What can you make from a small box? DIY box crafts

March 20th, 2013

You don’t need much to come up with a new toy or make a simple craft with your child. Usually a little free time and our imagination are enough. What to make it from? - will be at hand. My son and I already have a whole flotilla of yogurt jars, and our best ships are made from viola jars and soft butter. We will devote this review to toys and crafts that you can make with your child from all sorts of “garbage” - boxes and boxes, cardboard, plastic bottles and much more.

1. Cardboard boxes and boxes

Let's start, perhaps, with crafts made from boxes and smaller boxes. Boxes of different sizes regularly appear in each of us (especially during the holidays), but we usually try to get rid of this “happiness” as soon as possible, since storing them is completely inconvenient. But you can immediately put them into action

Big boxes.

Large boxes make absolutely amazing toys for children.

Or a plane

Mill house. Detailed master class at the link

Pirate treasure chest. Description

Car parking.

how to do

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Or a more complex option

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And another option for a castle

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From smaller boxes

Or these dinosaur feet

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Monster storage boxes

Great storage idea from boxes and cardboard rolls

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Small stove

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Catapult game

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Train with carriages

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Aliens

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More ideas from cardboard sheets

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Or like this

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And here is the castle of the knight and princess

If you cover it with decorative paper and decorate it, then why not gift wrapping for all sorts of sweets, for example

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Lamp

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You can also make such an aquarium with your children

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Boxes and cardboard are a real space for creativity, if you wish, you can do whatever you want, I think we will return to this topic in the near future, we have something interesting in store

2. Cardboard rolls of toilet paper and paper towels

Easy crafts you can do with your kids

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monsters

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octopus

twitchers

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A lot of different animals with patterns can be viewed at the link

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Binoculars for children or a spyglass made from a towel roll

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Or make princess crowns for a children's party

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Here's a great idea on how to make firecrackers for the holiday. Description

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Racing cars

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3. Disposable tableware - paper and plastic plates and glasses

You can also find original uses for disposable tableware

Paper plates are very convenient for painting

And from deep plates you can make such jellyfish

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Or even make a garland decoration for the holiday

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A plate and a glass make such a cute house

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Spider glasses

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Dragon made from cups

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It's very simple and fun to turn ordinary cups into weirdos. Great idea for children's parties

Here's an idea for an advent calendar

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And even a New Year's garland can be made from cups

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4. Plastic bottles and containers

Feeder

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For children on holiday

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From bottles and spoons

If it’s raining outside or you have guests with children and you need something to do - home bowling

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And it's fun to sprout grass in small bottles. Just in time for Easter

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And the bottles turn into...... a rocket, or rather into the main attribute

Planes and ships made from shampoo containers

5. Wooden ice cream sticks and medical spatulas

These very simple and cute crafts can be made from ordinary wooden ice cream sticks

People for puppet theater

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Ship-raft

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It’s also easy to make an original puzzle game.

Can you make a whole house?

Chests of medical spatulas. Description

6. Cocktail straws

With the help of such tubes you can draw very interesting bubbles

And the tubes are also great as masts for boats.

You can come up with many different games with these straws. For example, you can arrange “air” football. Roll a small ball out of paper and use a straw to chase the “ball.” Using the same principle, you can play to see who gets the ball farther away or who gets to the finish line faster. These kinds of games are very useful; they are a kind of breathing exercises.

7. Sponges

Even the most ordinary sponge can turn into...

garden bed (it’s fun to germinate seeds in a large-pored sponge)

Or make stamps for painting or just paint with a sponge (rainbows work especially well)

To make it more convenient to draw with such stamps, you can glue them, for example, onto a wine cork, like here

You can also make heads for robots from sponges, for example.

8. Wine corks

On the Internet you can find a huge variety of photographs on the topic of crafts made from corks, but we will limit ourselves only to stamps

9. Tin cans

for flowers

By the way, if you have paint buckets left at your dacha, don’t rush to throw them away

storage

lamps-candlesticks

monster

game like old towns

Airplane

here and

Jar with wishes or Smile box

This is a jar or box filled with small pieces of paper with various wishes, pleasant phrases, anecdotes, encouraging mottos or declarations of love.
Have a jar like this in your home. This is a real generator of daily good mood.

