Learn how to upcycle a drink holder into a fun and spooky party accessory using the Cricut Rock Princess cartridge. This DIY project is perfect for kids’ sleepovers or parties and gives new life to an everyday item.

Upcycled Drink Holder Makeover
This started as a drink holder that, just yesterday, carried two milkshakes for two of my kids. I thought it was too cute to toss since it only held two cups. I decided it was perfect for a DIY makeover. When Super Daughter asked to have a sleepover with Super Niece, I knew exactly what to do—I’d create a “Monster” drink holder for their girls’ night!

Supplies I Used
Here’s everything I used for this project:
- Old Cricut cutting mat for cutting support
- Cricut Rock Princess Cartridge (for the skull and monster images)
- Stampin’ Up paper and Coredinations paper
- ATG adhesive tape gun
- Exacto knife (so much better than kitchen scissors!)

Step-by-Step Cricut Rock Princess Drink Holder Makeover
1. Disassemble the Drink Holder
I started by taking apart the drink holder from the bottom.



2. Cut and Glue the Paper
I used my ATG adhesive tape gun to cover the holder with decorative paper. This step made a huge difference in turning it from trash to treasure!

3. Use Precision Tools
Eventually, I switched to an Exacto knife for precision cutting (stubborn me finally gave in). It made trimming and detail work so much easier! By the way, I used the back of an old Cricut mat for cutting—probably not what it’s meant for, but it worked!

4. Embrace Imperfection
Not every project has to be perfect! If I waited for perfection, I’d never finish anything!

5. Cricut Portrait Function
I used the Portrait function on my Cricut Expression. This allows cuts to go left-to-right instead of up-and-down. It was the perfect way to maximize what I had left of my Coredinations paper.

6. Rock Princess Cartridge Images
All the fun images you see (like the skull and stars) come from the Cricut Rock Princess cartridge.
What do I love more than coordinating double sided paper? (Well, my family and lots of things, but right after all that…is coordinating double sided paper.) It makes crafting SOOOO much easier! You cut things out, flip the paper for some variety and … look! You’re a coordinating genius! Double sided paper makes us all look good!

The Finished Monster Drink Holder
Woo hoo! All done and ready to party! I’m so happy with how this upcycled drink holder turned out. It’s colorful, fun, and just right for a caffeinated sleepover.

Side and Back Views
Side One View: Every angle has a little fun detail.

Side Two View: Here’s how it looks from the other side.
Tips for Decorating Your Drink Holder
One of the best parts of this project is that you can completely customize it! Use coordinating double-sided paper to add variety. You can flip the paper to create layers without having to buy multiple designs. I also recommend experimenting with different Cricut cartridges or SVG files to match any party theme. Add extra embellishments like ribbon, glitter, or washi tape to give your upcycled drink holder a polished look. This is an easy, budget-friendly craft that makes your party setup stand out.
Is your Rock Princess Skull drink holder for Halloween? You might like these Halloween posts too!
Why I Love Upcycling
Upcycling is such a great way to give a second life to things that would otherwise end up in the trash. This drink holder project is just one example.
Want to see another upcycle project? I turned a Kleenex hand towel box into a car wash! Click HERE to see it.


