From home decor to fun pet DIY projects, there are numerous ways to use your cardboard boxes. Reuse instead of recycling with these 25 easy cardboard crafts for adults.

If you are anything like me, you have a pile of Amazon Prime boxes in your home waiting to be broken up and recycled. Kudos to you for recycling, but maybe you could upcycle some of those boxes instead.
What can you craft with cardboard?
You may think that cardboard is cheap looking and is only good for kid projects. But you would be wrong! Cardboard is a very versatile craft supply. It is sturdy but can be bent into various shapes.
You can paint it, cut it and even use it for paper mache. This means that there are many different craft projects that adults can make using cardboard!
I’ve collected 25 easy cardboard crafts that you are going to love! There are holiday decorations, storage solutions, projects for your pets and even a super cheap headboard made using cardboard. Go ahead and check them out…
Easy Cardboard Crafts for Adults
Reuse instead of recycling with these 25 easy crafts with cardboard that everyone will love!
Napkin Rings
Okay, this is a super cheap and easy DIY. These gold geo napkin rings are made with cardboard and gold duct tape!
Giant Greeting Cards
Make these cute and easy GIANT DIY greeting cards using cardboard! Yup. These are the extremely large cousins of your typical grocery store cards. Aren’t they a hoot?
Marquee Letters
See how easy it is to make light up letters using cardboard and fairy lights! I'm thinking about so many different ways this could be used.
Cat Scratcher
Cut up some cardboard boxes to make an easy (and free) cat scratcher. Cats always seem to prefer boxes anyway, right?
Succulent Planter
I love the modern look of this planter, and it is easy to create with cardboard! This site is in Hungarian, but just right click to translate the page to English.
Lightbox
This DIY lightbox is an easy project that can be switched up for different times of year. Just change the message!
Sandcastle
Learn how to make a cardboard sandcastle out of recycled boxes! This is such a great tutorial for a party or anywhere besides the beach you need a castle.
Yarn Art
If you are looking for a fun project to do while sitting on the sofa, this yarn art is it. Make yarn wall art out of any word using cardboard and simple wrapping!
Wall Clock
This cardboard wall clock is similar to the cat scratcher from earlier. Just rolled up cardboard! Add cardboard numbers and clock hands to complete.
Marimekko Theme Wreath
Learn to make a DIY wreath using felt and a pool noodle. Perfect for spring and you can customize it with your fave colors. You will use cardboard as backing for the flowers to keep them from 'wilting'.
Cardboard Lantern
Turn a cardboard box into a beautiful gold edged lantern. You'll need gold spray paint and tissue paper for the panels.
Cardboard Loom
You can make so many crafts with yarn on a cardboard loom: coasters, wall hangings, even small scarves. Learn how to weave and it will change your crafting life.
Felt Box
The felt weaved storage box with handles looks like it came from an expensive store! Can you believe it is essentially a cardboard box with paint stirrer handles?
Faux Metallic Sign
This 3D metallic holiday sign only cost $10 — because it is actually made using cardboard, spray paint and gold leaf!
Super Space Saving DIY Shoe Rack
Learn how to make space saving sturdy DIY shoe rack from cardboard for FREE in 30 minutes. It's a great small space storage and closet shoe organizer idea!
Yarn Heart Garland
Each little heart has a piece of cardboard within, but you'd never know it. Make this heart garland using yarn and cardboard. And I think you're probably already realizing, you can make a garland like this with any shape.
Pineapple Tray
Grab your paint and paper mache supplies to create this sturdy tray made with a cardboard base.
Catchall
I love this cardboard organizer because it’s easy to make, simple and matches with everything. If you're looking for a simple desk organizers DIY, this should fit the bill.
Christmas Gingerbread Village
See how Amaryllis turned a diaper box into an adorable "gingerbread" village! Such a great idea for a Christmas mantel decoration.
Upholstered Headboard
Create this farmhouse style headboard for only $10 using cardboard! It is a really easy DIY.
Faux Cactus
Calling all plant ladies with a brown thumb! Use recycled cardboard to build this eco-friendly cactus. You can add toothpicks for an authentic touch!
Pimped Up Pet Bed
Cats love cardboard boxes! Just go with it. Turn your cat's favorite box into a bed using ribbed molding.
Fall Burlap Wreath
Here is another wreath that uses cardboard in its creation. This time, the wreath form is made with cardboard!
Wall Art
Create this geometric cardboard wall art using craft paint and a hot glue gun. All 3 panels were made using only one box!
Star Ornament
Who knew cardboard, yarn, and scrapbook paper could look so good? If you can wrap, you'll be able to make these cute Christmas ornaments!
If you enjoyed these easy cardboard craft ideas, I’d love it if you could share this post using the buttons below. Also visit our newspaper crafts, and then check out these other popular upcycling or reusing crafts: