What Interesting Things Can I Make From Cardboard?

A  chair which can hold your weight.

You can make toy cars depending on how old you are.  you can also make mini models of animals

With cardboard you can make many different things such as

If you think cardboard's just something the breakfast cereal comes in then you don't know enough about cardboard. There are loads of interesting things to be done with cardboard and here are some of the best of them.

Cardboard Furniture

Wood has always been a good material for making furniture and cardboard is 95% wood. Or wood is 95% cardboard. Whatever, wood and cardboard are definitely related. There are plenty of ways of making cheap and environmental furniture from the brown stuff. Plus it's creative and fun. There are quite a few websites to help you build chairs and tables. And some where you can buy it.

Cardboard Guitar Plectrums

The biggest problem with little things is they often get lost. That's why so many mice end up in houses. If you play the guitar then you're probably always complaining about missing picks and plectrums. Well now I have made your life better. Because cardboard plectrums are the new rock and roll. Simply trace the outline of an old plastic plectrum onto z piece of cardboard. Cut out. Cover with tape for added stiffness and play. You need to make sure the tape is applied smoothly and there are no rough edges before you start strumming. And you can experiment with thickness should you need a really stiff pick. But all in all this is one cheap and easy way to make music.

The Cardboard Laptop Bag

I'm aware that most people like their technology to look stylish. It's one of the important things about technology. But if you're not so worried about appearance then why not get yourself a cardboard laptop boxbag. You will need a strong cardboard box twice the size of your laptop (a box similar to those which contain reams of paper is good). Simply flatten the cardboard box and fold and glue together with flaps so that your laptop fits inside. Then make another outer box for this inner box. Hey presto. If it falls apart don't come running to me.

A Cardboard Doll's House

This may not be the most incredible way of using cardboard but if you're a six year old girl then the chances are you'll be pretty happy. Turn a cardboard box on its side, cut out cardboard tables and chairs, glue wallpaper, paint a roof. There are plenty of websites to help you build the very best home a dolly could hope to have.

Make A Cardboard Oven

If your child prefers cooking to dolls then why not make them their very own oven. Get a big cardboard box and cut a square out of the side of it. Remember to leave one side of the square uncut so the 'oven door' can open and shut. Add layers of cardboard inside for oven shelves and hobs, knobs and dials to the top. Then colour and get ready for dinner. All served on cardboard plates.

A Cardboard Coffin

As humans we spend our lives in boxes. Moments after we're born we are put in a box, then we travel in a box to another box which we live in. We go to school, university and work in a box. And eventually we leave the world in a box. And if you're ecologically minded then you might like to say goodbye in a cardboard box. Much like a pair of shoes.

Cardboard coffins come in different shapes and different colours and due to a multi-layering construction technique are very strong. They can even be made to look like wood.

The Cardboard Space Rocket and Airplane

One of the best things about being a kid is that you can turn any old box into a space rocket just by using your imagination. You can of course go one step further though and make a real space rocket and airplane out of cardboard. You may need some help to do it well. You can find inspiration here. Or just give it a go yourself.

The Cardboard Car

Alternatively for more adult tastes and bank balances, there's the Aston Martin James Bond cardboard copy. A mere $30,000!

Build a Cardboard Bridge

You're probably right to think of a bridge as one of the worst things you could make out of cardboard, the other being a boat, but it has been done. Architect Shigeru Ban designed one to cross the Gardon river in the south of France. It took over 280 cardboard tubes plus recycled paper, plastic and wooden boxes filled with sand to build but the bridge was able to support 20 people at a time. Thankfully the bridge was only ever intended to be temporary.

Build A Cardboard House

Yes. A house. Out of cardboard. It's the future. According to Australian firm Col James of Stutchbury and Pape. They designed the house using recycled materials most of which is cardboard. The house is extremely sturdy, easy to assemble and comes with a waterproof roof. It was voted as one of the six houses of the future in 2004 which means pretty soon we should be seeing them popping up all over Australia.

The Cardboard Boat

So, you didn't think it was possible. And depending on how far you want to sail it isn't. But a cardboard boat will keep you dry on a short crossing. You'll need some serious cardboard. And a lot of tape. But there's plenty of help available online. Just don't wear your best shoes when you give your new boat its first berth.

The Cardboard Crib

Environmentalists start young these days which is why Mothercare has been selling the Eco Crib, a perfect little cardboard cradle. It's made with strong cardboard panels which travel flat packed and easily slot together for assembly. It comes in cool colours and has a curved bottom for easy rocking. You could of course have a go at making one yourself. But please be careful of the baby!