Cardboard boxes date back to the mid-19th century, when corrugated cardboard was first patented in Britain as hat lining. Since then, cardboard has grown from basic packaging to become a favourite material for crafting and DIY projects.
If you’re wondering what to make out of cardboard, the possibilities are endless—craft toys, games, decorative items, or practical household solutions.
Let’s explore 15 fantastic ways to turn simple cardboard boxes into creative masterpieces!
1. Make a cardboard house
A cardboard house is a fantastic centrepiece for kids to play with and for adults to decorate.
Use a large box as your base and add holes for windows, a chimney and doors.
Paint the exterior with fancy designs, or layer on fabric or newspaper for more detail.
You can pop some wall decorations inside. This project appeals to any child’s sense of wonder—who doesn’t want to decorate their own house?
2. Build a cardboard train
Turn a few boxes into a whimsical train for kids who love to pretend they’re chugging along on an adventure.
A large box can serve as the engine, while smaller boxes (like a cereal box or shoe box) can form the carriage.
Decorate with paint, add circular board cutouts for wheels, and wrap the edges in fabric to keep them smooth.
You could even throw in a string across the top to mimic power lines or overhead cables. It’s a fun way to put waste materials to good use.
3. Design a cardboard car
Have a child who’s obsessed with racing?
Use corrugated cardboard to create a car they can sit in.
Cut out a floor and four wheels, attach them with paper fasteners and decorate it in bright colours.
You can cut holes for headlights and slip in newspaper behind them to mimic tinted lights.
It’s a fantastic way for kids to imagine they’re zooming around the track, plus it’s surprisingly sturdy if you double-layer the board.
4. Assemble a cardboard oven
A pretend oven is a fun toy for little kids who enjoy role-play cooking.
Start with a large box, cut out a door and add a handle, then paint or wrap the outside to look like stainless steel or classic white.
Draw on the knobs or create them from bottle caps, and consider adding a piece of plastic or cling film as a pretend glass window.
Fill the inside with small paper or felt animals or pretend groceries—flowers, carrots or anything else you can imagine.
5. Craft a DIY boat
If you have a single box that’s big enough for a child to sit in, turn it into a boat.
Decorate the outside with ocean waves, attach a fabric sail, and even add tags or flowers on the side for an extra flourish.
You can toss in some blankets to make it more snug for a reading nook.
If you’re feeling especially adventurous, use multiple boxes to create an entire cardboard navy for a jungle or pirate theme.
6. Construct a flower press
One of the more practical forms of cardboard crafts is a flower press.
By layering two sheets of sturdy corrugated cardboard and sandwiching flowers between paper, you can create a simple press to preserve petals for pictures or scrapbooking.
Tie it up with string, making sure it’s tightly filled so there’s enough pressure on the flowers.
Leave it for a few hours or days, and you’ll have pressed blossoms ready to decorate cards or other crafts.
7. Organise with cereal box dividers
Turn an empty cereal box into drawer dividers or desktop organisers.
Simply cut the top off, decorate it if you’d like—using paint, fabric or newspaper—and place it in a drawer to hold stationery.
This project is quick yet very effective, and it’s a fantastic way to reduce waste by reusing what you’d otherwise throw away.
You’ll be amazed how tidy your rooms become with a few quick cuts and some creativity.
8. Fashion a cardboard jungle for animals
If your child loves animals, why not create a mini jungle or safari scene out of cardboard boxes?
Use multiple boxes to build different levels—like a multi-storey playground—then add painted forms of trees, vines and grass.
You can paint a background or add fabric cutouts for leaves.
Slip in some plastic or paper animals and let them roam.
It’s an absolutely fun way to spend a weekend afternoon, plus it’s a great inspiration for more imaginative games.
9. Shape a cardboard board game
Design your own customised board game with corrugated cardboard.
Cut out the base, decorate the spaces or squares, and then create tokens from scraps.
You can paint your own route or puzzle on the board, add holes or ramps, and even incorporate small ramps if you want a 3D element.
Get a bit fancy by gluing fabric over certain areas, or wrap the box edges with decorative tape.
It’s a fun project for the whole family to design and then play together.
10. Make a newspaper/cardboard papier-mâché sculpture
Looking for something more artistic?
Combine newspaper and cardboard to make a papier-mâché sculpture.
Form the base from cardboard, use paper or newspaper strips filled with glue as the top layer, and then paint it to your heart’s content.
Sculpt anything from animals to abstract art forms.
It’s a great chance to recycle your old newspapers and leftover boxes into a conversation piece.
11. Build a fancy dollhouse
A toy house made of cardboard can provide hours of entertainment.
