✨Made of a Lego box, packing tape, and a dream✨
I’ve been scouring Pinterest looking for a good way to display stickers at shows but I have no woodworking skills or tools so cardboard was the next best thing
If you want to make you own here’s the basics:
1. Make a staircase shape for the sidewalls. Mine is 11” deep, 10” wide, and 9” tall. (No specific reason except for this worked for the size of my cardboard box)
Another important measurement here is the size of each step. I made the first step 1/2” deep, all the middle steps
1 and 1/2”, and the final step 2”. The varied ends were just to account for a covering at the bottom and so I could have some extra playing room at the top.
Helpful tip! Make one sidewall and then use it to trace out a guide for the 2nd one!
2. Next you’ll need to create slits to hold the shelves. Simply make a cut at the bottom of each stair that will hold a shelf. The slit should be about the same length as the stair but not longer.
3. Once you have both staircase shapes with slits, you’ll need to make the flat shelves to connect them. Make these strips about a 1/2” longer than what you want the shelf space to be.
Once you’ve cut your strip to size, make a mark at 1/4” in from both ends. Make a small cut at both of these marks then another cut really close to that one and bend the cardboard tab back. This should create a small rectangular space. (Remember to do this on both ends)
Now you should be able to slide the shelf into your premade slits on the staircase. It will take several shelves for your project to feel more stable.
4. Now to make the pieces in front of the shelves you’ll need the same size strips. You will also cut slits in these pieces but instead of a small rectangle it will be a long and skinny rectangle. (Leave about 1/4” of cardboard in tact above your cut)
These pieces should slide easily down in front of your shelves. As you place, it may help the structure to use tape on the back. This can help hold pieces in place. As well as close any cracks.
5. Decorate however you want! I will probable end up painting mine with a cute design at the top! The sign portion was made using the same concept as the rest of the pieces. Just cut it to size, make long slits, and use tape to secure.
Please let me know if you have questions! Or let me know if you would like more detailed pics to help you make your own :)
All of the stickers on the shelf are available on my Etsy @ EEsartsandcrafts.
Building my multi-tiered display stand for stickers out of cardboard was a game-changer, especially since I have zero woodworking skills! But what I've learned since then is just how versatile and amazing cardboard crafts can be. If you're looking for more cardboard stand ideas or ways to make your DIY cardboard stand even better, here are some of my top tips and tricks to take your project to the next level. First off, while my original guide focused on creating a DIY sticker stand, don't limit yourself! This mini staircase shelf design is incredibly adaptable. I've seen people use similar cardboard display stands for showcasing small miniature collectibles, handmade jewelry, small art prints, or even little jars of homemade jam at craft fairs. Imagine a neat display of your business cards or greeting cards! It's a fantastic, low-cost solution for any small item you want to present beautifully, making it a truly practical piece of cardboard craft for various needs. When it comes to making your stand extra sturdy and long-lasting, especially if you plan to use it repeatedly or for heavier items, consider a few upgrades. While packing tape is great for assembly, reinforcing key joints with hot glue or even duct tape on the inside can add significant strength. For the shelves themselves, if you're displaying something a bit weighty, you can cut and glue an extra layer of cardboard to each shelf for double thickness. This makes your cardboard display stand much more robust. To protect your beautiful creation from wear and tear, or even accidental spills, a few coats of clear spray sealant or Mod Podge can work wonders. It gives it a slightly more polished finish and adds a layer of durability – something I wish I'd thought of for my first few stands! And let's talk about decoration and personalization! My original idea was to paint mine, and that’s just the beginning of cardboard craft ideas for customization. You could wrap sections with decorative paper (think scrapbook paper or even old maps!), cover it with fabric, or use vinyl decals for a super clean look. Adding small LED strip lights under each tier of your multi-tiered stand can really make your items pop, especially in dimly lit spaces. Remember how the OCR mentioned my sign that reads "DIY STICKER STAND"? You can totally make custom signs for whatever you're displaying – a "handmade jewelry" sign or a "local artisan goods" sign can elevate your presentation. This is where your DIY cardboard sign stand skills come in handy! Finally, sourcing your materials doesn't have to be expensive. While I used a Lego box, any sturdy cardboard box will do. Ask local appliance stores for their discarded boxes – they often have large, thick ones that are perfect for bigger projects. Upcycling old boxes isn't just budget-friendly; it's also a fantastic way to be eco-conscious with your crafting. I love knowing that I’m giving something new life! I hope these extra tips help you create an even more functional and fabulous cardboard stand DIY project. Don't be afraid to experiment with your own twists and ideas. Happy crafting!
This is such a cool idea!! I’ve been saving pieces of cardboard to make the cardboard vase bouquets and I’ll have to see if I have enough extra to try this out!