From the page: The disposable cup deserves a second chance
Idea 6
Picnic spice shakers
Travelers and campers have always adapted everyday containers to carry the essentials, and multifunctional camping salt shakers inspired this homemade version. It works because the plastic cup is light, and each one becomes a sealed compartment with a screw or flip top, keeping salt, pepper, and herbs dry until it's time to use them.
What you need
- 3 or 4 rigid plastic cups of the same size
- Screw-on plastic lids (from small jars) or strong tape
- Craft knife or scissors
- Small holes made with a hot needle or nail
- Labels or a permanent marker
- Ribbon or cord (to bundle them)
How to make it
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1
Cut the cups at one-third of their height, keeping the bottom part as the little container; the shorter base sits more steadily on the picnic table.
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2
Make 3 or 4 small holes in the lid with the hot needle or nail — they're what measure out the seasoning when you tip the container.
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3
Fill each container with a dry seasoning — salt, black pepper, oregano — leaving a finger's width of space so the mix can move around.
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4
Close tightly with the screw-on lid, or fold the cup's rim and seal with strong tape, then flip it upside down to check it doesn't leak.
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5
Label each lid with the seasoning name, so you can find everything at a glance without opening one by one.
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6
Bundle the containers by tying them with cord or placing them inside a larger cup with the bottom cut off, which works as a holder.
Finishing touches
Pack one container with sugar and another with instant coffee for that afternoon coffee outdoors. If the day is humid, wrap the containers in a dish towel to protect the seasonings from moisture.
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