Crafting Snowdrops from Egg Cartons

Snowdrops are recognized as harbingers of spring. They are a protected species and should not be picked. For those who wish to have these delicate spring flowers at home, they can be crafted from egg cartons.

Real snowdrops are protected under German law (Bundesnaturschutzgesetz §44 Abs. 1) and therefore cannot be picked, damaged, or destroyed. They are also poisonous and do not last long in a vase. In contrast, DIY snowdrops made from egg cartons can be safely displayed in a vase or used as charming decorations for gifts.

Required Materials

• Egg cartons
• White and green paint
• Green washi tape
• Wire
• Beads
• Hot glue gun
• Scissors
• Paintbrush

Instructions: How to Craft Snowdrops from Egg Cartons

Step 1: Cut the Bloom from the Egg Carton

Ensure egg cartons are clean and free of any egg residue before starting. Open the egg carton and use scissors to cut off the pointed tips that serve as dividers for the eggs. These will be used to create the snowdrop blooms.

Step 2: Shape the Bloom

Take the cut-off tip and make cuts approximately halfway up all four corners. Carefully round off the edges at the top of these cuts to form a rounded petal shape. If desired, the bloom can be painted white, or left in its natural carton color.

Step 3: Form the Stem with Wire and Tape

Create the stem using slightly thicker wire. Bend the top portion downwards to form the flower’s calyx. The wire should be about twelve centimeters long and wrapped with green tape. If green tape is unavailable, any solid-colored washi tape can be used and then painted green.

Step 4: Attach the Bloom to the Stem with a Bead

Paint a bead green before attaching it to the stem. Once dry, use hot glue to affix the bead to the bent-down section of the wire stem. Then, place the bloom onto the stem and secure it to the bead with hot glue.

Step 5: Create and Attach Leaves

Remove the sticker from the egg carton lid and cut out a rectangular piece. Paint this cardboard piece green and allow it to dry. Once dry, cut approximately one-centimeter wide strips for the leaves. Shape each leaf to taper to a point from the middle. Due to the thickness of the egg carton cardboard, a pencil can be used to gently roll the leaf lengthwise. Alternatively, thinner cardboard or paper straws can be used. Paper straws should be cut to the desired leaf length, halved, and then shaped to a point. Finally, attach two to three leaves to the stem using glue or hot glue to complete the artificial spring flowers.