Craft a Box With Messages
Make a small decorated message box from cardboard, write secret notes or positive messages, and practice folding, decorating, and thoughtful writing.
About this activity
Make a small decorated message box from cardboard, write secret notes or positive messages, and practice folding, decorating, and thoughtful writing.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Gather all your materials and clear a flat workspace so you have room to draw and cut.
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Step 2
Use your ruler and pencil to draw a cross-shaped box template: one central square 6 cm by 6 cm with four identical squares attached to each side and a separate square 6.5 cm by 6.5 cm for the lid.
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Step 3
Cut out the cross-shaped template and the lid square carefully with your scissors.
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Step 4
Lightly score the lines between the squares with the ruler and the blunt side of the scissors so the cardboard folds easily.
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Step 5
Fold up the four side squares along the scored lines to form the box walls.
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Step 6
Apply glue to the edges where two sides meet to hold the box shape together.
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Step 7
Press the glued edges firmly together for a few seconds so the glue sticks and the box holds its shape.
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Step 8
Place the 6.5 cm lid square on top to check the fit and trim a tiny amount if it is too snug.
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Step 9
Decorate the outside and inside of your box using coloring materials and stickers to make it look special.
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Step 10
Cut several small squares of paper to the size you want for secret notes.
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Step 11
Write secret notes or positive messages on each small paper using kind words and creative ideas.
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Step 12
Fold your notes neatly and place them inside the finished box.
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Step 13
Share a photo or description of your finished message box on DIY.org to show everyone your creation.
Fun facts
How do I make a small decorated message box from cardboard?
Start by tracing a simple box template on a piece of cardboard (use a cereal box). Cut out the shape, leaving folding tabs; score fold lines with a ruler and blunt edge. Fold along lines and secure tabs with glue or tape to form the box and lid. Decorate with paper, stickers, paint, or washi tape. Cut scrap paper into small notes, write positive messages, fold them, and place them inside. Supervise cutting for young children.
What materials do I need to craft a message box for notes?
You'll need sturdy cardboard (like a cereal box), ruler, pencil, scissors and/or craft knife (adult use), glue or strong tape, and a scoring tool or blunt knife for folding. For decorating, gather colored paper, markers, stickers, washi tape, ribbon, and sequins or buttons. Also have scrap paper or small notecards for messages and an envelope or label if you want to gift the box. Household substitutes work fine.
What ages is making a decorated message box suitable for?
This activity suits many ages: preschoolers (3–5) can help decorate and dictate messages with adult cutting and supervision; early elementary (5–8) can do simple cutting, folding, and writing with help; older kids (9–12+) can design, assemble, and write independently. Teens can make advanced features like sliding drawers. Always supervise scissors, craft knives, and small embellishments for safety.
What are the benefits of making a message box and fun variations?
Making a message box builds fine motor skills, creativity, thoughtful writing, and emotional expression—kids practice gratitude and empathy when composing notes. Variations include a secret swap box, a daily gratitude box, themed boxes for holidays, or a memory keepsake with photos. For younger children, simplify with pre-cut shapes and larger notes; avoid small beads or buttons for toddlers to reduce choking risk.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if we don't have cardboard, a ruler, or glue?
If you don't have cardboard use a cereal- or shoebox panel, replace the ruler with a straight book edge or measuring tape, and swap glue for double-sided tape or a glue stick when cutting and assembling the 6 cm×6 cm cross template and 6.5 cm lid.
My box walls won't stay together or the lid is too tight—what should I try?
If the side seams won't stick, press glued edges firmly for longer and add extra glue or tape along the joins, and if the 6.5 cm lid is too snug gently trim a tiny amount from its edges and recheck the fit.
How can I adapt this activity for different ages?
For younger kids have an adult pre-draw, cut, and score the 6×6 cross template and let them fold and decorate with crayons and stickers, while older kids can measure precisely with the ruler, use thicker cardboard, and add compartments or advanced decoration like decoupage.
How can we make the message box more special or challenging?
To enhance the project add a ribbon hinge or small magnet to secure the 6.5 cm lid, create inner compartments by gluing extra 6×6 squares inside, and personalize with photos, layered paper, or a hidden note pocket under the base.