With most banks, people get to save money. By making this one, people can save in more ways than one. Spend an afternoon crafting while doing something good for the planet. Getting started is easy, and in the end, there will be a handsome and personal bank .
Recycled Materials Go Into Making This Kid's Craft
- 1 large empty coffee can with a plastic lid
- 1 empty egg carton, preferably the cardboard kind
- 1 sheet of paper
- Non-toxic paint
- Safety scissors
- 1 paintbrush, about ½” in width
- Craft glue, Krazy© Glue, or other strong, high-quality glue
- 1 Chenille stem
These materials will be used to make the body and features of the piggy bank. Additional items include two wiggly eyes and a permanent marker, which are used to complete the pig’s facial features.
Before beginning a craft project, it is always a good idea tor children to cover the workspace with an old newspaper or cloth. This keeps the area secure and makes cleaning up go faster.
Steps to Making the Piggy Bank
- Using non-toxic paint and a brush, paint the entire outside of the coffee can (including the bottom) and set it aside to dry. Paint the lid in the same color and then let it dry too.
- Cut the top of the egg carton off and discard it. From the bottom, cut a piece that has 4 connected egg cups, as well as a separate single egg cup. These will become the feet and snout of the pig. If the color of the egg carton does not match the color of the pig’s body paint the sections now.
- Draw, trace and cut two triangles (about 1” on each side) from a piece of paper. These will become the two ears.
- Cut the Chenille stem (usually about 10-12”) in half. Wind this part around a pencil 2 or 3 times to make a coil. Remove from pencil and set aside.
Once all the painted pieces are dry, it is time to assemble the pig.
Finishing up the Bank Craft
First, take the 4-section egg cup and place it, open side down, on the work surface. Dot the top of the egg cups with glue. Center the coffee can (without the lid) on it. Next, glue the other egg cup, open side down, to the middle of the lid. Then glue on the paper triangles so they are attached to the edge of the lid and standing up on either side the snout.
Using a marker, add eyes and nose holes to the pig’s face. Or glue two wiggly eyes on instead of drawing them. Then, using a scissor or craft knife, make a small slit in the lid, underneath the snout. This is where to insert the money later.
Next, put a large dab of glue on the end of the chenille stem and attach it to the center of the back of the can, so the little pig has a nice curly tail. Later, put the lid back on the coffee can, making sure the face and snout are centered.
There are many creative options with this project. Have fun adding any personal details. Use a marker to draw a big “$” on the side of the piggy bank, add flower stickers, or write on the number figure that represents a savings goal.
Making this project shows effort to save the environment. Once the bank gets used, it starts saving again; this time saving money. Kids should add in any money earned by doing chores or from their allowance. Another savings tip is to have family members put the change from their shopping errands into the bank.
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