How to Make Plastic Lid Ladybugs

Even if you're a novice crafter, these plastic lid ladybugs are an easy hit with the little ones! And if you're like Amanda Formaro, who created these little love bugs, you'll jump at the challenge of turning something that was destined for the trash bin into something cute or functional. Formaro has been making recycled crafts for as long as she can remember, and the ladybugs are only one project of many creative masterpieces over on her blog, Crafts By Amanda.

Supplies:

• Plastic lid from milk jug
• Black acrylic craft paint
• 2 small wiggle eyes
• Paintbrush
• White craft glue

Degree of difficulty: Easy

Ages: 3 and up

Instructions: Wash and dry the plastic lid. Paint on the head by using a paintbrush to add an almond shape at one end of the lid. Use the handle end of a paintbrush dipped in black paint to add the spots. Make some spots larger than others. Let all the paint dry. Use white craft glue to add the wiggle eyes. Instant critter!

Amanda Formaro is the crafty, entrepreneurial mother of four children. She has been working online and from home since 1997. A former webmaster turned blogger, she is a crafting expert and guru in the kitchen and has appeared online and in print publications many times over the years. She is also the editor for the Home & Garden channel at Craft Gossip. Amanda blogs about her craft projects on Crafts by Amanda and can also be found at AmandaFormaro.com. Visit her blog for the full plastic lid ladybug tutorial and others like it. You can also follow her on Facebook,Twitter, or Pinterest.

Photos used with permission from Amanda Formaro.

For more earth-friendly crafts to do with your kids, check out the Care.com Interview Series: Top 5 Recycled Craft Ideas! »