Make cardboard art

What can we use instead of craft glue or a craft knife if we don't have them?

If you don't have craft glue for the step 'Apply craft glue to the edges or bottoms of the pieces that will be the lowest layer', use white school glue, double-sided tape, or hot glue with adult supervision, and if you lack a craft knife for slots have an adult carefully use scissors or fold tabs instead as suggested in 'Ask an adult to cut any small or tricky shapes or to use a craft knife for slots'.

What should we do if the cardboard layers keep falling apart?

If stacked pieces still move after you 'press glued pieces firmly together for about 10 seconds', reinforce joins by making and gluing 'folded support strips' onto the back or underside and weight them until the glue fully dries to improve stability.

How can we adapt this activity for younger children or for older kids wanting a challenge?

For preschoolers, have an adult handle Steps 3–5 (draw and cut shapes) and let them paint and add stickers in Steps 11–13 with washable paint, while older kids can use a craft knife with adult help to cut slots, create complex folded support strips for stands, and add fine marker details.

How can we extend or personalize the cardboard sculpture once it's built?

After you 'Paint each piece with base colors' and 'Add patterns and details', personalize by adding movable parts with brads, gluing on recycled fabric or glitter for texture, or installing a small battery tea light inside layered sections before you 'Share your finished cardboard sculpture on DIY.org'.