Here Are 5 Easy-to-Make and Useful Crafts from Cardboard

Used items like cardboard do not always have to end up as trash. With a little creativity and simple materials, you can turn a pile of used cardboard into all sorts of interesting and useful items for everyday life.

Making crafts from cardboard is a creative way to repurpose used items while reducing waste. Not only are they easy to make and cost-effective, but the finished products can also be used personally or even sold. Let’s explore various ideas and how to make them in this article!

Crafts from Cardboard

Used cardboard that is still in good condition can be turned into various crafts with diverse functions. From decorations and storage containers to everyday items, everything can be made using tools and materials that are easy to find.

Turning cardboard into crafts is also a way to repurpose usable materials so they do not immediately end up as trash.

Cardboard recycling is important because data from the National Waste Management Information System (SIPSN) of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (2024) shows that paper and cardboard waste accounts for about 11.4% of the total 31.9 million metric tons of national waste generated, or the equivalent of about 3.5 million metric tons of paper and cardboard waste each year.

Nationally, paper waste recycling accounts for about 63.3%, or 20.5 million metric tons of the total waste volume that is properly managed. This indicates that we still have significant opportunities to repurpose paper waste, including used cardboard.

Therefore, if you have used cardboard at home, do not immediately throw it away. Here are some ideas and ways to make crafts from cardboard that you can try yourself:

Cardboard Pencil Holder

If your study desk is starting to get cluttered, try making a pencil holder out of cardboard. A pencil holder is one of the easiest cardboard crafts to make and has many benefits.

In addition to helping keep your study or work desk tidy, this craft can also be customized into various shapes and colors to match your room’s theme.

Tools and materials:

• Used cardboard.
• Scissors or a craft knife.
• Ruler.
• Pencil.
• Hot glue gun or all-purpose glue.
• Wrapping paper, flannel fabric, or paint for decoration.

How to make a cardboard pencil holder:

1. Measure and draw a pattern on the cardboard according to the desired size of the pencil holder.
2. Carefully cut out each piece using scissors or a craft knife.
3. Glue the sides of the cardboard together to form a box or storage container.
4. Add a cardboard base to make the pencil holder more sturdy.
5. Decorate the outside with patterned paper, felt, or paint to make it look more attractive.
6. Wait until the glue is completely dry, then the pencil holder is ready to be used to store various writing supplies.

Read also: 10 Simple Waste Recycling Examples, Give It a Try!

Photo Frames

Enhance the corners of your room with homemade decorations. Photo frames made from cardboard can be an interesting option. To make them look more aesthetically pleasing, you can add embellishments such as fabric, jute twine, or simple paintings.

Tools and materials:

• Used cardboard.
• Scissors or a craft knife.
• Ruler.
• Pencil.
• Hot glue gun or all-purpose glue.
• Paint, patterned paper, or decorative embellishments.
• A photo that fits the frame’s dimensions.

How to make a photo frame from cardboard:

1. Draw the frame outline on the cardboard according to the size of the photo you want to display.
2. Cut out the center to create a hole for the photo.
3. Attach a layer of cardboard to the back to support the photo, leaving one side open so the photo can be inserted.
4. Attach a stand to the back if you want to place it on a table, or add a hanger if you want to hang it on the wall.
5. Decorate the frame with paint, patterned paper, or ornaments to your liking.
6. Insert your favorite photo, and the frame is ready to use.

Plant Pot

Want to decorate a room without having to buy new decorative items? A plant pot made from cardboard is an interesting option to try.

This craft is perfect as a decoration for the living room, home office, or bedroom. Besides, cardboard is also suitable for use as a seedling tray or temporary planter. Since it is biodegradable, when transplanting, the cardboard planter can be buried directly into the soil.

Tools and materials:

• Used cardboard.
• Scissors or a craft knife.
• Ruler.
• Pencil.
• Hot glue gun or all-purpose glue.
• Acrylic paint or decorative paper.
• Jute twine, ribbon, or decorative ornaments (optional).

How to make a plant pot out of cardboard:

1. Draw the pot’s outline on the cardboard, then cut it out in the desired shape, such as a cylinder, square, or hexagon.
2. Glue each side together to form a sturdy container.
3. Add a few layers of cardboard to the bottom to make the pot more stable when in use.
4. Decorate the pot with jute twine, ribbon, or other ornaments to your liking if you want to use it as a decorative pot.
5. Once the glue and decorations have dried, place dried flowers or decorative flowers inside, then display it in a corner of the room as a decoration.
6. If you want to use it as a seedling pot, you can fill it with potting mix and seeds.

Read also: 10 Plastic Gallon Bottle Craft Ideas, Easy, and Valuable

Tissue Holder

Unused cardboard can be transformed into an aesthetic and eco-friendly tissue holder. In addition to using the cardboard you no longer need, you can also add decorations to enhance its appearance. Here are the materials you need and how to make it:

Tools and materials:

• Used cardboard.
• A box of tissues or a refill pack as a size guide.
• Scissors or a craft knife.
• Ruler.
• A pencil or pen for drawing the pattern.
• Hot glue gun or all-purpose glue.
• Paintbrush, if using paint or varnish.
• Acrylic paint or spray paint.
• Wrapping paper, patterned paper, or wallpaper for covering the surface.
• Ribbon, jute twine, lace, or stickers for decoration.
• Packing tape or paper tape to reinforce the seams if necessary.

How to make a tissue box holder out of cardboard:

1. Create a template using a tissue box as a guide. Then, trace the template onto the cardboard according to the desired size.
2. Use scissors or a craft knife to cut along each edge of the cardboard according to the template you have created.
3. Create a tissue dispensing opening by cutting an oval or rectangular shape at the top.
4. Using a hot glue gun or all-purpose glue, assemble all the cardboard sides to form a tissue box.
5. Reinforce the seams by adding duct tape or paper tape to the inside of the tissue box to make it sturdier and more durable.
6. Cover the cardboard with paint, wrapping paper, patterned paper, or wallpaper according to your preference. For a more aesthetic look, you can add decorative elements such as ribbon or jute twine.
7. After making sure the glue and decorations are completely dry, insert the tissues into the box through the bottom or an openable side of the tissue box.

Laptop Stand

If you often work or study using a laptop, a cardboard laptop stand can be a simple solution to position the screen more in line with your eye level.

In addition to helping create a more comfortable working position, this laptop stand is also easy to make from thick, sturdy cardboard.

Tools and materials:

• Thick used cardboard.
• A utility knife or scissors.
• A ruler.
• A pencil.
• Hot glue or all-purpose glue (optional).

How to make a laptop stand out of cardboard:

1. Measure the length and width of your laptop so the stand will fit.
2. Draw the patterns for two side supports and one base on the cardboard.
3. Cut out each piece according to the patterns you have drawn.
4. Assemble all the pieces using a slip-fit system or use glue for added stability.
5. Make sure the stand’s angle is comfortable to use and can support the laptop stably.
6. Try placing the laptop on the stand, then make adjustments as needed to keep it balanced.

Those are some craft ideas using cardboard that you can try at home. In addition to creating unique and functional items, repurposing used cardboard is a simple way to utilize materials that are still usable, so they do not pile up.

With a little creativity, cardboard that was once unused can be transformed into various useful, interesting, and even marketable items.

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Read also: 7 Creative and Easy Recycled Paper Craft Ideas to Try