What are some things you can do with leftover shipping styrofoam?

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   theclevercatposted 12 years ago

   What are some things you can do with leftover shipping styrofoam?

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   galleryofgraceposted 12 years ago

   The smaller peanut type pieces can be strung together for Christmas and party decorations using a needle and thread or yarn. Great project for children, use large size plastic needles. They could also be used to make collage pictures.
   Larger pieces can be cut to almost any size and used to make pin cushions. Some pieces can be used to make jewlery, such as a round tube cut in slices will make bracelets. Just cover them with fabric.

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      theclevercatposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Pin cushions, great idea!  Maybe for hairpins then too.  Thanks, galleryofgrace!

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   thoughtfulgirl2posted 12 years ago

   Depending on the shape of the piece, you could cover it in 2 or 3 coats of gesso, and then attach mosaic pieces for a lightweight mosaic.  If you want to continue to keep it light, use buttons to make a mosaic or eggshells.  If you are creating a mosaic this way, remember the background color (full body acrylic paint or gesso) will act as the grout.  Have fun:) It is a shame to waste these pieces, isn't it?

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      theclevercatposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Great idea, thoughtfulgirl2!  Thanks.  Yes, I feel that reusing interesting shapes and forms is a great way to recycle. :^)

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   jezebellaminaposted 12 years ago

   I have used styrofoam peanuts to fill up the bottom of large plant pots before adding soil and plants. It serves the same purpose as putting small rocks or broken pottery in the bottom of a container (drainage, etc) but doesn't add so much to the weight of an already heavy pot! 
   
   I imagine blocks of styrofoam could be broken into smaller pieces and used the same way.

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      theclevercatposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I love this idea! I don't have much of a green thumb, but this idea is enticing and I'm going to try it anyway.  Thanks, jezebellamina!

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      Rochelle Frankposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      You have to make sure they are not the 'dissolving' kind. Some shipping companies are actually making their foam 'peanuts' out of a corn product that biodegrades, and dissolves in water.

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   joanwzposted 12 years ago

   The peanut type can be reused whenever you send packages yourself, especially with Christmas coming up. Alternatively, find out how much the packing stores are charging (Uhaul, UPS). THen bag them up, and sell them in a garage sale, for a fraction of the price (the price of the bag plus about 5 or 10 cents. They won't end up in a land fill, you won't have to store them indefinitely, someone who needs can have them at considerable savings, and you make a little money off of something you never bought to begin with.

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      theclevercatposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Good idea, joanwz!  I'll have to check to see when the next neighborhood yard sale is.  Thanks!

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      teaches12345posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I also save them and reuse them in packages I sent out.  Also, they do make great art material for preschoolers.

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   Rochelle Frankposted 12 years ago

   I use them for shipping-- but if I have too much, I bag them up and take them to a local packing and shipping company-- they are glad to have them.

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      theclevercatposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Sometimes I use them for shipping, but I don't do much of that. Also, packing them up is not really feasible for me.  I guess I'll have to create some more crafts! :^)

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