Some Play Dough Fun using Used Plastic Bottles!
With Earth Day coming up tomorrow (April 22nd), I thought I’d re-share a fun way we’ve re-used our recyclables for creativity and play…
Our recycling bin is always overflowing with plastic water bottles, soda bottles, and juice containers. And there’s something about those plastic bottles – so fascinating to my kids when they were toddlers. I’d often catch them emptying the recycling bin, feeling the textures, running their fingers over the bumps and ridges, peering through them to explore light and colors.
Then one day, watching one of my little ones head over to the recycling bin yet again, I noticed those bumps and ridges on those plastic bottles. Especially those deep ones on the bottoms.
And I had an idea! One that will encourage some creativity in that toddler – and might even entertain her for more than five minutes. SCORE!
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Explore Play Dough Impressions with Recyclable Plastic Bottles
What would playdough look like if squished with those plastic bottle bottoms?
So I set up an “invitation to explore” just that – with various clean plastic bottles and some play dough – on the dining room table.
Supplies:
- store-bought play dough or homemade playdough
- empty, cleaned plastic bottles of various sizes and shapes
We found many of the bottles gave us really cool flower like impressions when we pressed the bottom into the play dough.
And some of the sides even made really neat lines and circular shapes in the play dough.
It was really fun to watch Priscilla discover the impressions that each bottle would make.
I liked the flower and star impressions so much that we might try to press them into something more permanent – like salt dough or polymer clay – to make more permanent ornaments.
Psst… When you’re done with the plastic bottles, don’t throw them away. Try print painting with them next!
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What’s the best tool you’ve found for play dough fun? What is your kiddo’s favorite way to play with play dough? Join the conversation in the comments below!
More Ideas for Play Dough Fun:
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This post contains affiliate links. Which simply means that if you make a purchase through one of the links, I receive a small percentage for referring you – without it increasing your purchase price. Thank you for your support. See my disclosure policy for more information.
Alissa @ Creative With Kids says
Pretty! And a creative way to play with recyclables and play dough. Thanks for linking to Kids Get Crafty! Alissa and Maggy
MaryAnne says
Very cool – like reverse relief flowers! We'll be trying this one, for sure!
Thank you for linking up to Learning Laboratory at Mama Smiles =)
The Monko says
oooh these are great, I'm always looking for new stuff to do with playdough, definitely trying this one. Thanks for linking it to Kids Co-op
Roopa says
What a fun idea to make prints on playdough!! Love it. We have tried forks, many toys, legos etc. This will be our next thing to try:)