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A snowstorm or, as correctly, a snow globe, but in this case it’s more like a glitter jar. Description

And in the summer, for street parties, jars can be used for drinks. They look very unusual and stylish

And finally, a very original craft from an old light bulb

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When compiling this collection, we also used materials from the Kokokokids blog

Send us your interesting finds of crafts from what is at hand, and also share with us what you have made! This topic is inexhaustible and I think we will return to it more than once

After shopping, not only pleasant emotions are left behind, but also cardboard boxes for shoes and other accessories. Many of them do not have an attractive design, but you can fix this even without being a professional decorator. After all, ordinary cardboard boxes can decorate the interior and become convenient storage systems for what is convenient. We've collected ideas that you definitely won't want to throw away.

What can be stored in cardboard boxes?

Here is a small list of what can be stored in cardboard boxes:

Kids toys. Especially construction sets and puzzles with small parts.
Cosmetics, jewelry, hair accessories. This idea will rightfully be appreciated by girls who love to take care of themselves.
Chargers for phones, tablets, laptops. Often these items do not have a specific place, but this way they will always be in one place, which will reduce the time spent searching for the required charge.
Towels, baby clothes, diapers. In a newborn's nursery, such boxes are indispensable. They systematize the storage of baby’s personal hygiene items. True, it is better to sew a textile cover for such a box that can be removed and washed.
Art supplies. Creative people always have many tools to realize their ideas. For artists, these are pencils, paints, sketches, brushes, paper, for lovers of sewing and knitting - scissors, threads, yarn, needles. You can keep all these items in order using cardboard boxes.
Shoes. No matter how paradoxical it may sound, shoe boxes can be used to store... shoes! For example, in winter, put summer sandals and sandals there, and in the warm season, hide boots and shoes.

How and with what to decorate cardboard boxes?

The most common materials that can be found in every home are suitable for this:

Wallpaper and wrapping paper. There are remnants of wallpaper in every apartment that has been renovated at least once. When working with wallpaper, you need to stock up on double-sided tape and PVA glue.
Textile. An unnecessary sweater, an old skirt, stretched out pants - all these items of clothing will also come in handy when decorating boxes. And by skillfully using them you can turn unnecessary things into an exclusive work of decorative art.
Burlap and jute. Not everyone has these materials, but they can be useful if you need to decorate a box in an ecological or Provencal style.

Some tips for those who decide to decorate cardboard boxes with their own hands:

You know that you can make a variety of crafts from cardboard boxes - toys for children, home decor items and other useful things. There is no doubt that we are now surrounded on all sides by cardboard and cardboard boxes. Cardboard material is the most common material in the world, so it can be found anywhere. Almost all of our products that we buy in stores are packaged in it.

Based on this, has the thought occurred to you that this could be used for your own purposes? How? It’s very simple – making useful crafts from cardboard boxes.

What to make from cardboard boxes with your own hands

After you have used the cardboard for its intended purpose, you can give it a “second chance” and make crafts. They can be very different, from ordinary boxes with decoupage, to projects of castles, cities, various decorations, etc.

One of the main advantages is that such crafts are very good to do with children. Then they will not only develop creatively, but also receive a huge portion of interest and pleasure.

If you like the idea of ​​crafts with children, they can be divided into two groups: for boys and for girls.

It is logical that girls will be more interested in carving dolls, various toys, and flowers. Boys will give preference to airplanes, cars and tanks. In any case, the development of perseverance, attention and motor skills will be a huge advantage.

Types of cardboard for crafts

Depending on the packaging, there are several cardboard options. Conventionally, a cardboard milk box will differ in its structure from a box made from appliances, for example. Therefore, depending on the idea, as well as available materials, we can choose one or another option.

