How to Make Buildings From Cardboard

Sketch a quick model of your building on scrap paper. Try to create multiple sketches of the building from different sides. This gives a more complete plan of your project. Determine how many pieces you will need for the building. Mark down lengths and widths for the sides of each piece -- so you don't forget later!

Use the ruler and pencil to trace the templates for each piece on cardboard. Try to create as few pieces as possible to reduce the complexity of your project. Decide if you want to cut out doors and windows. Mark these on the templates.

Cut out your cardboard pieces. Use the scissors to cut out smaller pieces in one smooth slice. For larger pieces, or pieces with complicated shapes, use the box cutter. Score the template with a straight-edge as a guide, and then go over the scored line repeatedly until you cut through the cardboard.

Create corners with cardboard by scoring it along one side. Do not cut through the cardboard. Instead, bend the cardboard along the score line to create the corner. You can also create round walls and turrets this way. Create several vertical score lines approximately 1/2 inch apart on the piece. Curve the scored piece around a cylinder, such as a plastic tube, soda can or tin food can.

Start with the base of your building and work up when gluing together. Also, start from the outside walls first, and then build the interior walls. Apply a thin layer of PVA glue to one edge of a cardboard piece. Press the edge against the side of another cardboard piece. Hold it in place until it sets -- usually a few minutes. If the piece doesn't set quickly enough, a well-placed piece of tape holds the cardboard together while it dries overnight.

Glue the roof of the building in place, or make the roof removable by leaving it unglued. You may want to cut four diagonal slits in the tops of the outside walls to hold the removable roof in place. Add any decorations you desire to your completed cardboard building.