Use a cereal box and found objects to create your one-of-a-kind art box! This project also has an instructional video available!

Steps

• Step 1
  Have students bring in cereal boxes from home; 9 oz. boxes work well. Paint the box with white gesso.
• Step 2
  To create the shelf, use a ruler to draw two rectangles on the box, 1/2" in from the edges with a 1/2" strip across the middle. Measure the side of the box; this is the depth of the shelf. Draw a horizontal line (A1) above the center strip; the distance between the top edge of the strip and the line should match the depth of the box. For example, if the box is 2" deep, the line will be 2" above the center strip. Draw another horizontal line the same distance
  below the center strip (A2). Next, draw a line 1" above line A1 (B1) and a line 1" below line A2 (B2). Pressing hard with a ball point pen, score the two horizontal lines that create the center strip, as well as lines A1 and A2.
• Step 3
  With a craft knife or scissors, cut through the top and both vertical lines of the top rectangle, as well as the bottom and both vertical lines of the bottom rectangle. Be careful not to cut through the center strip. Cut off the area above line B1 and below line B2 completely.
• Step 4
  Using the scored lines, fold the flaps in to form the shelf and glue in place. Glue the flap on the top of the box shut.
• Step 5
  When the glue is dry, paint the inside of the box with gesso.
• Step 6
  Collect objects and images or photos to place in your box. Try making your own objects out of modeling material.
• Step 7
  Arrange objects and images in your box. Be sure to paint the background before gluing objects in place.
• Step 8
  Paint the outside of the box to finish.

Products Used

• C-Thru Ruler Junior T-Square, 12" (CTR-JR12)
• Handy Art Acrylic White Gesso, Gallon (RPC-440004)
• Handy Art Acrylic White Gesso, Quart (RPC-440003)