Unique Uses For Pasta Outside The Kitchen

Sure, pasta is first and foremost a food. But with all the cute shapes, textures, and colors, it almost seems a shame to stop there. Of course, clever people have found hundreds if not thousands of ways to use pasta in projects that don't involve eating. Along with those crafty little gifts we all know from grade school, there are other interesting things to do with pasta. Let's take a look at how pasta can entertain us as well as fill our tummies.

Décor

Pasta as decoration? Anyone who understands and appreciates the beauty of different shapes, sizes, and textures of pasta can see beyond the boiling pot of water. A very simple and classic way to display pasta is in glass containers. Choose three different pastas in shapes that appeal to you and put them each into separate decorative glass containers. Create a 'vignette' by grouping the containers on a windowsill or other area that will highlight their simple beauty.

For an earthy floral design, use two tall glass vases, one smaller than the other so it fits inside. Set the smaller vase inside the larger vase and pour dried pasta between the two vases so it shows behind the outer glass. Now fill the inner vase with water and insert a large bouquet of long, thin grasses or other wild weeds or flowers. This is perfect on a lunch or dinner buffet where rustic foods are being served. You can use the same technique for small votive candles to create an earthy table-scape.

Arts

Photographers and other artists have appreciated the intricacies of pasta for many years. Extreme closeup shots of pasta, blown up to larger-than-life sized proportions make stunning pictures. One large picture like this could be used as a focal point, or a smaller grouping of several varieties of pasta would also make a real decorative impact.

Pasta can also be used to form a 3D subject on canvas. With an artist's eye for design, the different pasta shapes and textures can become a mosaic of shadows and illusions. There are many media to choose from when artists want inspiration, and pasta should be considered just as viable as any.

Crafts

Creating skeletons using the different pasta shapes is a great Halloween craft, but it's also a fun way for kids to start exploring bone structure. But don't stop with the human body. Kids will also enjoy creating a pet for their Halloween skeleton. You can make an entire skeleton family for a very funny decoration.

With all the pasta shapes to consider, it's not hard to imagine them as building material. Perhaps your child is a city planner in training. Get out a large sheet of stiff cardboard, some small cardboard boxes, and some white glue. Then dump a variety of pasta in a pile and watch the city grow. Or maybe it will be a park, or a farm. Everything is right there just waiting for your child's imagination.

We all remember gold painted elbow macaroni covered pencil holders, tissue holders, or other little knick-knacks. We also may have a 'noodle necklace' tucked away in our keepsakes. The difference these days is the availability of so many more varieties of pasta to choose from. Bring home as many as you can find, then watch the creativity begin.

We appreciate pasta more today than ever. From the simple strand of spaghetti to elbow macaroni, now we have progressed to shapes and textures and colors that boggle the mind. Why limit all that beauty to the kitchen? Explore the possibilities and find some unique uses for pasta in your own home.