours and cut alternating slits to make hanging party decorations
  
• don't forget origami! get a book from the library and try making party hats, butterflies, cranes and more!
  
• sew together the edges of multiple pieces of newspaper, cartoons, or wrapping paper scraps to make a unique gift wrapping.
  

aluminum foil

• smooth it out with fingernails and fingers and use it as wrapping paper
  
• use to add shine to craft projects - earrings, backs of picture frames, etc
  
• collect balls of foil and make a big one to make a big disco ball for a great party
  
• fold a piece of foil in half and smooth out (or smooth first). Write or make designs on the back and you have a beautiful embossed design you can use for cards, bookmarks, or gift wrapping.
  

paper cartons

• cut them up into shapes to make gift boxes (wash and dry thoroughly first)
  
• cut off the tops and decorate the outside - they make great flower vases and even hold water!
  
• use them as plant pots.
  
• cut and decorate as letter holders. Add dividers if you like.
  
• you can cut pieces and cover with fabric to make sturdy bookmarks.
  

food

• you can make old food into craft material! just dry out leaves and orange rinds and other things first. then use them
  
• sprinkle on the front of cards to make interesting designs
  
• pour in bowls with scent to fluff up potpourri
  
• beans make good craft material. fill a pretty jar and give as a gift, glue onto paper, or string to make jewelry.