Storage boxes, available in many shapes and sizes in any department or DIY store, are inexpensive plastic containers. Unfortunately, most are destined for indoor use only and odd sizes are difficult if not impossible to find.
While building boxes from wood is easy, not everyone has woodworking skills or tools. There is an alternative, however in something made from wood fiber.
The humble cardboard, manufactured for over a hundred years, is one of the most versatile man made creations.
Create your own cardboard storage boxes for those items that defy conventional sizes.
You will need:
Cardboard
Utility knife or heavy duty scissors
Ruler
Marker
Adhesive shelf paper, brown paper, etc.
White glue
Packaging tape
The finished box for this project will be 12 inches wide, 15 inches long and 6 inches high.
• Cut 2 pieces of cardboard measuring 12 inches by 6 inches – these are the front and back pieces
• Cut 2 pieces of cardboard measuring 15 inches by 6 inches – these are the side pieces
• Cut 1 piece of cardboard measuring 12 inches by 15 inches- this is the bottom piece
Lay the large bottom piece on a flat surface. Lay the front and back pieces next to the 12- inch wide ends and the side pieces next to the 15- inch wide sides.
Using the packaging tape, attach the side pieces to the bottom piece. Next, attach the top and bottom pieces to the bottom piece.
Raise the front and a side piece to stand perpendicular to the table. Tape the corner with a 1 inch long piece of tape. Repeat for the other corners.
Cover each corner inside and outside with packaging tape. Cover the bottom seams with additional packaging tape. Using two layers of tape will add additional strength.
Cover box with adhesive shelf paper, brown paper (using white glue).
Here are some ideas for your new storage box:
• Make a series of boxes in different sizes for a child’s room, dorm room or small apartment.
• Decorate with colorful stickers, markers, crayons, buttons, fabric or anything that suits the designer’s décor. This is a great way for children to participate in decorating their rooms. Besides, it doesn’t cost much and when the decorator’s taste changes, the boxes are inexpensively replaced or redecorated.
• For stronger boxes, glue two or three layers of cardboard together. Measure so the ends sit on top of the bottom piece for stronger corners and use three layers of tape.
• If a paper covering isn’t desired, the box can be painted.
Decorating and storage never means breaking the bank. It’s far more fun to customize and decorate cardboard boxes than plastic.
Perhaps a cardboard box to hide a plastic storage box? Why not?
