Old Egg Cartons Aren't Trash: This Clever DIY Upcycles One For Something Reusable

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An empty egg carton might not look like much once breakfast is over, but those little compartments have potential beyond the recycling bin. There are plenty of smart ways to use an empty egg carton, from organizing small supplies and starting seedlings to shaping something worth keeping on your kitchen counter. If you love kitchen accessories with a little vintage charm, an ordinary carton can serve as the mold for a reusable egg holder.

Made from oven-bake clay and decorated with patterned paper, the finished holder can be used over and over. This design, as demonstrated in a TikTok video by @shellychicboutique, would fit right into a cottage-inspired space if using gingham or a simple botanical pattern — choose something that coordinates with your dishes or make it the playful accent on an understated shelf. Using the packaging as a mold lets you transform old egg cartons into chic decor that you can personalize based on your style.

For this fun DIY, you'll need a dry egg carton, plastic wrap, oven-bake clay, a clay roller, tissue paper or patterned napkins, Mod Podge, a brush, scissors, and a food-safe glossy sealer or resin. Before planning to use it for real eggs in the refrigerator, check the clay and coating for their recommended use as not everything is food safe. For example, Sculpey does not recommend its clay or glazes for direct or indirect food contact.

Make sure your egg carton is dry and intact first, then line the section you want to use with plastic wrap, pressing it into the compartments. The size of the holder is up to you, so decide how many eggs (or other items) you'd like it to hold. Sizing the tray to fit your shelf turns this into a genius egg carton hack that will bring harmony to your cluttered fridge.

Roll the non-toxic oven-bake clay into an even sheet about ¼ inch thick and gently press it into the lined carton to form shallow egg-shaped cups. If you have any overhang, trim it away and carefully lift the clay out. It may seem obvious, but make sure neither the carton nor the plastic wrap goes into the oven. Place it on a baking sheet and follow the clay package's temperature and timing directions.

Once the holder has cooled, cut out the desired paper decorations from napkins or tissue paper, making sure to keep only the printed layer if using layered napkins. Brush on a thin coat of Mod Podge, lay the paper onto the clay, and gently smooth it into place. Smaller floral cutouts might be easier to arrange around the curves as opposed to one large sheet. Let the decoration dry fully before applying your glossy finish. If you ever need to clean this egg holder, do so by hand and avoid the dishwasher. You don't want your beautiful artwork to be literally washed away.