Cardboard box may vary:

• Shape (round, square, triangular, etc.).
• Size (small, medium, large).
• Density.
• Surface texture (matte, glossy, corrugated).

These are the main differences by which cardboard boxes can be distinguished.

Materials for crafts from cardboard boxes

Before we proceed directly to making the crafts themselves, we must stock up on the necessary materials for our work. And so, in order to bring the idea to life we ​​may need:

• Scissors or utility knife.
• Glue.
• Marker or pencil.
• Scotch.
• Paints.
• Ruler and compass.
• Washcloth (in case of decoupage).

This is a general list of things you need. It can be supplemented depending on the craft you will be doing.

Work progress - deciding what to make from a cardboard box

If we talk about the general course of work, first we need an idea that we must bring to life. You may even need some kind of plan and drawing of the craft, so think about this in advance.
Next, we prepare the necessary materials and move directly to the work itself.

Ideas for crafts from boxes for children and home

So, here are a few ideas that you can use to use the box in your home, as well as make it beautiful and functional.

1. A large cardboard box can serve box, in which linen, some seasonal items, old toys, photo albums will be stored. In general, everything that is needed, but should not be lying around the entire apartment. Such a box can be beautifully decorated using fabric that is glued with glue.



2. Box-chest where the jewelry is stored. You don't have to buy old antique boxes. You can make such a storage facility yourself using improvised means. Decorate using decoupage, paint or varnish.



3. A cardboard shoe box would be great. box for beads, accessories and other small accessories related to needlework. You can even make separate compartments for this or that material. To do this, you will need smaller boxes, which we glue together and place in the middle of the large one.



4. Small matchboxes would be great. chest of drawers for jewelry- chains, rings and other small trinkets. They can also be beautifully decorated and presented as a gift to your friends or family.



5. Another idea for using a cardboard matchbox is Kids toys. Depending on the age and gender of the child, this could be a car, doll furniture or a train.



6. Build a whole one from larger boxes children's kitchen furniture for your child.



7. Instead of a home tent, you can make " home box" Children love such small houses very much. Equip it in the middle with pillows, and the child will be wildly delighted.



8. Juice and milk cartons should not be thrown in the trash either. They will make a great house - bird feeder. Just a few minutes of work with scissors and our craft is ready. You can hang it outside the window, or in the forest, garden or country house. This will be especially important in the winter, when it is difficult for birds to find food.



9. You can also make from cardboard boxes children's rack where toys and other things will be stored.



10. Animals from boxes. When your child tortures you with the fact that he wants to get a pet, don’t despair. You can do it together with your child. To do this you will need boxes of different sizes and a little effort. Make a cat, dog or fish together. The child will be able to play with them, and perhaps even practice care skills.

As you can see, there are quite a lot of ideas, and they are all varied. I can’t even believe that you can build so many things from ordinary cardboard. Therefore, let's move on to the practical part and try how it all works.

Master class “Decoupage boxes” with your own hands

Not everyone these days knows what decoupage is. So first, let's clarify this term.
Decoupage is a kind of surface design option, mainly cardboard type. It is created using glue, napkins and paints. There are several secrets on how to turn an ordinary drawing on a napkin into a whole composition from which you simply cannot take your eyes off.

So, in our work we will need the following materials:

• Cardboard box. It can be of any shape and color.
• Oil and acrylic paints.
• Two-phase craquelure varnish.
• Acrylic varnish.
• PVA glue).
• Napkins with the composition you like best.
• Sponge, brushes, scissors.
• Skin.

Progress:

1. If the box needs sanding, then carefully work on it until the surface is perfect.



2. Next we will need to make the base. This will be produced using white acrylic paint. Cover its surface completely and let it dry a little.



3. While the box is drying, we cut out the design from the napkin that we liked the most.



4. When our drawing is ready, we apply it to the lid of the box, or to the place where it should be. We easily mark this area with a pencil.
5. Then you need to mix several shades of those colors that will look beautiful with our drawing. Apply them to the lid using a sponge. Don't forget to take into account the previously drawn boundaries.



