Sustainable DIY Flower Foraging Project: Cardboard Crafts Inspired by Nature
Create beautiful flower-inspired décor with this simple summer DIY
DIY PROJECTS
Jeanette Gijon | June 16, 2026
6 min read
Sustainable DIY Flower Foraging Project: Cardboard Crafts Inspired by Nature
Create beautiful flower-inspired décor with this simple summer DIY
DIY PROJECTS
Jeanette Gijon | June 16, 2026
6 min read
Sustainable DIY Flower Foraging Project: Cardboard Crafts Inspired by Nature
Create beautiful flower-inspired décor with this simple summer DIY
DIY PROJECTS
Jeanette Gijon | June 16, 2026
6 min read
It’s the Little Things
There’s a reason the age-old adage, “Stop and smell the roses,” has remained; it’s the reminder we all need to slow down, take a break, and savor the simplicities of life. This summer, we’re taking that sentiment a step further with a colorful flower-foraging-project that repurposes cardboard and gives it new life. Spend an afternoon learning about responsible foraging, embracing a more sustainable way of living, and appreciating beauty all around you.
For this DIY project, you’ll create a cardboard vase to display beautiful, handpicked flowers. It’s a fresh way to showcase vibrant blooms around your home while spending time outdoors and reconnecting with nature. In the words of Robin Wall Kimmerer, author of Braiding Sweetgrass, “Quiet your mind and observe the world, and you will discover the magic that surrounds you.” Sometimes, it’s the little things that bring the most joy.
Sustainable DIY Flower Foraging Project: Cardboard Crafts Inspired by Nature
Create beautiful flower-inspired décor with this simple summer DIY
DIY PROJECTS
Jeanette Gijon | June 16, 2026
6 min read
It’s the Little Things
There’s a reason the age-old adage, “Stop and smell the roses,” has remained; it’s the reminder we all need to slow down, take a break, and savor the simplicities of life. This summer, we’re taking that sentiment a step further with a colorful flower-foraging-project that repurposes cardboard and gives it new life. Spend an afternoon learning about responsible foraging, embracing a more sustainable way of living, and appreciating beauty all around you.
For this DIY project, you’ll create a cardboard vase to display beautiful, handpicked flowers. It’s a fresh way to showcase vibrant blooms around your home while spending time outdoors and reconnecting with nature. In the words of Robin Wall Kimmerer, author of Braiding Sweetgrass, “Quiet your mind and observe the world, and you will discover the magic that surrounds you.” Sometimes, it’s the little things that bring the most joy.
Foraging Responsibly
Before you frolic into the nearest yard or field in search of flowers, take a moment to brush up on responsible foraging practices. Sourcing native wildflowers is a fun way to connect with nature, but it’s important to do so thoughtfully.
Search for flowers high and low in local parks, hiking trails, nature preserves, or community gardens (just be sure not to pick from gardeners’ private plots). Always respect private property boundaries by obtaining permission before foraging on someone else’s land—although tempting, not all beautiful flowers are yours for the taking. Be sure to research any local regulations beforehand, as some parks and preserves might have restrictions on plant collection.
When gathering flowers, harvest only what you need, and avoid taking more than 25% of any plant population. Spread your picking across different areas rather than collecting from a single spot, and leave mature plants behind so they can continue producing seeds and supporting local ecosystems.
A few additional tips:
• Use clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors to minimize damage to plants.
• Learn proper cutting techniques for the plants you're harvesting.
• Give back to the ecosystem and scatter native plant seeds in appropriate areas to support population growth (if you’re a California native, check out Calscape; if you’re anywhere else in the U.S., check out Extension Master Gardener for more information on native plants).
• Consider volunteering for local habitat restoration projects (like with our friends over at the SAMO Fund) or joining urban gardening initiatives that promote biodiversity in your community.
Foraging Responsibly
Before you frolic into the nearest yard or field in search of flowers, take a moment to brush up on responsible foraging practices. Sourcing native wildflowers is a fun way to connect with nature, but it’s important to do so thoughtfully.
Search for flowers high and low in local parks, hiking trails, nature preserves, or community gardens (just be sure not to pick from gardeners’ private plots). Always respect private property boundaries by obtaining permission before foraging on someone else’s land—although tempting, not all beautiful flowers are yours for the taking. Be sure to research any local regulations beforehand, as some parks and preserves might have restrictions on plant collection.