Use a large box and cut out windows, doors and even a roof.
Decorate with cute curtains made from scrap fabric, paint the outside with flowers or polka dots, and add miniature furniture inside.
You can use a little shoe box or cereal box as a table or bed.
This house can be the perfect place for dolls, small animals or action figures to hang out.
12. Create a money box
A simple money box for kids (or even adults) is easy to create from a leftover shoe box.
Cut a slot in the lid for coins, decorate with paint or markers, and add a lock if you’re feeling crafty.
Label it for different savings goals, like a “Holiday Fund” or “Fun Nights Out.”
Over time, it becomes a fantastic way to teach a child (or remind yourself!) how to save money.
13. Transform a cardboard board into wall art
If you have a large, flat piece of corrugated cardboard, you can decorate it into unique wall art.
Paint a geometric design, attach flowers made of fabric or paper, or even wrap sections in yarn for a 3D effect.
This craft can be adapted to any decor style—minimalist lines, boho patterns, or cute shapes for a nursery.
Hang it up in your living room, bedroom, or snug reading corner to add an artistic pop.
14. Turn boxes into pop-up theatre
If you have multiple cardboard boxes, create a pop-up theatre for storytelling or puppet shows.
Stack boxes to form a stage, cut out a rectangular opening, and decorate the front with curtains and tags.
You can paint the backdrop or wrap it with fabric for scene changes.
Your child can produce short skits, puppet shows or games, keeping them entertained for hours. It’s a fun and imaginative project for the entire family.
15. Construct a fancy cardboard cupboard
Need a bit more storage for small trinkets?
Try making a mini cardboard cupboard or set of drawers.
Use layered corrugated cardboard to ensure it’s sturdy, then decorate with paint, fabric or patterned paper.
Insert compartments to store jewellery, tags, or craft supplies.
This helps keep the small items you often toss around your rooms neatly in place, proving how versatile cardboard truly is.
Conclusion
It’s clear that cardboard can be transformative in craft-making. With so many ideas—from a flower press to a board game—you can create pretty much anything with just a bit of creativity and effort.
So, gather your paper, scissors, tags, ribbons and fabric, and get ready to decorate. You’ll be amazed at what you can make from the simplest box.
Happy crafting!
Need self storage? HOLD has you covered
Ready to get started on your next cardboard masterpiece? Whether you're creating a fun cardboard castle or transforming cereal boxes into handy organisers, you’ll find everything you need at our online Box Shop.
At HOLD Self Storage, our climate-secure storage units will safely store all your creations, freeing up space at home while protecting your belongings from moisture and temperature changes. Explore our storage options today and craft with confidence!
Get in touch today for a free quote and discover how our self storage facility offers a stress-free, secure space for your valuables!
Frequently Asked Questions
What can you make out of one piece of cardboard?
With a single piece of cardboard, you can create a range of practical items, such as storage boxes, organizers, or even small furniture for dolls. It can also be used to craft toys, picture frames, bird feeders, or custom signs.
The possibilities are endless, limited only by creativity and the size of the cardboard.
What can I make using a box?
Using a box, you can make various items like storage solutions, organizers, or even custom shelves. It can be transformed into a toy or playhouse for kids, a birdhouse, or a crafting station. You can also cut and decorate a box to create a photo frame, a journal cover, or a gift box. The options are endless with just a little creativity.
Can I store cardboard crafts at HOLD Self Storage?
You can absolutely store your cardboard projects with us at HOLD Self Storage. Our climate-secure units keep your finished crafts protected from moisture and temperature fluctuations, which helps preserve their integrity.
Is there on-site assistance for moving boxes into HOLD Self Storage?
We do offer helpful services to make your move as smooth as possible. Our staff are always on hand to provide advice, and we have trolleys and lifts in place to help you transfer your boxes into your storage unit.
Does HOLD Self Storage have different unit sizes for my storage needs?
We’ve got a range of unit sizes to suit your requirements, from smaller lockers for personal items to larger spaces for bulk storage. Let us know what you need to store, and we’ll guide you in picking the most suitable size.
What are some fun and unique ways to use cardboard outside of crafts?
You can use cardboard in gardening to block weeds, protect floors during renovations, or even as a stable surface for painting. It’s also handy for mailing parcels or layering as padding to protect fragile items.
Where can I get cardboard boxes in bulk in London?
If you’re on the lookout for large quantities of boxes, check out our blog on where to find free boxes. Alternatively, you can visit our online Box Shop. There, you’ll find everything from a single box for quick moves to entire packs for bigger projects.
