How to Make a Box Out of Foam Board

Stack of foam board panels
  • 1-4 hours
  • Beginner
  • 20-50
What You'll Need
Foam board
Cutting mat
Craft knife
Pencil
Ruler
Scissors
Hot glue gun
Clear glue
Ribbon
Other craft supplies to decorate with
What You'll Need
Foam board
Cutting mat
Craft knife
Pencil
Ruler
Scissors
Hot glue gun
Clear glue
Ribbon
Other craft supplies to decorate with

Boxes can be built from everything from paper to foam board. Using foam board allows you to create a box that can be made 100% unique and very light weight to carry around. Plus it is an easy and fun craft to do that allows you to create something useful. So here are the basics on how to create a foam board box.

Step 1 - Buy Supplies

All of the items needed for this craft can be bought at craft stores, school supply stores and even mass discount stores. If you cannot find them at a local retailer, you should be able to buy them off an online store for a decent price. All together you may pay up to $50 for the supplies, but much more likely around $20.

Step 2 - Decide and Measure

All you need to do is figure out the height, width, and depth desired for the box. Then mark off the area you will need to cut to get the right size. Do not use scissors to cut with, instead use the craft knife for cutting through foam board. You may want to use a ruler's edge for cutting straight and not jagged lines.

Step 3 - Cut the Board

Using the ruler as a guide, start cutting through the foam board slowly to help prevent from making mistakes. Slowly make your way all around the board. By the time you are done with cutting through the foam board, you should have five pieces of it cut in the right size. You can cut additional pieces of foam board for a lid, if you like.

Step 4 - Put it all Together

On the piece of foam board that will be the very bottom, run the hot glue gun around the back edge. Then place one piece of foam board directly onto the glue to create a wall. Hold it in place for a few seconds to allow the glue to set.

Pick it up and remove any excess off the edge that might have oozed out. Do the same for the other three sides of the box. Then set to dry for about 1 1/2 hours. Reinforce the box with a thin layer of clear glue on the bottom edges of the box where the sides meet the bottom. Set upside down and allow to dry for another 1 1/2 hours.

Step 5 - Decorate the Box

This step may be the most fun. Bring out everything you wish to use to personalize the box and start decorating. For example, use glitter glue, markers, stickers, felt cutouts and photos to personalize the boxes.

Another fun idea is to use pretty paper to cut out initials or words and attach them to the box. The possibilities for decorating are endless. Just have fun with it and see where it takes you. Then set it aside to dry. The next day, again use a thin layer of clear glue all over the box to help hold the decorations in place.