DIY Picnic Caddy: Thrifty Repurposed Cardboard Drink Carrier

Today is craft day…..and I made the cutest DIY Picnic Caddy using a thrifty repurposed cardboard drink carrier. You would be surprised at the things you can recycle if you just give it a little though. I have the pleasure of co-hosting a project sharing party today with At The Picket Fence and Uncommon Designs.

DIY Picnic Caddy made from a repurposed cardboard drink caddy

I'm patting myself on the back over this project. It turned out great. Ya’ll know how I love bright colors! The caddy is stenciled and I don't want you to be afraid of stenciling. You just need to know the secret and I have you covered. Read my stencil like a pro post here....Special Stencil Technique Layering Paint Colors

I’m patting myself on the back because this is how the “caddy” started out. A couple of weeks ago when the granddaughters were at the house for the day…we made a fast food run. Those girls keep us hopping and there’s never time to cook. Anyway, I thought at the time that I would do something fun with the drink tote. It seems a waste to throw it away and I’m all about recycling.

I first spray painted the repurposed cardboard drink caddy white. I thought the tote would break down into a flat box, but no, not this one. I spray painted it as is. It took a couple of coats to cover the box. Let the spray paint dry in between coats of paint.

Then came the fun part….adding color. I grabbed a couple of stencils, brushes, and pretty acrylic paints. I went with a floral design but anything graphic would work too.

Stenciling is so easy and I never worry about it being perfect. I put color over color on some of the flowers and just went with it! Selecting the bold colors and playing around with the colors on the various flower designs was fun.

Cardboard Drink Carrier DIY Picnic Caddy

I gathered some things from the kitchen to fill the caddy. I used plastic drink glasses and mason jars to hold the flatware, straws, and flowers…the napkins were on their own! The flowers are faux but you could totally use real flowers.

I planned to buy some colorful solo cups and paper plates and do a full on display on my patio table but the weather wouldn’t cooperate. I was doing a practice run when I took these photos, not expecting to use them. But I never got another chance to take photos with the sun shining.

The caddy/tote would also be perfect for holding crayons, pencils, and such. Muli-Purpose.

I stenciled a metal picnic tote you can see here......Painted Metal Caddy Is Handy For Just About Anything

Now check out the projects from my party co-hosts....

This Spring Tree with Flower Eggs from At The Picket Fence is cute as can be.

Click the photo or the “pink link” to view the full tutorial!

The Bunny Pillow from Uncommon Designs is calling my name.

Love the tail!!! Same deal, click the photo or the “pink link” to view the full tutorial. It would be awesome if you would leave a comment for my co-hosts after viewing their projects…..and tell them I sent you! Link your Spring projects below in the photo area. I need some inspiration. The full tour listing is below….

SWING INTO SPRING

Mantels

Craftberry Bush

French Country Cottage

Recipes

Crafts