Before you frolic into the nearest yard or field in search of flowers, take a moment to brush up on responsible foraging practices. Sourcing native wildflowers is a fun way to connect with nature, but it’s important to do so thoughtfully.
Search for flowers high and low in local parks, hiking trails, nature preserves, or community gardens (just be sure not to pick from gardeners’ private plots). Always respect private property boundaries by obtaining permission before foraging on someone else’s land—although tempting, not all beautiful flowers are yours for the taking. Be sure to research any local regulations beforehand, as some parks and preserves might have restrictions on plant collection.
When gathering flowers, harvest only what you need, and avoid taking more than 25% of any plant population. Spread your picking across different areas rather than collecting from a single spot, and leave mature plants behind so they can continue producing seeds and supporting local ecosystems.
A few additional tips:
• Use clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors to minimize damage to plants.
• Learn proper cutting techniques for the plants you're harvesting.
• Give back to the ecosystem and scatter native plant seeds in appropriate areas to support population growth (if you’re a California native, check out Calscape; if you’re anywhere else in the U.S., check out Extension Master Gardener for more information on native plants).
• Consider volunteering for local habitat restoration projects (like with our friends over at the SAMO Fund) or joining urban gardening initiatives that promote biodiversity in your community.
Cardboard Vase
What You'll Need:
• Scissors or a craft knife
• Pen, pencil, or marker
• Optional: Paint and color markers for decorating
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Sketch: Sketch your ideal vase shape (browse online for inspiration or create your own unique design). Mark small circles above the vase where the flower stems will be inserted.
2. Cut: Use scissors or a craft knife to cut out the circles for the flower stems, or use a pencil to carefully poke holes through the cardboard. 3. Decorate: Use paint and markers to personalize your vase.
Cardboard Vase
What You'll Need:
• Scissors or a craft knife
• Pen, pencil, or marker
• Optional: Paint and color markers for decorating
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Sketch: Sketch your ideal vase shape (browse online for inspiration or create your own unique design). Mark small circles above the vase where the flower stems will be inserted.
2. Cut: Use scissors or a craft knife to cut out the circles for the flower stems, or use a pencil to carefully poke holes through the cardboard.
3. Decorate: Use paint and markers to personalize your vase.
When gathering flowers, harvest only what you need, and avoid taking more than 25% of any plant population. Spread your picking across different areas rather than collecting from a single spot, and leave mature plants behind so they can continue producing seeds and supporting local ecosystems.
A few additional tips:
• Use clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors to minimize damage to plants.
• Learn proper cutting techniques for the plants you're harvesting.
• Give back to the ecosystem and scatter native plant seeds in appropriate areas to support population growth (if you’re a California native, check out Calscape; if you’re anywhere else in the U.S., check out Extension Master Gardener for more information on native plants).
• Consider volunteering for local habitat restoration projects (like with our friends over at the SAMO Fund) or joining urban gardening initiatives that promote biodiversity in your community.
Cardboard Vase
What You'll Need:
• Scissors or a craft knife
• Pen, pencil, or marker
• Optional: Paint and color markers for decorating
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Sketch: Sketch your ideal vase shape (browse online for inspiration or create your own unique design). Mark small circles above the vase where the flower stems will be inserted.
2. Cut: Use scissors or a craft knife to cut out the circles for the flower stems, or use a pencil to carefully poke holes through the cardboard.
3. Decorate: Use paint and markers to personalize your vase.
In Full Bloom
It’s time to get your flowers in order. You’ll need a pair of scissors, your one-of-a-kind cardboard vase, and a basket, tote, or container to hold your flowers while you’re foraging (we’re using the smallest size of our 3-piece set). Remember to cut only what you need. Then, get assembling! Insert the flower stems into the small circles you cut out. Trim the flower stems as needed so the blooms sit evenly within your design. Sit back and admire your beautiful, handpicked bouquet.