6. Now it’s time to coat the surface with PVA glue and let it dry for 1-2 minutes. Then we remove the white layers of our napkin and glue the remaining design onto the lid of the box.



7. The rest of the box will need to be covered in the same way. Themes and colors of napkins can be selected and combined.





8. Our work of art is almost ready. Apply two-phase craquelure and wait for it to dry. Ideally, you want it to be a little sticky, but not stick to your fingers.
9. For additional decoration, apply paint with a sponge. Here, too, you can use your imagination, because the design from a thick and thin sponge will look different.



10. The finishing line will be to coat the product with acrylic varnish. It is recommended to do this in several layers. It is important to know that after each layer has dried, it is worth walking a little with sandpaper over the surface.

As a result of our actions, a beautiful, extraordinary cardboard box will come out, which will take on a completely different look than it originally had. You can store different things in it, and it will show off on a chest of drawers, a coffee table or a bedside table.

Photos of crafts made from cardboard boxes

So don’t rush to throw away cardboard boxes, but rather put them aside and use them to create various crafts for you and your kids. It is not only very funny and exciting, but also useful in everyday life.

In every home there are many things that seem to be no longer needed, but it’s a shame to throw them away; one of these things includes cardboard boxes. Boxes of household appliances, electronics, shoes, dishes, and who knows what else. I present to you a selection of ideas and master classes for crafts that will benefit your home.

1. A convenient box for storing linen, seasonal items, old photographs, postcards, and New Year's toys. It would be better to also make a lid for such a box. Use wide tape to glue parts together, and PVA glue to glue fabric.

2. Box-chest for storing jewelry. For gluing we use PVA glue. To give the desired color we use paints and varnish. You can also decorate the chest using decoupage. To do this, dilute the PVA glue a little with water, apply it evenly to the surface to be decorated, take a three-layer napkin, separate one layer with the image and carefully place it on the prepared area. When the surface of the chest dries, coat the top with varnish or PVA glue (the glue will dry and become transparent).

3. And this is a toy for a cat - "The Elusive Ball"

Here is such a dense box with a lot of holes,

where the ball rolls freely. The cat's task is to catch it.

4. But a strong shoe box can be a good storage for accessories, beads and other small handicraft items. We prepare small boxes, cover them with napkins (you can also use matchboxes) - ready. Now everything will be in its place.

4. Speaking of matchboxes, they can make a very cute chest of drawers in which you can store chains, rings, and any other small items. Making such a chest of drawers is not difficult, but the most interesting thing is decorating it (colored paper, glue, beads and buttons).

5. Make your children happy. Imagine how fun it will be to make toys from matchboxes with your child - cars, trains, castles, doll furniture. And for the little ones, make a visual alphabet; in each box there will be a miniature object corresponding to each letter.

6. From large cardboard boxes, make the best gift for your daughter - kitchen furniture and household appliances; the little housewife will love it, and will also instill useful habits and skills.

7. Any child up to middle school age will be delighted with their own house, even if it’s made of cardboard. And you can think about the layout and design together, this will unite you and allow the child to gain even more trust and sympathy for you.

From a large cardboard box, for example, from a refrigerator, you can make a children's house. Make a door and windows in it, lay a rug inside the house, decorate the house with cheerful curtains, cover the walls with beautiful pictures, stickers or children's drawings.

An interesting idea is to decorate a children's house with LED garland.

8. Juice and kefir boxes regularly end up in the trash, but wait. To make a winter house for birds from such a box - even five minutes will be a lot - just a couple of movements with scissors. Make time for nature on your day off, take the whole family and go to the park to hang out feeders with seeds and grains. This is the best example of caring for our little brothers and frugality that you can show your child.

9. If your family is real juice fans, you can make a shelf for children's toys from empty boxes. On the one hand, everything is in sight and at hand, on the other, everything is in its place.

