Make a life hack
Make a simple phone stand from cardboard and tape. Measure, cut, fold, decorate, and test stability to learn problem solving and recycling.
Step-by-step guide to make a simple phone stand from cardboard and tape
💡 GENIUS LIFE HACKS YOU'LL USE EVERY DAY! Smart Tricks That Actually Work 🔧
Step 1
Gather all the materials and clear a flat workspace so you have room to measure and cut.
Step 2
Measure the width and height of your phone with the ruler and remember the numbers.
Step 3
Place your phone on the cardboard and draw a rectangle that is 1 cm wider and 1 cm taller than the phone.
Step 4
Draw a back support strip on the cardboard about as tall as your phone and about 4 cm wide and add a 1 cm line at one end for a fold.
Step 5
Cut out the base rectangle and the back support strip using the scissors.
Step 6
Score and fold along the 1 cm line on the strip to make a small folded lip.
Step 7
Tape the folded strip to the back edge of the base at a slight angle so it can hold the phone upright.
Step 8
Place your phone on the stand to test whether it sits upright and feels stable.
Step 9
If the phone slides forward add small pieces of tape to the lip to make a non slippery edge.
Step 10
Decorate your stand with colouring materials stickers or drawings to make it fun and unique.
Step 11
Take a photo and share your finished phone stand on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can I use instead of cardboard, a ruler, or tape if I don't have them?
Use a cereal box or cleaned thin plastic container instead of cardboard, a credit card or straight-edged book as a ruler for the measuring step, and replace tape with glue, a stapler, or paper clips to attach the folded strip.
What should I do if the phone stand won't hold the phone upright or the phone slides forward?
If the phone tips or slides (step where you test stability), widen the back support strip, add a second layer of cardboard to the base, tighten the tape at the fold, and stick small pieces of tape to the lip as the instructions suggest to make a non-slip edge.
How can I adapt this activity for younger or older kids?
For younger children, have an adult do the measuring, cutting, and scoring while the child tapes and decorates the pre-cut pieces, and for older kids let them measure precisely, cut the 1 cm fold themselves, and experiment with different angles or multiple support lips for sturdiness.
How can we extend or personalize the phone stand beyond decorating with stickers and drawings?
Enhance the stand by cutting a small notch in the base for a charging cable, gluing foam or extra tape to the lip for extra grip, painting or varnishing the cardboard for durability, and then take the photo to share on DIY.org as the final step.
Watch videos on how to make a simple phone stand from cardboard and tape
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Facts about cardboard crafts and recycling
📦 Cardboard is one of the easiest materials to recycle and many recycling programs accept it curbside.
✂️ Smart folds (like triangles and tabs) make cardboard much stronger without adding extra material.
🛠️ A strip of strong tape can multiply a cardboard joint's strength and keep a stand stable under load.
📱 A simple angled phone stand helps hold the device steady and can cut down on neck strain during videos.
🌍 Upcycling cardboard into useful items keeps it out of the trash and saves resources compared with making new materials.
