Let’s Fold Paper into Cubes & Build with Paper Boxes

This is the ultimate paper boxes craft which is great for kids of all ages. We are starting with sheets of colorful paper, learning how to make a paper cube and then building with the paper cubes or paper boxes. This folded paper box activity is the perfect boredom buster for a rainy day and also works great in the classroom as a STEM activity or STEAM activity.

Paper Box Craft Turned Stacking Toy

This activity was inspired by one of our favorite blog friends, Marie from Make and Takes. She calls it paper cube sculptures and creates paper cubes.

We thought it would be fun to add a building element which could keep this kids building activity going forever…

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How to Make a Paper Cube or Box

If you have ever wondered how to make a cube or box out of paper, you have come to the right place. Folding a paper box isn’t complicated origami folding, it is a few simple steps and a little glue.

Supplies Needed To Make Paper Cubes

Directions to Make Paper Cube Craft

Watch Our Short Tutorial Video on How to Make Folded Paper Boxes

Step 1

Cut your paper into strips. It is not super important how long or wide your pieces are as long as they are all the same size.

• We made our strips 4 1/4″ long (paper cut in half) and then roughly 2 inches wide.
• You will need 12 strips of paper for each cube.

Step 2

Fold each slip in half “like a hotdog”.

Step 3

Make a square “tray” with four of the strips.  One side of the folded “hot dog” will be laying flat on the table while the other is perpendicular and pointing up. Meet the ends at the corners

For extra stability, try to layer the corners. Glue them in place.

Step 4

Now add four more paper segments that will reach up. They are the “legs” that will connect to another square tray at the top.

Again, try to layer the sides for extra stability. Glue the legs into place.

Make sure that each corner is tight and flush with the other. If you don’t your square will be lopsided or may not work.

Step 5

For the top of the cube, do one side at a time or create another square tray like in step 3.

Tip: If creating the paper cubes gets confusing for the kids, make the top and the bottom pieces first and then attach them with the legs.

Step 6

Repeat over and over again!

Our Experience Making Paper Cubes

These blocks are addictive. You won’t want to make one, you’ll want a dozen!

After you make a couple together your kids can make the blocks independently. Our 3 year old had fun helping us glue.  Our five year old has been making them all by herself!

Build with Your Homemade Paper Blocks

We stacked them and built different types of buildings, skyscrapers and full towns. Our favorite was to see how high we could stack them and the bonus is if they fall over, no one gets hurt.

This paper craft and building activity could also be a fun STEM or STEAM activity for kids. There are so many different ways you could explore the dynamics of strength, size, technique and utility.

Using the Paper Cubes as an Art Installation

See how we used this technique along with some thread to hang paper boxes from the ceiling at our house. I shared this on IG awhile back:

You can also add white paper to the “windows” of the cubes for a unique gift box.

More Paper Crafts & Fun with Kids Activities Blog

How did your paper boxes turn out? What did you build with the paper cubes?