Another cute idea Joy. You are so clever!
What a fab creation, you’re soooo clever.
Another great idea from Super Joy!!!!!!!!!!
This would make a cute coffee gift with a Starbucks card for a teacher or whoever. I LOVE the coffee mug on Designer’s Calendar.
Great idea! Where do you get stampin up materials?
SO COOL! That would make an awesome gift box, like for soap and stuff!!! Thanks for the great ideas!
Love this!!!! You’re not helping me be good and not buy that cartridge 🙂 LOL!
This is cute! I see many ways this can be used. Very fun 🙂
Very cute.
Love love love! I so want that cart! This is a great idea!
What a super idea! I am always looking at those drink holders and thinking…I should do something with these…
Great inspiration! Thank you!
-Tanya
thomfam at inreach dot com
So cute – thanks for sharing! I’ll have to remember to save my cup holder the next time we order lattes while traveling!
Jen
Your so fun!! And a great MOM. Cute idea and I will remember this one …thank you! Cindy
Cute!! You are so creative!
I have some teens that would LOVE this idea. Thanks for the inspiration. papermemories4u at yahoo dot com
What a great way to recycle at the same time!!!
This is ROCK’N Joy – I love it! I take the 4 packs of Starbucks drinks and do this same thing – I wash out the glass bottles, remove the labels and then fill them with goodies, I also makeover the carrying case – it is so fun!
Deanne G
[email protected]
I LOVE this idea! There are so many variations! Thanks for the idea, it’s perfect!!! 🙂
Very cool! I really want that Rock Princess cart!
Very cute drink holder. I just got the Rock Princess cart. but have not had a chance to use it yet. Drink holders are hard to come by these days. The car was is too cute, very creative. tfs
Wow it looks so much better lol, this would make a great gift idea too, perfect for your daughter’s sleepover.
Kim xXx
Absolutely love this especially since I just ordered this cartridge and waiting for it to arrive!! Krystal ??? They still have them where you live!!! (and you actually eat there !! LOL!!) Another great project!!!
You are so creative!!!
I really love this it is so cute
Thanks,
Teri
[email protected]
Super Joy, I super-love this project! I hate to throw out a perfectly good “thing” if you can do something with it. This is just so crafty. It could even be regifted over and over! Love it! Thanks so much.
Great upcycling idea!! Where did that drink holder come from? I’ve never seen one before? (I hope you didn’t have this info in your post…I didn’t see it!)
Oh, I bought spiders for my soap dispenser today…whoo hoo…can’t wait to scare my kids!! 🙂
~Sharon C.
As much as I don’t like to admit it but my kids love monster drinks. How cool to make for Halloween. And I just ordered Rock Princess. Can’t wait to make it. You Rock like the Princess cart.!!!!!!!!!!!
Love to make old things new. Great job!
You have the BEST ideas!! I love this and it will be super cute at Christmas with a small loaf of bread on one side and a jar of homemade salsa on the other! I can think of a bunch of gift ideas for this! Thanks so much
Tammy
VERY cute! Love it!
You Have the best ideas Joy!!!!! I love love love your blog
Okay, #1 send me some Krystal burgers – haven’t seen one in years!
#2 I made a car wash for my kids with your tutorial (tho’ we made it a train washer).
#3 I’ll certainly stop by tomorrow!
M…
oh wow joy so cute! I’m going to make a pictur e frame out of cardboard box and use one of the foams you sent!
that is super cute and your daughter will really enjoy bringing that to the sleepover!
Love your beverage holder Joy! You don’t do Monster drinks….but I know you do Margaritas! I knew we should be neigbhors!
Can’t wait to see the Random Acts of kindness post and Joy’s Super friend day! Yippee!
You have got to be the coolest mom! Love this drink holder, can’t wait to find one I can upcycle! I need this cart too!
You are so creative! Looking forward to tomorrow’s blog hop and Super Friend day! Thanks for all you do!
Interesting idea!
Joy!! You ROCK Girlfriend!! I love your projects and have really enjoyed your stamp set! You are so funny and such an inspiration! What a treat!
Big Hugs!
Lisa
will try to be there. you crack me up. i needed a little laugh today. thanks for sharing with us joy.
hi come by and join my card challenge on my contest page
http://turnedgypsy.blogspot.com
I LOVE IT!!! I love the cart you use, I love the whole Idea of recycling!!! This turned out Fabulous!!! You so Rocked this project. Great Job Joy! Thank you so much for sharing.
What a cute idea! I usually ask them not to give these to me (unless I really need to carry the drinks) because I hate tossing them out! Thanks for sharing!
Okay I have to say this was one stinkin’ cute project… just love how you use a shake holder…
You daughter must be proud to have a mom that thinks this stuff up…
The Scrapbooking Queen
What a great idea! I love your creative beverage holder and I remember your car wash!
Really fun! I don’t think my projects can be classified as “up”cycling like yours, but at least I do my part by repurposing whenever possible. Yes, I think some snacks are in order. Maybe those scary fingers from last year. TFS.
This is FABULOUS! I want to make it right now! This Rock Princess cart is the best. Love it! Thanks for the inspiration! 🙂 Kelly
I love that paper! I’ve tried to stay away from SU! because I’m afraid it will take all my money away…
This is great! Many ideas for this one!
How very clever and creative Joy !!!!! This beverage holder is great for so many occasions. Would also be a great gift box for other than soda cans. I love it and the fact that you are reusing something to create it.
Marcie
How fun is this!?! You are just full of great ideas!!! TFS!