Need to send merchandise or replace a toy box? No need to buy from the store, you can make your own from used cardboard that already exists, of course with the size you need. The type of cardboard that is best for storing heavy items or as shipping boxes is the ridged type of cardboard.
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Method 1 of 2: Making a Box out of Cardboard
Step 1. Select the cardboard you need
The rim of the cereal box can be used as a small cardboard box for home use. Use ridged cardboard for projects that need to last, or use scrapbook paper or cardstock to make large decorative cardboard. If you want to make a certain size of cardboard, cut the cardboard as needed:
- One piece of cardboard can make a cardboard cube with a side length of of the original length. For example, a 12 cm long cardboard can make a 3 cm x 3 cm cardboard.
- The wide side of the cardboard will be the height, base, and lid of the cardboard. For example, if you want to make a 3 cm x 3 cm cardboard from 12 cm x 9 cm cardboard, 3 cm of its width will be used as the base and lid of the cardboard, while the remaining 6 cm will be the height of the cardboard.
Step 2. Decorate the cardboard before cutting to make it easier
One easy way to decorate cardboard is to use wrapping paper that is 1 inch (2.5 cm) wider than each side of the cardboard. Apply strong glue to the excess area, then fold the edges of the wrapping paper and glue it to the other side of the cardboard.
Step 3. Draw a line near one of the edges of the cardboard
This area will be the lid of the sticky cardboard which will later be folded and glued to help keep the four sides of the cardboard in shape. These sticky cardboard lids can be as wide as 5 cm for large shipping boxes, or 6 mm for small art projects.
Step 4. Divide the remaining length of the cardboard into 4 parts
Use a ruler to measure the length of the cardboard in addition to the lid of the sticky cardboard. Mark each of the length of the cardboard, then use a ruler to draw parallel lines based on the markings. The cardboard will be divided into 4 parts which will later become the four sides of the cardboard.
If you want to make a long cardboard, make these four pieces in 2 different sizes. For example, to make a 4 cm x 2 cm cardboard, divide the cardboard into 4 pieces measuring 4 cm-2 cm-4 cm-2 cm
Step 5. If using thick cardboard, make a print with the stripes
Place a ruler along the line you have made, then press-press to make it easier to fold. Use a cutter with light pressure for thicker materials such as jagged cardboard. Use an exhausted pen tip for medium-thickness materials such as impraboard.
Step 6. Bend the sides
Fold the cardboard sides inward to form a stack, then unfold again. The goal is to bend the cardboard to make it easier to fold later.
Bend the thick material so that the print you have made is on the outside of the cardboard. Medium thickness material can be folded in any direction
Step 7. Draw the cardboard lid perpendicular to the side line
Divide the long side of the cardboard (the distance between the 2 lines) by 2. Measure this distance from one edge of the cardboard and draw a line along the width of the cardboard at that point, through the lines you have folded. Measure the same distance from one edge and draw a second line.
- For example, if you make a 3 cm x 3 cm cardboard, divide the 3 cm by 2. The result is 1.5 cm. Rotate your cardboard so that the crease you just created looks vertical. Draw one horizontal line 1.5 cm from the bottom edge of the cardboard, and another 1.5 cm from the top edge of the cardboard.
- If your cardboard is not a cube, you can use either side for this calculation. Use the longer side for a sturdier cardboard base and lid. If you use the shorter side, the cardboard will get taller and weaker.
Step 8. Cut the cardboard lid
Cut along the side line (vertical) to the closing line (horizontal). After doing this, your box will have 4 top caps and 4 bottom lids.
Print and fold this cardboard lid if you are using thick cardboard
Step 9. Fold and glue the four sides together
Bend all four sides of the cardboard to form the cardboard frame. Fold the sticky cardboard lid that sticks out and apply double-sided tape or glue to attach to the other end.
Step 10. Fold the cardboard base
Fold the cardboard lids in such a way that they overlap the lids next to them. Reinforce the cardboard base with tape.
If you're going to use your cardboard to store light items, you can fold the lids across from each other so that one pair of lids is under the other. Reinforce this simple crease with tape on the inside and outside to prevent the folded lid from sticking out
Step 11. Fold the cardboard lid
Also tape the lid if you are making decorative cardboard or if the box is already filled with the item you want to send. Also, just leave the cardboard lid folded to make it easier to open.
Step 12. Done
Method 2 of 2: Merging Two Cardboards
Step 1. Select two cardboards of the same size
If you need to store or ship very large items, you can combine 2 regular boxes. These two boxes will be stacked, so make sure each one is at least half the height of the item you are storing. You can use cardboard sold in stores or use cardboard that you make yourself with the instructions above.
Step 2. Prepare the first cardboard
Tape the bottom of the cardboard firmly, but leave the top exposed.
Step 3. Tape the cardboard lid in a standing position
Straighten each cardboard lid to increase the length of the cardboard sides. Tape the cardboard lid to keep it standing.
Step 4. Prepare the second cardboard with the bottom exposed
Tape the lid on the second cardboard in a standing position, as you did with the first box. For now, leave the cardboard base lid open.
Step 5. Tape the two boxes
Insert the second box into the first box upside down, with the two sets of tapered lids facing each other. Secure the two sets of cardboard lids together with tape or glue.
Step 6. Use the finished cardboard
Now you have 1 extra tall cardboard, with the bottom of the second cardboard covering the new cardboard. Enter the packaged goods, then cover the cardboard with masking tape.
