Learn how to make a DIY Pirate Treasure Chest Recycled Craft for kids. Strawberry season is here, so let’s upcycle that plastic container straight out of the recycle bin add some strips of brown butcher kraft paper, and create a Pirate Chest, perfect for all your treasures!
Looking for more projects like this? Check out our full list of Dollar Tree Crafts using traditional materials in unique and unconventional ways to create upscale home decor.
Pirate Treasure Chest for Kids Play
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Here's what you need to make a Pirate's Treasure Chest
- Recycled Strawberry Container – One Pound Size
- Brown Kraft Butcher Paper Roll – Dollar Tree
- DecoArt Americana Acrylic Craft Paint – Dark Chocolate
- DecoArt Dazzling Metallics – Glorious Gold
- Decou-Page Medium – DecoArt
- Basecoat Paintbrush Set – DecoArt
- Scissors – I love my Fiskars!
- Glue Gun & Glue Sticks – Dollar Tree
- Rhinestones, Black – Dollar Tree
- White Cardstock – Dollar Tree
- MONO Twin Permanent Marker, Black – Tombow
- Pencil
- Craft Knife
- Kitchen Sponge – Dollar Tree
Here's how to create a Recycled Treasure Chest
STEP ONE
To begin the Pirate Treasure Chest Recycled Craft, gather all supplies. Wash and dry the plastic strawberry container thoroughly. The labels do not need to be removed, since they will be covered.
STEP TWO
Tear large to small and long to short size strips of brown kraft paper. Wet the brown kraft paper strips using a damp kitchen sponge. Damp kraft paper strips will be more flexible and conform to the nooks and crannies of the strawberry container.
STEP THREE
Attach the kraft paper strips onto the outside of the lid of the strawberry container using Decou-Page medium and an old paintbrush. The damp paper will easily mold to the odd shape of the container.
Decoupage damp kraft paper strips to the outside of the base of the strawberry container with an old paintbrush. Get the kiddos involved and use your fingers to smooth out any bubbles. Set aside to dry completely. Water-based Decou-Page Medium from DecoArt is non-toxic, dries clear, and doesn't have a strong smell.
STEP FOUR
Basecoat the outside of the Treasure Chest with a messy coat of Dark Chocolate acrylic craft paint. Make sure that some areas have more paint, and some have less to create an aged effect. I love Americana Acrylics from DecoArt because they have one-coat coverage on most surfaces.
Apply Dark Chocolate acrylic craft paint to the inside of the Treasure Chest using a paintbrush. This will hide the labels since they were impossible to remove.
STEP FIVE
Paint two stripes around the Treasure Chest with Glorious Gold metallic craft paint. One on the left side and one on the right side. Don't worry about making the strips rough as this will lend to the age of the pirate's treasure chest. These will become the treasure chest straps.
STEP SIX
Once dry, embellish both gold stripes with self-adhesive black rhinestones. I like to use the tip of a craft knife to place the rhinestones in an accurate pattern.
STEP SEVEN
To finish, paint a scrap of white cardstock with Glorious Gold metallic craft paint. Once dry, draw a lock shape (half an oval) with a pencil and cut it out with scissors. Draw a keyhole (circle and triangle) with a pencil and ink it in with the MONO Twin permanent black marker. I love drawing and tracing with the MONO Twin Permanent Marker from Tombow because it has a large bullet tip and a small extra fine tip.
Attach the lock to the front of the treasure chest using a glue gun and glue sticks. You can use liquid craft glue for this project, but you will have to wait for it to dry.
Kids Play Pirate Treasure Chest
Perfect for a fun party craft for a Pirate themed birthday or an afternoon spent getting creative with the kiddos. This Pirate Treasure Chest is easy to make and even personalize with each kids’ name. Let your imagination run wild. The possibilities are endless!
More Pirate Crafts for Kids
Create a Recycled Gold Coins Pirate Craft with cardboard straight out of the bin, then add some glue and gold paint to create the most valued Pirate treasure to fill that chest.
Learn how to make a Recycled Compass Pirate Craft in about 30 minutes. Dollar Tree Pint Mason Jar Lids, some paint, and twine transform into an old world compass sure to get those Pirates home safe and sound!
Create a Recycled Pirate Hook Kids Craft in just about 30 minutes. Grab that cardboard straight out of the recycle bin, then add some aluminum foil to create the most dreaded accessory, a Pirate Hook!
Learn how to make a Recycled Telescope Pirate Craft in about 30 minutes. Grab that cardboard tube straight out of the recycle bin, then add a paper cup and some twine to create a Pirate Telescope perfect for spotting the buried treasure!
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Are you too busy to make this Pirate Treasure Chest Recycled Kids Craft right now? Pin it for later! I'd love for you to pin this project to your favorite craft board on Pinterest and then it’ll be waiting for you when you’re ready.
I'd love to hear what you think about this project, or if you want to know more about Recycled Crafts. If you've made your own Pirate projects, I would love to see your creations! Share them on Instagram, and Facebook, or leave a comment/photo on the project pin on Pinterest! #CreativelyBeth
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