Summer is here! Vacation brings lazy days, fun with friends and, for many teens, seasonal jobs. Whether your kids are bringing home a little bacon or socking away allowance for a coveted new toy, a custom bank can be an inspiration to stash some cash for later. It doesn’t take much to make a DIY place for those pennies. All you’ll need is an empty plastic milk bottle to get kids crafting – and saving.
Materials
- Empty plastic milk jug (smaller half-and-half bottles work too)
- Mini duct tape rolls in assorted colors and patterns
- Scissors
- Craft knife
- Stickers for embellishing
- Spray paint (optional)
Directions
- Thoroughly clean the empty bottle. Wash it inside and out to remove any leftover liquid. Remove labels, too (for difficult stickers, try a sticky-solvent remover like Goo Gone). Make sure your bottle has a cap, too; that helps keep your money safe.
- Let the bottle dry completely.
- It’s time to start decorating. Use the mini duct tape rolls to cover the bottle. Depending on your design, try some spray paint, too (just pick one that will adhere to plastic). If painting, let it dry completely before adding tape.
- Have fun with the design. You can cover the whole bottle or be more abstract. Smaller rolls are great for making curve-wrapping designs. Add stickers or other embellishments to finish the look. Twist the cap back on.
- To finish, cut a small slot from the neck of the bottle so that coins or bills can easily pass through (this step is for the grown-up crafters). Add any finishing touches, such as a label stating what your child is saving up for, and your bank is set. When it’s time to make a withdrawal, unscrew the cap and take what you need.
