We’ve all been there before. Your online order arrives and you say to yourself, “Wow, that’s a really nice cardboard box” and hang onto it indefinitely. But what if it’s not only a nice box, but also has a wonderful print inside? Well, you hang onto it in order to upcycle it into cardboard coasters, of course!
That’s what happened to me over the past few months. First, I ordered some goodies from Bath & Body Works, which came in box festooned with a blue-and-white checked interior. Then, my Greenville girlfriends sent us a care package from Spoonful of Comfort after my mom passed. And it, too, sported a gorgeous, colorful motif inside.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
So, I decided that both boxes were destined to be crafted with, and cardboard coasters seemed ideal. Especially since I’d thrifted a new-to-me outside table that I’d wanted to use for project photos.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Ultimately, yes, this is one of those “duh!” projects that probably doesn’t warrant a blog post. But any chance I get to take pretty pictures is reason enough for me. Plus, I discovered a fun new tool to try out- and I think it’ll come in very handy in the future, too. So, let’s get right to it!
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Cutting Cardboard with a Power Cutter
There are certainly several ways to go about making cardboard coasters when it comes to cutting cardboard. Scissors and box cutters are available, but I decided this project was a great chance to purchase a small new power tool: A Ryobi power cutter!
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
I simply wanted something safer for cutting cardboard- and easier on my wrists. So, this was a relatively inexpensive solution- and while there are lots of other brands available, we really like Ryobi tools.
First, I removed any shipping labels that I could, if they didn’t tear away the top layer of cardboard. Then, I cut off the box flaps with the cardboard cutter.
I find 4” x 4” to be an ideal size for DIY coasters. So, I further trimmed the box flaps to be closer to that size. Since these would be recyclable coasters, though, perfect sizing wasn’t really required.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
The Ryobi power cutter was SO easy to use. It didn’t bend the cardboard like scissors can, and it wasn’t scary to use like a box cutter or other craft knife can be. I did, however, find it easier to use if I braced the end of the cardboard against something as I cut it.
Next, I cut the box flaps in half (roughly) to end up with 4-inch squares. And that was all there was to it!
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
I also repeated the process with the Bath & Body Works box. Which, ironically, sports an inspiring message that seemed perfect for this blog post.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
And that, my friends, is all I did. I didn’t paint them, I didn’t seal them, and I didn’t do anything to cover up the raw cardboard edges. I plan to use these cardboard coasters outside for sweaty drinks, so I wanted them to be somewhat absorbent. And I also wanted to be able to toss them in our blue bin once they looked worn out.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Cardboard Coasters from Decorative Boxes
I kind of love the fact that the edges prove they came from cardboard boxes. Otherwise, they’re pretty enough from overhead not to know.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
And ultimately, I should be able to get two dozen cardboard coasters from each box. My hand and wrist won’t hurt at all, either, thanks to the power cutter. That’s definitely enough coasters to last all summer long- probably well into Fall.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
If I really wanted to, I could wrap twine around the edges to make them a wee bit fancier. But I’d need to remove it before placing them in the recycling bin- so I think I’ll skip that step.
Besides, I like showing off that they’re just cut-up cardboard boxes! I think that adds interest and curiosity to otherwise pretty coasters to use on the porch and patio- don’t you?
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
It definitely begs the question, though: Are there other brands that ship your purchases in pretty boxes? Being a thrifter, I don’t do a ton of online shopping…but it’s always fun to know if certain boxes are ideal for crafting!
And for anyone who plans to craft with cardboard OR struggles to cut open plastic packaging (like batteries), I highly recommend something like this power cutter– either a Ryobi power cutter like ours or another brand. The older I get, the less interested I am in struggling with stuff like that!
I’d also like to extend a heartfelt thanks to my girlfriends for sending us the gift box from Spoonful of Comfort, too: Kate DiNatale Vintage/CarlaSue Vintage, Maliasmark, and Pink Dogwood Jewelry. Not only were the soups, cookies, and rolls delicious, but the box was too pretty not to craft with!
Interested in other upcycling ideas for cardboard boxes? Then this collection of cardboard crafts is definitely for you!
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Craft on!
S
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Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
I think this is brilliant and I really like that new tool!
Thank you so much, Gina! It really is a handy tool- easy and not scary to use!