You can use your piggy bank for a variety of purposes, such as keeping a savings account, accepting donations or raising funds for special occasions, keeping spare change at home, etc. Making a piggy bank is a relatively simple and quick project that can also make a great craft project for kids.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using Plastic Food Containers
Step 1. Find a plastic food container with a lid that fits you
For certain purposes, use a container that is large enough and sturdy that also has a plastic lid, such as a peanut can.
- Empty the contents of the container.
- Wash and dry the inside of the container.
Step 2. Remove the lid of the container and lay it upside down on a cutting mat
Make sure the lid of the container lies flat on the cutting mat for stability.
Find the largest coin you have (eg five hundred silver coins). Using the coin as a guide, draw an outline for the hole with a regular marker or permanent marker
Step 3. Cut a hole in the lid
Using the lines you drew, cut holes to insert coins using a craft knife.
- Be careful when using a craft knife, as they are quite sharp.
- If kids are doing this project, do this step for them.
Step 4. Test the coin hole
Using the same coin, test the coin hole you cut in the lid to make sure the hole is big enough.
If the hole is too small, use a knife carefully to cut the edge of the hole until it is the right size
Step 5. Measure the container
Using a string or flexible measuring tape, measure the container so you can wrap it in the correct size of paper or cloth.
- Measure the circumference of the container, write down your measurements, and then add a centimeter or two to allow them to overlap.
- Measure the height of the container and write down the measurement results.
Step 6. Choose the paper or cloth you will use to wrap the container
This is what will turn a can from a boring food container into an attractive personal piggy bank.
- Choose or cut a piece of paper or cloth large enough to cover the entire surface of the container.
- Place the paper or cloth upside down on the cutting mat.
Step 7. Draw the dimensions of the container
Using the height and perimeter measurements you've written, use a ruler to draw equal-sized rectangles.
Use the perimeter (including an extra centimeter or two) as the width of the rectangle
Step 8. Cut out the rectangle
After drawing the rectangle, cut the paper or fabric according to the guide lines.
Once the rectangle is cut, wrap it around the container to make sure it fits. If it's too big, cut it to fit. If it's too small, start over with new paper or cloth
Step 9. Add any text or image decorations that you want to include
Before attaching paper or cloth to the container, lay it out with the outside up, and then write or draw on the decorations you want to use.
It's significantly easier to perform this step when the paper or cloth is lying flat than when it's already stuck to the container
Step 10. Wrap paper or cloth around the container and secure it
When you have finished adding the desired text or image decorations, turn the paper or fabric over.
- Apply a thin layer of glue over the entire back.
- Gently and carefully wrap the paper or cloth around the container, smoothing it out with your hands as you do this.
- Paper or cloth should ideally overlap, but if it doesn't and a small part of the surface of the container is visible, cover it with ribbon, a piece of colored paper, or other decoration.
Step 11. Add any other decorations you want
Once the paper or fabric is attached, add any other decorations you may want.
At this stage, you can add decorations like buttons, ribbons, jewelry, etc. Use hot glue for heavy decorations as regular glue won't work
Step 12. Place the lid on the container
Finally, attach the lid with the coin hole to the container.
When the glue dries, your piggy bank is ready to go
Method 2 of 3: Using Shoebox
Step 1. Draw a coin hole
Remove the shoebox lid, and using your largest coin (for example, a five hundred silver coin, a thousand silver coin, etc.) as a guide, draw a rectangular coin hole wide enough to fit.
You can draw a coin hole on one side of the box lid or one of the long sides of the box, depending on your preference
Step 2. Cut a coin hole
Using a craft knife (scissors will fray the edges of the hole), cut a rectangle to make a coin hole.
If a child is doing this project, an adult must do this step
Step 3. Measure the dimensions of the box
You will use these measurements to cut the paper or fabric to fit the squares.
- Use a ruler to measure the height, width, and length of the shoebox on the four sides and the lid. Write down the results of these measurements.
- Use a ruler to measure the length and width of the top of the box lid. Measure the height of the upper lip and add to the length and width measurements. Write down the results of these measurements.
Step 4. Cut the paper or fabric
Place the paper or cloth upside down on a flat surface. Using a ruler, draw the dimensions of each of the four sides and lids.
Cut out each shape. If necessary, you can name the individual sections and sections of the box accordingly to avoid confusion
Step 5. Cut a coin hole in the cloth or paper
After you have glued the paper or cloth over the lid, flip the lid over and place it on a flat surface.
- Use a craft knife to cut out the paper along with the coin holes in the lid of the box.
- If children do this craft, adults should do this step.
Step 6. Decorate the paper
Start decorating the sheet of paper you will use to cover the box before gluing the paper.
- Add the desired image or text.
- Attach any desired decorations such as ribbons, buttons, hangers, etc. If the coin hole looks ragged, wrap it with ribbon to disguise the grainy finish.
- Wait for the glue to dry so the decorations stick in place before continuing.
Step 7. Glue the paper or cloth
Grease the back side of each piece with a thin layer of glue.
- Press it over the appropriate part of the box.
- When attaching paper or cloth to the lid of the box, use the extra side that is glued to the side of the lid of the box.
- Wait for the glue to dry. Replace the lid and start using your piggy bank!
Method 3 of 3: Using Gift Boxes to Make Wedding Boxes
Step 1. Choose the gift box you will use
Gift boxes are a slightly better choice as piggy bank material and are ideal for wedding boxes, boxes where guests can put their checks, money, cards, etc. at the wedding reception. This particular design mimics the look of a tiered wedding cake or pile of gifts.
- Choose three gift boxes (or as many as you like). The box you choose can be square or round, depending on your preferences or the theme of the wedding.
- The size of the box should be from large to small, to create a stack shape.
Step 2. Cut a hole in one of the two sides or lid of the top or center of the box
You can choose the box as you like, the top box will be easier for people to see, while the middle box should be bigger.
- The placement of the holes will depend on how you decorate the box and what you find pleasing to the eye.
- Use a ruler and marker to draw a rectangle either on the lid or side of the top box or on the center side of the box. The rectangle should be narrow but long and wide enough to accommodate a long envelope.
- Cut the rectangle neatly. Use a craft knife to cut out a rectangular shape as an envelope hole. Craft knives are easier to use than scissors, because scissors cause ragged edges of the hole.
Step 3. Measure the dimensions of the box
Use a ruler to measure the length, width or side of each gift box.
Write down the results of the dimensions of each
Step 4. Cut decorative paper or fabric to cover the sides of the box
Using the measurement results as a reference, place the paper or cloth upside down on a flat surface.
Draw dimension measurement lines on each side of each square on paper or cloth. If necessary, name each image so you know which grid it belongs to
Step 5. Glue the cloth or paper to the surface of the box
Apply a thin layer of glue to the back of the strip of paper or cloth and attach it to the appropriate area of the box.
When the glue has dried, cut the paper or cloth covering the envelope opening with a craft knife. If the edges of the holes are ragged, cover them with tape
Step 6. Decorate the wedding box
Use any ribbon, lace, valance etc. you want as the final decorative touch on the box.
Add a message under the money hole, say something simple, like "Thank you" or "Kaitlin and Rob, 2015."
Step 7. Arrange the stacks of cash boxes
Place the largest box at the bottom, then place the smaller box on top, then place the smallest box at the top.
- Secure with glue.
- Optionally, you can add a wide, quality ribbon around the entire pile, ending with a large ribbon on top of the box to make it resemble a gift pile.
- Place your wedding box on the reception table. Guests can insert the prize money discreetly into the cash box through the hole.
