DIY Project
About

Recycled

Painted cardboard box house

A big delivery box with a door and window that your toddler paints, then moves into.

Painted cardboard box house
LevelBeginner
AgesAges 1 to 3
Time45 minutes plus drying
Cost$0 to $6
Rainy dayGroups

What you'll need

Materials

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Tools

How to make it

Safety

Use paint labeled washable and non-toxic (look for the AP seal), and wipe hands before snack time.

  1. Step 1: Cut a door
    1

    Cut a door

    Grown-up step: Cut a door on 1 side, leaving 1 edge attached so it swings.

  2. Step 2: Cut a window
    2

    Cut a window

    Grown-up step: Cut a square window on another side.

  3. Step 3: Spread the sheet
    3

    Spread the sheet

    Put the box on an old sheet, or take it outside.

  4. Step 4: Paint the outside
    4

    Paint the outside

    Hand over rollers and brushes. Let them paint every wall.

  5. Step 5: Let it dry
    5

    Let it dry

    Leave it for about 2 hours.

  6. Step 6: Move in
    6

    Move in

    Add a blanket, a pillow and a few books.

Edie's tip

Tape over any staples or sharp cardboard edges before your toddler climbs in.

Written by the DIY Project team. How we check · Report a mistake

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