What Can I Do with Cardboard Boxes?
Now, I really have no problem actually recycling cardboard boxes. This isn’t something that I save up. Imagine that! The packrat actually DOES get rid of something. 
However, I am always thinking of creative or frugal ways to use cardboard boxes to save me money. I do use them for basic storage of plastic items. However, I can’t use them for a lot of storage since I live in Florida and need WATERPROOF storage to make sure my items are hurricane proof.
So, creative moms. Do you have any clever or fun ideas to use those occasional big cardboard boxes that I come across? I’m definitely listening.
I’m thinking of some Halloween costumes made from boxes and will post them soon…
Nicole
August 6th, 2006 at 7:24 am
Start by cutting a hole in the box for your child’s head. Or, if the box is smaller, then you’ll attach straps to the edges of the box when the costume is completed (picture suspenders) and fit them over your child’s shoulders. Also, cut arm holes if you aren’t doing the suspender method. Then you’re ready to get started. All of these outfits fit perfectly over leggings and a long sleeve shirt (or jacket).
Robot
Spray paint the box grey or silver. Then, after the paint dries, find a mish-mash of nuts and bolts and glue them to the box. You may also create attachments from aluminum foil, dryer vents, duct tape, or whatever you have lying around the house.
Box of Cereal
Does your child have a favorite cereal? Fruit Loops, Cheerios, Cocoa Puffs? Any box of cereal can be painted onto a cardboard box and turned into a costume.
Computer Monitor
Spray paint the box grey. After it dries, paint a white screen on the front of the monitor. Of course, you can have fun decorating the screen with your favorite website, or print the screen from your favorite website and glue it onto the box for a more realistic look.
August 30th, 2006 at 1:52 pm
I used to build doll houses and furniture out of cardboard boxes. For the house, leave the box in it’s original shape and then to make the roof, cut the smaller flaps into triangles, leaving them attached to the box. Then tape the larger flaps to the triangles. The furniture requires af lot of cutting and taping and a good imagination. When it’s done you’ll use a lot of poster paint to decorate it, if you want to. You can also use scraps of cloth to decorate the furniture.
September 13th, 2006 at 5:18 am
I use Cereal boxes as chipboard for scrapbook projects and paper crafts. You cover them with archive safe paper or paint them with acrylic paints and can make lovely pieces of art. Use a scissors or exacto knife to cut shapes or letters. The bigger the box, the bigger the possibilities.
I also use the twist ties from all the toys my kids get their toys wire in those cardboard boxes and wrap my chicken legs or use as embellishments in some or my projects.
September 22nd, 2006 at 5:33 pm
I use shoe boxes and small boxes like gaming and such to separate small tools on a work bench.
You can use duct tape to reinforce edges. I also us some small re-enforced box in my truck box in my truck to keep papers etc from getting dirty.
Xboxer
September 22nd, 2006 at 6:29 pm
If a creative single guy can add his two cents, you can use the suspender method to create any kind of car your child likes, or make it an open limo, complete with a painted-in driver, and the child as the passenger.