BUILD IT WITH CARDBOARD

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Coat the finished product with any good latex paint (flat or semi-gloss varieties seem to work best), and then attach the top's rear panel (marked "J") to the back panel of the box's body, using either glue or two brass paper fasteners.

DESIGN YOUR OWN

Once you've become familiar with the basic techniques involved in cardboard construction, you'll probably come up with a lot of projects of your own to try. When you set out to convert those ideas into reality, design the layouts on paper first. Start with your inside dimensions and then add enough to allow for the folds. (I generally figure 1/8" for each 90° bend, 1/4" for 180°, and 3/8" where a 180° bend folds over an adjoining tab.)

If you prefer to finish your containers or furniture with decorative paper (instead of paint), apply the covering to the componentsusing wheat paste—when they're flat and unassembled. In fact, don't even try to trim the paper to exact size until it's glued down and dry.

PROJECT IDEAS

Recycled container construction can be used to produce all sorts of items which need to be custom-sized to fit your home's own special nooks and crannies . . . must be lightweight . . . should be able to be folded flat for storage . . . or don't require the durability of a wood or metal object.

For example, I've turned scrap cardboard into a storage chest for Christmas decorations . . . a newspaper collection box . . . under-the bed "drawers" . . . a recipe file . . . a drawing/artwork carryall . . . moving containers for special items . . . a pet carrier . . . tool and shop supply organizers . . . and more!

The same material can be used to create wonderful toys for children (and these can make some dandy Christmas gifts). Consider building play kitchen appliances, a climb—in space capsule, big building blocks, or large dollhouses for the tots on your gift list. Of course, it may take you a while to become expert enough to tackle especially complicated projects, but the benefits of cardboard carpentry are certainly worth the effort. After all, this useful material—which might otherwise go to waste—has one big asset that's not found often these days . . . it's free!

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