Styrofoam is one of those materials that is both incredibly useful and incredibly versatile. It’s lightweight yet strong; it’s insulting but doesn’t retain water; it can be molded into any shape you want. In this blog post, we will discuss 15 different ways to reuse styrofoam! We will provide detailed instructions on how to do each project, so you can start reusing styrofoam immediately!
Before diving into the different ways to reuse styrofoam, let’s first answer the question: is it safe to reuse styrofoam cups?
The short answer is yes! Styrofoam is made from polystyrene, which is a type of plastic. This means that it is not biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to break down in the environment. However, polystyrene is not considered to be a hazardous material. It is safe to handle and is not known to cause any health problems.
So, now that we know it is safe to reuse styrofoam let’s get started and craft these styrofoam recycling projects
Table of Contents
Project #01: Insulated Lunch Bag
You will need:
– styrofoam cooler
– sharp knife
– ruler or measuring tape
– a fabric of your choice (we recommend a cotton or canvas fabric)
– sewing machine and thread (optional)
Instructions:
Step One: Cut the top off of the styrofoam cooler. You will want to ensure that the top is cut straight across, so use a ruler or measuring tape to help you.
Step Two: Cut a piece of fabric slightly larger than the opening of the cooler. We recommend using a cotton or canvas fabric, as these materials are sturdy and will hold up well over time.
Step Three: Sew the piece of fabric to the edge of the cooler using a sewing machine and thread. You can also hand-sew the fabric to the cooler if you prefer.
Your insulated lunch bag is now complete! You can use it to keep your food cold (or hot) while on the go.
Project #02: Foam Stamp
You will need:
– styrofoam tray or plate
– sharp knife
– acrylic paint
– paper or fabric
Instructions:
Step One: Cut a shape out of the styrofoam tray or plate. You can use a sharp knife to do this.
Step Two: Dip the shape into some acrylic paint.
Step Three: Stamp the shape onto paper or fabric. Let the paint dry completely before using or washing the fabric.
Your foam stamp is now complete! You can use it to decorate paper, cards, or even fabric. Have fun with it!
Project #03: Foam Puzzle
You will need:
– styrofoam tray or plate
– sharp knife
– acrylic paint (optional)
Instructions:
Step One: Cut the styrofoam tray or plate into various shapes. You can use a sharp knife to do this.
Step Two: Paint the shapes, if desired. Let the paint dry completely before using the puzzle.
Your foam puzzle is now complete! You can use it as is, or you can challenge yourself (or someone else) to put it back together again. Have fun!
Project #04: Foam Painting
You will need:
– styrofoam tray or plate
– sharp knife
– acrylic paint
– paintbrush
– paper or canvas
Instructions:
Step One: Cut the styrofoam tray or plate into various shapes. You can use a sharp knife to do this.
Step Two: Paint the shapes with acrylic paint. Use a paintbrush to apply the paint.
Step Three: Stamp the shapes onto paper or canvas. Let the paint dry completely before using or displaying your work of art.
Your foam painting is now complete! You can use it as is or frame it and hang it up. Either way, you’re sure to have a unique and one-of-a-kind piece of art!
We hope you enjoyed these four projects that show you how to reuse styrofoam. Stay tuned for more ways to reuse this versatile material!
Project #05: Foam Mirror Frame
You will need:
– styrofoam tray or plate
– sharp knife
– acrylic paint (optional)
– glue gun and glue sticks
– mirror
Instructions:
Step One: Cut the styrofoam tray or plate into various shapes. You can use a sharp knife to do this.
Step Two: Paint the shapes with acrylic paint, if desired. Let the paint dry completely before proceeding to the next step.
Step Three: Use a glue gun and glue sticks to attach the shapes to a mirror. Start with the largest shape in the center, then work your way outwards with the smaller shapes.
Your foam mirror frame is now complete! You can use it as is or hang it up on a wall or door. Either way, you’re sure to have a unique and one-of-a-kind piece of art!
We hope you enjoyed this project that shows you how to reuse styrofoam. Stay tuned for more ways to reuse this versatile material!
Project #06: Foam Picture Frame
You will need:
– styrofoam tray or plate
– sharp knife
– acrylic paint (optional)
– glue gun and glue sticks
– picture frame (we recommend using a wooden frame)
– paper or fabric
Instructions:
Step One: Cut the styrofoam tray or plate into various shapes. You can use a sharp knife to do this.
Step Two: Paint the shapes with acrylic paint, if desired. Let the paint dry completely before proceeding to the next step.
Step Three: Use a glue gun and glue sticks to attach the shapes to the picture frame. Start with the largest shape in the center, then work your way outwards with the smaller shapes.
Step Four: Cut a piece of paper or fabric to fit inside the frame. We recommend using a mat if you use a frame with a glass window.
Your foam picture frame is now complete! You can use it as is or hang it up on a wall or door. Either way, you’re sure to have a unique and one-of-a-kind piece of art!
We hope you enjoyed this project that shows you how to reuse styrofoam. Stay tuned for more ways to reuse this versatile material!
Project #07: Shoe Sole Padding
You will need:
– styrofoam tray or plate
– sharp knife
– adhesive (we recommend using a hot glue gun and glue sticks)
– shoes with worn-out padding
Instructions:
Step One: Cut the styrofoam tray or plate into various shapes. You can use a sharp knife to do this.
Step Two: Adhere the shapes to the shoes with an adhesive. We recommend using a hot glue gun and glue sticks for this project.
Your shoe sole padding is now complete! You can use it as is, or you can challenge yourself (or someone else) to put it back together again like a puzzle.
We hope you enjoyed this project that shows you how to reuse styrofoam. Stay tuned for more ways to reuse this versatile material!
Project #08: Drying Board for Delicate Clothing
You will need:
– styrofoam tray or plate
– sharp knife
– adhesive (we recommend using a hot glue gun and glue sticks)
– a piece of fabric (we recommend using felt)
Instructions:
Step One: Cut the styrofoam tray or plate into various shapes. You can use a sharp knife to do this.
Step Two: Adhere the shapes to the piece of fabric with an adhesive. We recommend using a hot glue gun and glue sticks for this project.
Your drying board is now complete! You can use it as is or hang it up on a wall or door. Either way, you’re sure to have a unique and one-of-a-kind piece of art!
We hope you enjoyed this project that shows you how to reuse styrofoam. Stay tuned for more ways to reuse this versatile material!
Project #09: Desk Caddy
You will need:
– styrofoam tray or plate
– sharp knife
– adhesive (we recommend using a hot glue gun and glue sticks)
– desk supplies (pens, pencils, paper clips, etc.)
Instructions:
Step One: Cut the styrofoam tray or plate into various shapes. You can use a sharp knife to do this.
Step Two: Adhere the shapes to the desk supplies with an adhesive. We recommend using a hot glue gun and glue sticks for this project.
Your desk caddy is now complete! You can use it as is or hang it up on a wall or door. Either way, you’re sure to have a unique and one-of-a-kind piece of art!
We hope you enjoyed this project that shows you how to reuse styrofoam. Stay tuned for more ways to reuse this versatile material!
Project #010: Keychain Holder
You will need:
– styrofoam tray or plate
– sharp knife
– adhesive (we recommend using a hot glue gun and glue sticks)
– keychain ring
– keys
Instructions:
Step One: Cut the styrofoam tray or plate into various shapes. You can use a sharp knife to do this.
Step Two: Adhere the shapes to the keychain ring with an adhesive. We recommend using a hot glue gun and glue sticks for this project.
Your keychain holder is now complete! You can use it as is or hang it up on a wall or door. Either way, you’re sure to have a unique and one-of-a-kind piece of art!
We hope you enjoyed this project that shows you how to reuse styrofoam. Stay tuned for more ways to reuse this versatile material!
Project #011: Bookmark
You will need:
– styrofoam tray or plate
– sharp knife
– adhesive (we recommend using a hot glue gun and glue sticks)
– bookmark tassel
– book
Instructions:
Step One: Cut the styrofoam tray or plate into various shapes. You can use a sharp knife to do this.
Step Two: Adhere the shapes to the bookmark tassel with an adhesive. We recommend using a hot glue gun and glue sticks for this project.
Your bookmark is now complete! You can use it as is or hang it up on a wall or door. Either way, you’re sure to have a unique and one-of-a-kind piece of art!
We hope you enjoyed this project that shows you how to reuse styrofoam. Stay tuned for more ways to reuse this versatile material!
Project #012: Snack Tray
You will need:
– styrofoam tray or plate
– sharp knife
– adhesive (we recommend using a hot glue gun and glue sticks)
– small snacks (raisins, nuts, etc.)
Instructions:
Step One: Cut the styrofoam tray or plate into a variety of different shapes. You can use a sharp knife to do this.
Step Two: Adhere the shapes to the small snacks with an adhesive. We recommend using a hot glue gun and glue sticks for this project.
Your snack tray is now complete! You can use it as is or hang it up on a wall or door. Either way, you’re sure to have a unique and one-of-a-kind piece of art!
We hope you enjoyed this project that shows you how to reuse styrofoam. Stay tuned for more ways to reuse this versatile material!
Project #013: Soap Dish
You will need:
– styrofoam tray or plate
– sharp knife
– adhesive (we recommend using a hot glue gun and glue sticks)
– bar of soap
Instructions:
Step One: Cut the styrofoam tray or plate into a variety of different shapes. You can use a sharp knife to do this.
Step Two: Adhere the shapes to the soap bar with an adhesive. We recommend using a hot glue gun and glue sticks for this project.
Your soap dish is now complete! You can use it as is or hang it up on a wall or door. Either way, you’re sure to have a unique and one-of-a-kind piece of art!
We hope you enjoyed this project that shows you how to reuse styrofoam. Stay tuned for more ways to reuse this versatile material!
Project #014: Candle Holder
You will need:
– styrofoam tray or plate
– sharp knife
– adhesive (we recommend using a hot glue gun and glue sticks)
– candle
Instructions:
Step One: Cut the styrofoam tray or plate into a variety of different shapes. You can use a sharp knife to do this.
Step Two: Adhere the shapes to the candle with an adhesive. We recommend using a hot glue gun and glue sticks for this project.
Your candle holder is now complete! You can use it as is or hang it up on a wall or door. Either way, you’re sure to have a unique and one-of-a-kind piece of art!
We hope you enjoyed this project that shows you how to reuse styrofoam. Stay tuned for more ways to reuse this versatile material!
Conclusion
Styrofoam is a versatile material that can be reused in various ways. In this article, we have shown you 15 styrofoam recycling projects you can do with styrofoam trays or plates. These projects are easy to follow and use basic supplies you may already have. We hope you enjoy trying out these projects and that they inspire you to find new ways to reuse styrofoam!
