How to Build a Paper Alligator Box

Study an alligator to mimic its features on the paper box.

A paper alligator box is a decorative way to store goodies and memorabilia from classroom lessons about alligators or trips to the zoo. In order for the paper based box to resemble an alligator it must have a lid that serves as the top half of the alligator's head. Construct a rectangular shaped box to accomplish the alligator's long snout, and use poster board, as it's a heavier paper. Then, decorate the box to make it look like an alligator.

Things You'll Need

• Two, 4-foot by 4-foot poster board paper, green
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Glue
• White construction paper
• Oversized googly eyes
• 2 flat wooden sticks
• Craft blade
• Quarter
• Black marker

Instructions

Building The Box

1. Draw the dimensions of the box onto green poster board paper, using a ruler and a pencil. Draw two rectangles that are 7 inches long by 4 inches wide. Draw two squares that are 4 inches by 4 inches. Cut out all the shapes.

2. Assemble the pieces to build the box. Position the 7-inch pieces horizontally and opposite one another in the rectangle. Place the 4-inch squares on opposite ends. Use glue to affix the four pieces together at the sides. You now have a box frame that is 7 inches long by 4 inches wide by 4 inches high. Let the glue dry for 30 minutes.

3. Place the frame on top of a new sheet of poster board. Trace a slightly larger outline of the rectangle onto the board. Draw a second outline of equal size. Cut out the two rectangles. Glue one of the rectangles to the bottom of the box frame. Leave the second piece unglued, which becomes the box's lid.

Decorating The Box

1. Draw a connected line of pointy teeth running horizontally from one side of the white construction paper to the other side. The pointy teeth have a triangular shape. Start a second row of teeth below the first row. Make a third row of teeth that's half as long as the previous rows.

2. Cut out the pointy teeth, keeping the line of teeth connected at the top. Apply glue to the back of the white teeth and press them onto one long side of the box's upper edge. Glue the second set of white teeth to the opposite side of the box. Glue the third and shorter row of teeth to the front end of the box. This is the alligator's mouth.

3. Glue one oversized googly eye to the top of one flat wooden stick. Repeat with the second googly eye and second stick. Pierce two holes on either side of the back of the lid with the craft blade. Make the holes large enough to fit the wooden sticks. Place the lid on top of the box. Insert the sticks into the holes, so only the googly eyes stick out the top of the lid.

4. Place a quarter onto another piece of green construction paper. Trace around the quarter to make a circle. Make a second circle with the quarter. Color in the circles with a black marker. Cut them out and glue them to the front of the lid, so the top half of the circles stick up. This is the alligator's nose.

Tips & Warnings

• Have an adult assist with the craft blade and scissors steps.