Take the fun to the next level by making cardboard flower cutouts and cardboard flower glasses. You’ll need a large piece of cardboard for each; we’re using the single cardboard layout box from our shoe rack, which makes it easier to cut out shapes. For the flower face-framing cutout, sketch a large, multi-petaled flower on the cardboard. Draw a circle in the center large enough to comfortably frame your face. Cut out the petals with scissors and the center with a craft knife. Refer to the stencil for more in-depth instructions on the flower glasses. Paint each and allow them to dry completely before wearing them.
Give Back to Nature
One of the best parts of this project is that it celebrates nature from start to finish. When you’re ready to part with your creations, the flowers and cardboard can be returned to the earth through composting. We hope you enjoy this DIY project and take a moment to slow down. These small moments ground us and remind us of life's simple joys. Here are wise words from our botanist friend Kimmerer to hold on to: “The lessons from plants encourage us to slow down, pay attention, and appreciate the intricate web of life”.
Beautiful décor doesn’t need to be store-bought or last forever to bring joy into your life. Show us your creations on social media by tagging us @sevilleclassicsofficial. We can't wait to see what blooms from your imagination. Happy foraging!
In Full Bloom
It’s time to get your flowers in order. You’ll need a pair of scissors, your one-of-a-kind cardboard vase, and a basket, tote, or container to hold your flowers while you’re foraging (we’re using the smallest size of our 3-piece set). Remember to cut only what you need. Then, get assembling! Insert the flower stems into the small circles you cut out. Trim the flower stems as needed so the blooms sit evenly within your design. Sit back and admire your beautiful, handpicked bouquet.
Take the fun to the next level by making cardboard flower cutouts and cardboard flower glasses. You’ll need a large piece of cardboard for each; we’re using the single cardboard layout box from our shoe rack, which makes it easier to cut out shapes. For the flower face-framing cutout, sketch a large, multi-petaled flower on the cardboard. Draw a circle in the center large enough to comfortably frame your face. Cut out the petals with scissors and the center with a craft knife. Refer to the stencil for more in-depth instructions on the flower glasses. Paint each and allow them to dry completely before wearing them.
In Full Bloom
If this adorable elf placing a cardboard star on a cardboard tree isn’t convincing enough, here are a few more reasons to inspire you:
·Sustainable & Resourceful: Easily upcycle packaging from gifts or deliveries; brighten your space with materials you already have.
· Creative & Personal: Handmade décor adds sentimental value and gives the season a deeper, warmer feeling.
· Budget-Friendly: When you use what you have, beautiful decorations come with no added cost.
· Quality Family Time: Crafting is a fun, engaging activity for all ages. It’s the best way to get everyone gathered around the table.
Cardboard Vase
What You'll Need:
• Scissors or a craft knife
• Pen, pencil, or marker
• Optional: Paint and color markers for decorating
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Sketch: Sketch your ideal vase shape (browse online for inspiration or create your own unique design). Mark small circles above the vase where the flower stems will be inserted.
2. Cut: Use scissors or a craft knife to cut out the circles for the flower stems, or use a pencil to carefully poke holes through the cardboard.
3. Decorate: Use paint and markers to personalize your vase.
In Full Bloom
It’s time to get your flowers in order. You’ll need a pair of scissors, your one-of-a-kind cardboard vase, and a basket, tote, or container to hold your flowers while you’re foraging (we’re using the smallest size of our 3-piece set). Remember to cut only what you need. Then, get assembling! Insert the flower stems into the small circles you cut out. Trim the flower stems as needed so the blooms sit evenly within your design. Sit back and admire your beautiful, handpicked bouquet.
Take the fun to the next level by making cardboard flower cutouts and cardboard flower glasses. You’ll need a large piece of cardboard for each; we’re using the single cardboard layout box from our shoe rack, which makes it easier to cut out shapes. For the flower face-framing cutout, sketch a large, multi-petaled flower on the cardboard. Draw a circle in the center large enough to comfortably frame your face. Cut out the petals with scissors and the center with a craft knife. Refer to the stencil for more in-depth instructions on the flower glasses. Paint each and allow them to dry completely before wearing them.
