Cardboard Garden
Turn cardboard into a living world that grows with every new piece.
The Set Up
Start with large pieces of cardboard and imagine a garden that has no limits. Gather cardboard scissors, tape or glue, and bright paint mixed with a little white for extra vibrancy. MakeDo tools are brilliant for strong joins but masking tape or a glue gun will do the job too.
The Making
Children cut and join cardboard into giant flowers, tall stems, and wild shapes that don't even have to exist in any real garden. Big brushes or sponges quickly cover shapes in bold colour. Over time the garden expands and changes, growing with each new addition.
Variations
Add bugs, butterflies, or magical creatures made from smaller scraps. Let the installation evolve over a week or more, photographing its growth as a record.
Materials
Large sheets of cardboard (the sturdier the better)
Cardboard tubes from wrapping paper
Cardboard scissors (Fiskars are our favourite)
MakeDo tools, masking tape, or a glue gun for joining
Poster or tempera paints mixed with a little white for vibrancy
Big brushes and sponges for bold coverage
Drop cloths or painter’s canvas to protect the floor
Optional: metal stands or poles to hold up tall flowers or stems
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Cardboard Garden
Turn cardboard into a living world that grows with every new piece.
Bookmark
Installations
The Set Up
Start with large pieces of cardboard and imagine a garden that has no limits. Gather cardboard scissors, tape or glue, and bright paint mixed with a little white for extra vibrancy. MakeDo tools are brilliant for strong joins but masking tape or a glue gun will do the job too.
The Making
Children cut and join cardboard into giant flowers, tall stems, and wild shapes that don't even have to exist in any real garden. Big brushes or sponges quickly cover shapes in bold colour. Over time the garden expands and changes, growing with each new addition.
Variations
Add bugs, butterflies, or magical creatures made from smaller scraps. Let the installation evolve over a week or more, photographing its growth as a record.
Materials
Large sheets of cardboard (the sturdier the better)
Cardboard tubes from wrapping paper
Cardboard scissors (Fiskars are our favourite)
MakeDo tools, masking tape, or a glue gun for joining
Poster or tempera paints mixed with a little white for vibrancy
Big brushes and sponges for bold coverage
Drop cloths or painter’s canvas to protect the floor
Optional: metal stands or poles to hold up tall flowers or stems
Back to Top
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Thoughts?
Would love to hear if youv'e tried this or have any ideas on how to make it even better!
