I have seeds on my mind. I’ve been spending time pouring through seed catalogs and making purchases. And I’ve been sorting and organizing my seeds. As I’m cleaning up, I can’t part with the empty seed packets from last year.

Over the years, I’ve accumulated a stash of empty seed packets. I like to use them to make fun and inexpensive craft projects. And what better way to spend a chilly winter afternoon.

When I purchase my seeds for the year, I often look for interesting packet designs I can save and reuse. I will often make copies of the images so I have extras available. If you don’t have a stash of your own, you can find vintage seed packet images online.

There are so many fun ways you can use empty seed packets. Here are three ideas to get you started.

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3 Craft Ideas Using Empty Seed Packets…

Decoupaged Tin Cans

The first craft is to decorate simple tin cans with seed packet images. These cans are easy to make and have a lot of uses…

• Use them to give away small bouquets from your cutting garden
• Set a small potted plant inside large size cans
• Plant them with a little spring-time flower
• Corral your garden plant stakes or tools inside
• Use as a place setting or centerpiece for your Easter table
• Use them as a May Day gift container

Here are the steps to make these simple decoupaged tin cans.

Step 1:

Choose the size of can you need for the project. A 15/16 oz size can works well, but you could also use other sizes. Thoroughly clean out your can and allow it to dry.

Use the can as is or paint it. I used a leftover paint sample to coat mine white but you can also use craft paint. Spread on the paint with a foam brush or use spray paint. Give your can two coats, allowing it to dry in between.

Step 2:

Cut the front off your seed packet and trim to fit if needed. I used the whole seed packet front image. But you could also use just a portion of the packet such as the flower or herb image.

Step 3:

Spread a thin layer of Mod Podge on your tin can and place the seed packet image on top. Completely cover the seed packet with another layer of Mod Podge. Use your fingers to gently press down on the seed packet to make sure it sticks to the can. Carefully remove any bubbles that form by spreading them to the edges. Add additional Mod Podge as needed. Allow your can to dry.

Step 4:

Once dry, spray on a coating of clear sealer and allow to dry.

Step 5:

Your can is ready to fill with flowers, plants, or small gifts. But you can also add embellishments and a handle. For the handle, use a drill and place a small hole on each side. Use a piece of pipe cleaner or floral wire to form a handle. Tie on a ribbon or two to the handle. You can also glue on craft embellishments such as letters, flowers, and small sayings.

READ: Surprise Your Friends With A May Day Gift

Decorative Clipboards

I love clipboards. I use them for displaying my weekly To-Do list. But they also make a great way to display simple artwork, floral images and inspiring messages. Cover your clipboard with seed packets and use it as a garden organizing tool or as a garden shed decoration.

Step 1:

Choose a variety of seed packets and play around with the arrangement. Once you’ve decided, cut the front panel off your packets. You can cover the clipboard completely or just use a few seed packets.

Depending on how many seed packet images you’re using, you might also consider covering your board with decorative paper. I covered mine with a piece of decorative card stock before I attached the seed packets.

Step 2:

Tape off the clip portion of your clipboard before you begin attaching your seed packet images. Even if you don’t glue under the clip, you don’t want to accidentally get Mod Podge or sealer on it. Use painter’s tape or masking tape to cover the metal clip.

Step 3:

Spread a layer of Mod Podge onto the back of your seed packet images. Place your seed packets where you arranged them. Once the seed packets are in place spread a layer of Mod Podge over all the surface. Use your fingers to press out any air bubbles. Add additional Mod Podge where you’ve spread it too thin. Allow to dry.

Step 4:

Spray your clipboard with several layers of sealant to make sure that the surface isn’t tacky. Allow the clipboard to dry between layers.

Seed Packet Gift Containers

These little packets can make a sweet item to add to gift baskets, a decoration for your spring table, or another May Day option.

Larger size seed packets work better than small sizes. But any seed packet can hold a few treasures. If you need a larger container, you can also glue your seed packet front panel to a cookie-size treat bag or a small paper lunch bag.

Step 1:

Choose a seed packet where the top wasn’t damaged in opening. Trim off the folded edge and smooth out any torn places. Then decide if you want to add a handle and embellishments. For a handle, tape pipe cleaners to the inside or use thin floral wire and poke each end into the sides of the packet and bend the wire to hold in place. You can tie on a ribbon and glue on little bits of craft ephemera if desired.

Step 2:

Purchase a few small gifts to go into the seed packet. You’ll want small size and flat items. Here are a few examples…

• A tiny stuffed animal or toy
• Miniature candy bars
• Vintage craft items such as buttons on a card
• Dainty faux flowers
• Lollipops
• Stickers
• Decorative pencils
• Mini seasonal cookie cutters
• Personal items such as lip balm or mini lotion

The Dollar store, Craft store, and Target’s dollar center are great places to find miniature gifts.

Step 3:

Start by tucking in a small piece of tissue paper. Then layer a few gifts on top of the tissue. Add a gift tag if desired.

Suggestions for Where to Find Seed Packet Images…

If you haven’t saved any seed packets over the years there are some ways to get free images to use for these crafts. Here are a few places where you can find vintage images of flowers, seed packets, and seed catalogs.

• The Graphics Fairy offers free floral images
• The Smithsonian Libraries is a great resource for vintage images
• Picture Box Blue provided inspiration for one of my crafts and has free downloads available
• You can find free floral prints at Atta Girl Says
• Seed packets images are available at The Old Design Shop

If you’ve got a pile of empty seed packets then pull them out and get creative.

These are perfect crafts to help you get in the gardening mood. They’ll remind you that spring is right around the corner. And you’ll also end up with some great gift items for spring and May Day, as well as some decorations for your table or garden shed.

Happy seed packet crafting!