A piece of cardboard makes a square box with sides ¼ the original length. For example, a 12 inch long piece of cardboard will make a 3" x 3" box. The width of the cardboard forms the height, base, and top of the box. For example, if you want to make a 3" x 3" box out of a 12" x 9" piece of cardboard, you’ll use 3" of the width to form the base and top, and the remaining 6" will form the height of the box.
To keep paper from wrinkling or bubbling, make sure to use a minimal amount of glue and smooth your paper out after you apply it.
If you want a rectangular box instead of a square one, use sections with two different measurements. For example, to make a 4" x 2" box, divide the cardboard into a 4" section, a 2" section, another 4" section, and another 2" section, in that order.
Bend thick material so the cut score is on the outside of the box. You can bend medium-weight material either way. [5] X Research source
For example, if you are making a 3" x 3" box, divide 3" by 2 to get 1. 5". Arrange the paper so the creased lines run vertically. Draw one horizontal line 1. 5" from the bottom edge, and a second horizontal line 1. 5" from the top. If your box is not square, you can use either side of the box for this calculation. Using the longer side will give the box a sturdier base and top. Using the shorter side will make a taller but weaker box.
Score and crease these as before if using thick cardboard.
Make sure you are applying the glue onto the dry surface, with no moisture on it. If you want to make glue dry faster, you can use a fan or a hair dryer.
If you are storing lightweight objects, you can just close the flaps together without trying to tuck them into place. Reinforce this simple fold with tape on the inside as well as the outside, to prevent the flaps from poking up.
