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Working with cardboard is one of the most accessible and rewarding crafting activities you can try. This simple material transforms everyday boxes into amazing projects that spark creativity and provide hours of entertainment.
Cardboard crafts offer endless possibilities for both kids and adults, from playful toys and games to practical home organization solutions. You can create everything from imaginative playhouses and musical instruments to stylish storage boxes and decorative wall art.
The best part is that cardboard costs almost nothing and you probably already have supplies at home.
1. Cardboard Rocket Ship
I love making rocket ships from cardboard tubes or boxes. You can use poster tubes, toilet paper rolls, or large cardboard boxes.
Cut the tube to size and add a cone-shaped top. Paint it any colors you want.
2. DIY Dollhouse from Cardboard
I love making dollhouses from cardboard boxes because they’re cheap and easy. You can use any large cardboard box you have at home.
Cut out windows and doors with a craft knife. Paint the walls white or any color you want.
3. Cardboard Animal Masks
I find cardboard animal masks to be one of the most fun crafts to make. They work great for parties and dress-up time.
You can make lions, foxes, bears, or any animal you want. Just cut out the basic shape and add details with markers or paint.
4. Modular Cardboard Storage Boxes
I love making storage boxes from cardboard because they fit any space perfectly. I cut boxes to the same height and width so they stack together nicely.
These boxes work great for organizing toys, books, or craft supplies. I can add dividers inside to make smaller sections.
5. Cardboard Castle Playhouse
I love making cardboard castle playhouses because they turn simple boxes into magical play spaces. Kids can pretend to be knights, princesses, or dragons inside their own castle.
This craft uses boxes you already have at home. I cut out windows and doors, then let kids paint and decorate their castle however they want.
6. Decorative Wall Art Panels
I love making wall art panels from cardboard boxes. They transform boring walls into beautiful displays.
I cut cardboard into different shapes and sizes. Then I paint them with bright colors or cover them with fabric.
These panels cost almost nothing to make. They look amazing in any room.
7. Cardboard Photo Frames
I love making photo frames from cardboard because they’re simple and cheap. You can cut any size frame from old boxes.
Paint the cardboard frame with bright colors. Add stickers or draw designs to make it special.
These frames make great gifts for family members.
8. Kids’ Cardboard Marble Run
I love making marble runs with cardboard tubes from paper towels and toilet paper rolls. This project teaches kids about engineering while they play.
I cut the tubes into different lengths and tape them to a cardboard box or wall. The marbles roll down through the tubes into cups at the bottom.
9. Cardboard Pencil Holder
I love making pencil holders from cardboard tubes. They’re perfect for organizing my desk.
I use toilet paper rolls or paper towel tubes. I decorate them with paint, colored paper, or markers.
These holders work great for pens and pencils. Kids enjoy making them too.
10. Recycled Cardboard Coasters
I cut cardboard into circles or squares to make simple coasters. These protect my tables from water rings and heat damage.
I can decorate them with paint, fabric, or decorative paper. They work well for both hot and cold drinks.
11. Cardboard Puzzle Blocks
I cut thick cardboard into different shapes to make puzzle blocks. Square and rectangle pieces work best for kids to stack and build.
I draw fun patterns or letters on each block with markers. This makes them more colorful and helps kids learn while they play.
12. Cardboard Musical Instruments
I love making musical instruments from cardboard boxes and tubes. You can create guitars, drums, harps, and flutes using simple materials.
Cardboard instruments help kids explore music and creativity. They’re cheap to make and use everyday items like toilet paper rolls and rubber bands.
13. Geometric Cardboard Lampshades
I love making geometric lampshades from cardboard boxes. They create beautiful lighting patterns on walls.
You can cut cardboard into strips and fold them into triangles or diamonds. These shapes make interesting shadows when light shines through.
14. Cardboard Animal Figurines
I love making cardboard animal figurines because they’re simple and fun. You can create rabbits, cats, dogs, or any animal you want.
Cut out basic animal shapes from cardboard. Then add colored paper or fabric pieces to make patterns and details.
15. Foldable Cardboard Furniture
I find Foldschool’s cardboard furniture designs perfect for kids. The free PDF templates let me create chairs, stools, and rocking horses using regular cardboard boxes.
These designs fold flat when not needed. I can print the patterns on any home printer and follow simple instructions.
16. Cardboard Toy Cars and Trucks
I love making toy cars and trucks from cardboard boxes. These projects turn old boxes into fun vehicles that kids can play with for hours.
You can create race cars, fire trucks, or delivery vans. Cut windows and doors into the cardboard. Paint them bright colors or add stickers for decoration.
17. Customizable Cardboard Gift Boxes
I love making gift boxes from old cardboard boxes. They’re perfect for any occasion and cost almost nothing to create.
I can decorate them with paint, wrapping paper, or stickers. Adding ribbons or bows makes them look store-bought.
18. Stackable Cardboard Organizer
I cut rectangular boxes to the same size. Then I stack them on top of each other.
This creates compartments for toys, books, or supplies. I can add more boxes when I need extra storage space.
19. Cardboard Jewelry Holder
I can make a simple jewelry box using cardboard boxes from around my house. This craft works great for storing rings, earrings, and small necklaces.
I need scissors, glue, and decorative paper to cover the outside. The finished box keeps my jewelry organized.
20. Cardboard Plant Pots
I love making cardboard plant pots for starting seeds indoors. They work great for small plants and seedlings.
I cut cardboard boxes into strips and fold them into small containers. They’re perfect for growing herbs or flowers.
21. Wearable Cardboard Crowns
I love making crowns from old cereal boxes. I cut zigzag shapes across the top for points.
I decorate my crowns with paint, stickers, or glitter. They work great for birthdays and dress-up games.
