Creative Trash: Coffee Grounds

Make Coffee Ground "Fossils"!

What You'll Need:

1 cup of used coffee grounds
1/2 cup of cold coffee
1 cup of flour
1/2 cup of salt
wax paper
mixing bowl
small objects (to make impressions, ex - cookie cutters or lids)
empty can, glass, or butter knife
straw (optional)
string (optional)

Instructions:

Stir together the first four ingredients until well mixed.
Knead dough, then flatten on waxed paper
Use the empty glass or can to cut circles OR you can cut slabs using your butter knife
Press the objects (cookie cutters, toys, etc) firmly into the dough to make "fossils." If you would like to hang your "fossil," use a toothpick or straw to poke a hole.
Let the fossil dry overnight (up to 2 days) or bake for a short period of time to harden dough (and then let it dry the rest of the way).

Other Fun Things To Do With Coffee Grounds:

Deodorizer - If you have smells in the refrigerator or freezer, dry your coffee grounds in the oven on a cookie sheet and then put them in a bowl in the refrigerator. Or, you can fill an old stocking/pantyhose with dried grounds and tie the end with a string to hang in your closet (not touching your clothes).
Compost them or sprinkle around your acid-loving plants for plant "food."
Deter ants - sprinkle coffee grounds to deter ants or on a hill, where they will eat them and later, die.
Dye - coffee grounds make a rich brown dye - which can be used on canvas, cloth, paper, etc.
Disguise furniture scratches by using coffee grounds (wet)
Use as an abrasive when cleaning (tough grease on dishes, counter tops, etc.)
Kitty repellent - sprinkle with orange peels around plants to help keep kitties out of the garden
Flea dip - Shampoo your cat or dog as usual, followed immediately (while they're still wet) with wet coffee grounds, rubbed into their fur. Then, rinse.
Hair darkener - Brunettes can rinse their hair with coffee to add extra luster and color.
Skin care - Use as a "mask" or for "skin dermabrasion."
Cooking - add leftover coffee (or FRESH grounds) to cakes and cookies. Some even like it as a meat tenderizer.
Faux Beard - If you need a quick costume, use a little honey and some coffee grounds (dried) to make a beard.
Fishing - Keep bait worms alive by mixing coffee grounds into the soil before you add worms.
Make Treasure Stones - Mix 1 cup flour, 1 cup used coffee grinds, 1/2 cup salt. Slowly add 1 cup of water to make a stiff dough (pour slowly, you may not need all of the water). Knead on a floured surface until fairly smooth and break the dough into desired rock sizes. Hide small toys in the center and let it air dry 3-4 days. Once it's dry it'll look like a rock and can be broken open to reveal a "surprise!"