10. Young children often ask to have pets, but they do not always understand what kind of care they require and what kind of responsibility it is. To begin with, you can make a cat, a dog or an aquarium with fish from cardboard boxes. Let him feed imaginary animals and play with them. Soon, by the behavior of your child, you will understand whether he is really ready for another family member to appear, or whether it was just a momentary infatuation.

Little children love to carry toys around with them on a string. A simple craft for kids made from a cardboard box - a cat or dog made from cardboard. Read a detailed master class on how to make such a craft from waste material on the website madebyjoel.com

Remember, by turning seemingly unnecessary things into something useful and applicable, you learn and teach how to take care of things, appreciate what you have, take care of nature, and save the family budget. Get creative and have fun with it.

If you have accumulated a large number of small boxes,

then you can make a whole city out of them. Learn more about how to do it

beautiful houses made of cardboard boxes, read.

You can use cardboard toilet paper rolls and boxes to make a garage for cars or a parking lot.

Slide for cars or balls

11. A crib for a doll can be made from one box by cutting out its sides, or from two boxes by gluing them together. In the second option, you will get a bed for a doll with legs.

12. The imagination of a child who climbs inside can easily turn a large cardboard box into a car, plane or ship. Mom and dad can help the baby organize an interesting and useful game by adding the necessary parts to the homemade transport. Steering wheel, wheels, headlights - all this can be made from available things, the main thing is to use your imagination.

If you make a car or an airplane out of a medium-sized box, and then attach straps to them, you will get a car/airplane costume. By wearing these costumes, children can play pretending to be cars or airplanes. Boys will especially like these games.

You can cut out the side of a large cardboard box and make a playing field out of it. To do this, draw on cardboard with colored felt-tip pens roads, bridges, forests, rivers, houses, in general, anything you want.

See also others.

If you have cardboard boxes lying around at home, do not rush to throw them away; this is a wonderful material for crafts. In this article we will look at ideas for DIY cardboard box crafts.

For a little girl this is a wonderful gift from loving parents. Make such a kitchen out of cardboard boxes, and your daughter will be able to feel like a real hostess!

Such useful and necessary interior items make children very happy. Making them will not be difficult, and the kids will have their own household appliances, which will make them feel like adults.

The best gift is real estate, even if it is not real. Children want to have their own space where no one will disturb them. You just need to find a large box, for example from a refrigerator, and turn on the skillful hands program.

When children have personal things like adults, they feel important. You don’t have to spend a decent amount of money and buy your child his own TV. Just make it yourself and paint it in the bright beautiful colors that kids love so much. When giving a gift to your child, tell him that this TV is more beautiful, better and completely harmless. Your child will undoubtedly be delighted with such a gift.

Girls love to play with dolls and want the best and most beautiful things for them: fashionable clothes, handsome grooms and, of course, a huge house. It takes time to create a real masterpiece. Create a huge cottage with a curly staircase and colorful design. Your daughter's delight and joy are guaranteed.

Boys love to play with cars. Give your son a whole cool and huge parking lot. Be sure to draw directions and traffic signs to make the parking lot look realistic. Now playing with cars will become not just fun for the boy, but also educational.

Many children dream of going to space. Help your child make his dreams come true, even if they are exorbitant. By giving your son a space rocket, he will feel understanding and caring.

Most people love to take pictures, and this process has become almost everyday. Children see and understand this. Make a professional camera from cardboard boxes and it will be an excellent modern gift that will suit both your daughter and son.

Children look with delight at boats and ships sailing on the water. They have many questions: how does it float on the water? Why doesn't it drown? Make a ship out of cardboard boxes, tell your child about the principles of the ship and appoint him as captain.

Make a big locomotive and appoint your son as the driver. Let him gather a team of friends and happily go on his trip around the world.

We offered 10 ideas for crafts from cardboard boxes. Choose the best and create a masterpiece with your own hands. To create crafts, use regular cardboard in packaging, shoe boxes, furniture boxes. Decorate the finished crafts to your taste, or better yet, together with your child. Working together brings people together and the time passes happily.