Lady saves her pizza box and starts crocheting around it. This recycling hack is genius

Crocheting is a versatile and therapeutic craft that allows you to transform simple materials into functional and beautiful items. By upcycling a pizza box lid, this DIY project offers an eco-friendly solution to creating a rustic outdoor serving tray. It combines the sturdiness of a cardboard base with the natural aesthetic of jute twine crochet, making it perfect for serving drinks or snacks in an outdoor setting.

This crochet outdoor serving tray is ideal for patio gatherings or picnics. Its earthy texture and natural jute color blend seamlessly with outdoor settings, enhancing any rustic or bohemian decor. Pair it with wooden or ceramic dishware for a cohesive look. The tray's neutral palette allows it to complement various color schemes, making it a versatile addition to your entertaining essentials.

Cardboard pizza box lid (approx. 12 inches in diameter)

Begin by cutting the pizza box lid to your desired tray size, ensuring it is a flat, circular shape.

Create a slip knot with the jute twine and attach it to the crochet hook.

Using single crochet (sc), crochet around the edge of the cardboard lid, piercing the cardboard as you go. Place one stitch every half inch to secure the twine to the cardboard.

Continue working in rounds. For the first round, single crochet (sc) into each stitch around, joining with a slip stitch (sl st) to the first stitch to close the round.

For subsequent rounds, start each with a chain 1 (ch 1), then single crochet (sc) into each stitch around, closing each round with a slip stitch (sl st).

Repeat this process for a total of 5 rounds to build up the sides of the tray. Use stitch markers to keep track of the start of each round.

Fasten off the twine and weave in any loose ends using the tapestry needle.

Optional: For added stability, you can cover the bottom of the tray by weaving the jute twine back and forth across the cardboard, securing it with single crochet stitches at the edges.

For a different look, consider using colored cotton yarn instead of jute twine to add a pop of color to the tray. You can also experiment with different stitch patterns, such as half double crochet (hdc) or double crochet (dc), to alter the tray's texture. Adjust the size of the tray by using a larger or smaller pizza box lid, and customize the height of the tray's edges by adding or reducing the number of crochet rounds.