What You’ll Need
1. A large cardboard box (packaging boxes of our UltraHD® Height Adjustable Workbench, UltraHD® 11-Drawer Rolling Workbench, and UltraHD® Storage Cabinet are the perfect size for this project)
2. Pencil or black marker
3. Scissors or a craft knife (adult supervision recommended for Santa’s littlest helpers)
4. Tape
5. Ruler
6. Optional: Paint, color markers, or craft paper for decorating (bonus points for using scrap materials around the house)
It’s time to get your flowers in order. You’ll need a pair of scissors, your one-of-a-kind cardboard vase, and a basket, tote, or container to hold your flowers while you’re foraging (we’re using the smallest size of our 3-piece set). Remember to cut only what you need. Then, get assembling! Insert the flower stems into the small circles you cut out. Trim the flower stems as needed so the blooms sit evenly within your design. Sit back and admire your beautiful, handpicked bouquet.
Take the fun to the next level by making cardboard flower cutouts and cardboard flower glasses. You’ll need a large piece of cardboard for each; we’re using the single cardboard layout box from our shoe rack, which makes it easier to cut out shapes. For the flower face-framing cutout, sketch a large, multi-petaled flower on the cardboard. Draw a circle in the center large enough to comfortably frame your face. Cut out the petals with scissors and the center with a craft knife. Refer to the stencil for more in-depth instructions on the flower glasses. Paint each and allow them to dry completely before wearing them.
Give Back to Nature
One of the best parts of this project is that it celebrates nature from start to finish. When you’re ready to part with your creations, the flowers and cardboard can be returned to the earth through composting. We hope you enjoy this DIY project and take a moment to slow down. These small moments ground us and remind us of life's simple joys. Here are wise words from our botanist friend Kimmerer to hold on to: “The lessons from plants encourage us to slow down, pay attention, and appreciate the intricate web of life”.
Beautiful décor doesn’t need to be store-bought or last forever to bring joy into your life. Show us your creations on social media by tagging us @sevilleclassicsofficial. We can't wait to see what blooms from your imagination. Happy foraging!
One of the best parts of this project is that it celebrates nature from start to finish. When you’re ready to part with your creations, the flowers and cardboard can be returned to the earth through composting. We hope you enjoy this DIY project and take a moment to slow down. These small moments ground us and remind us of life's simple joys. Here are wise words from our botanist friend Kimmerer to hold on to: “The lessons from plants encourage us to slow down, pay attention, and appreciate the intricate web of life”.
Beautiful décor doesn’t need to be store-bought or last forever to bring joy into your life. Show us your creations on social media by tagging us @sevilleclassicsofficial. We can't wait to see what blooms from your imagination. Happy foraging!
Give Back to Nature
One of the best parts of this project is that it celebrates nature from start to finish. When you’re ready to part with your creations, the flowers and cardboard can be returned to the earth through composting. We hope you enjoy this DIY project and take a moment to slow down. These small moments ground us and remind us of life's simple joys. Here are wise words from our botanist friend Kimmerer to hold on to: “The lessons from plants encourage us to slow down, pay attention, and appreciate the intricate web of life”.
Beautiful décor doesn’t need to be store-bought or last forever to bring joy into your life. Show us your creations on social media by tagging us @sevilleclassicsofficial. We can't wait to see what blooms from your imagination. Happy foraging!
Written by Jeanette Gijon
Jeanette Gijon is the copywriter at Seville Classics. With a degree in Literature and Creative Writing and eight years of experience in content marketing, she blends research-driven insight with creative storytelling to inspire readers to live more mindfully. When she's not writing, she's likely exploring nature or reading through her ever-growing TBR pile.
Written by Jeanette Gijon
Jeanette Gijon is the copywriter at Seville Classics. With a degree in Literature and Creative Writing and eight years of experience in content marketing, she blends research-driven insight with creative storytelling to inspire readers to live more mindfully. When she's not writing, she's likely exploring nature or reading through her ever-growing TBR pile.
Written by Jeanette Gijon
Jeanette Gijon is the copywriter at Seville Classics. With a degree in Literature and Creative Writing and eight years of experience in content marketing, she blends research-driven insight with creative storytelling to inspire readers to live more mindfully. When she's not writing, she's likely exploring nature or reading through her ever-growing TBR pile.
Written by
Jeanette Gijon
Jeanette Gijon is the copywriter at Seville Classics. With a degree in Literature and Creative Writing and eight years of experience in content marketing, she blends research-driven insight with creative storytelling to inspire readers to live more mindfully. When she's not writing, she's likely exploring nature or reading through her ever-growing TBR pile.