How to Design Cardboard Boxes

Christmas isn't the only time to decorate cardboard boxes.

Cardboard boxes, with the right amount of creative ingenuity, can become inexpensive home décor. Think of it as decorating with cubical shapes, not cardboard boxes. You can camouflage the box with a variety of art supplies to match any room. Cardboard boxes can be purchased or collected for free. Custom cardboard decor ends up being a thrifty project.

Things You'll Need

• Boxes
• Hot glue
• Decorative paper
• Fabric
• Paint
• Paintbrush
• Scissors
• Primer
• Top coat
• Embellishments

Instructions

Wrapping the Box

1. Use scissors to cut a piece of fabric or paper large enough to cover the box. Use high quality paper for a cheap and quick decoration. Avoid metallic papers as you don’t want it to actually look like a present. Fabrics will have a classier look.

2. Wrap the box in the material of your choice. Apply a small amount of hot glue near the four corners on the front face of the box. If your box has a lid, you could staple the fabric to the inside.

3. Seal seams of overlapping fabric with fabric glue. Use embellishments like ribbon, buttons, patches, or fringe for an extra creative touch to your cardboard box. These should be attached with hot glue for a heavyweight hold.

Paint the Box

1. Choose your designs and colors. Use colors that will correspond with other room décor. Purchase acrylic paint in these colors along with a spray primer and clear top coat.

2. Prime the box with a spray primer. Spray in a well-ventilated area. Protect surfaces with newspaper. This will save you from having to apply additional colors of your color choice.

3. Apply acrylic paint to the box with a paintbrush. Use small brushes for large areas to save time. Let the paint dry and reapply.

4. Use a clear top coat spray to preserve color and prevent chipping.

5. Add desired embellishments. Glue on gemstones and appliqués to quickly add a design to a box. You could even glue pictures onto the box and use it as a backdrop. Cut a hole in the back of the box so it can be mounted on the wall. Use a nail for mounting.

Boxes with Lids

1. Choose the purpose of your box. Jewelry boxes are inexpensively made with small boxes found in the arts and crafts department; larger boxes can be used as decorative storage boxes.

2. Decorate as you would a regular cardboard box, but allow the two pieces to dry separately.

3. Hand-paint labels onto storage boxes.

References

• Artists Helping Children: Kids Box Crafts