In this post, I’ll show you how to recycle cardboard boxes into a cardboard wall art that adds style and character to your home decor. Using simple techniques and supplies you likely already have in your craft stash, you can create a stunning, modern piece of art with minimal effort. This method is not only easy but also a budget-friendly way to transform everyday materials into a unique, eye-catching design.

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1. Recycled cardboard box of assorted thickness
2. Cutting mat
3. Craft glue
4. Circle cutter
5. Ruler
6. Scissors
7. Embossing press
8. Embossing folders
9. Silver wax paste
10. Black paint
11. Hot glue gun

I began by cutting basic geometric shapes from the flat sections of a cardboard box. Using a circle cutter made it quick and easy to achieve perfectly round shapes, while a ruler and craft knife helped me cut precise squares, triangles, and rectangles. My cutting mat, with its built-in measurements, made sizing effortless.

To get clean edges, it’s important to use a very sharp craft knife. Be mindful not to press down too hard on the ruler while cutting—doing so can crush the edges of the cardboard. After cutting out my circles, I used a ruler and craft knife to slice them in half, creating even more shape variations.

For unique designs, find a shape on Google, print it on thick paper, and use it as a stencil. Simply trace it onto the cardboard and cut it out with a craft knife for a professional-looking finish.

In hindsight, I wish I had thought of using my laser-cutting machine sooner! While assembling my cardboard wall hanging, I ran out of shapes and was short on time due to other commitments. I was starting to think I might have to pull out of the challenge when my sister reminded me that I could use my Xtool P2 laser cutter. I couldn’t believe I hadn’t thought of it earlier—it would have made the process so much easier!

If I had planned ahead, I could have applied the embossed paper to the cardboard first and then cut the shapes all in one go. Figuring out the settings took trial and error, including small fires! Once right, the laser cut intricate designs perfectly.

Using the laser made it effortless to cut through 6mm cardboard, which was a real challenge with a craft knife. I’ve included my settings to give anyone with a laser a helpful starting point for their own projects.

With my experience in mixed media art, I know that incorporating different textures enhances the final result. One simple way to add texture to thicker cardboard is by peeling away the top layer to reveal the ribbed corrugation underneath. To make this process easier, lightly mist the surface with water and let it sit for a few minutes. This loosens the glue, making it easier to peel away the lining paper. I’ve found that the inner lining of the box typically comes off the easiest.

Another effective method is applying a thick layer of acrylic paint and tapping the surface with a paintbrush to create an uneven texture. Once dry, adding wax paste will highlight the raised areas, giving the piece even more depth and character.

For this project, I used mainly embossed cardstock glued to the surface to add texture. I have a large collection of embossing folders, which are available at most craft stores. However, I usually buy mine from Temu, where they cost around $3 each.

To create the raised effect, I placed the cardstock inside an embossing folder and ran it through my embossing machine. I don’t own a high-end machine, but honestly, you don’t need one. In the past, I’ve used the folders without a machine and achieved great results.

I’m lucky to live near a large paper mill that manufactures cardboard lining for boxes. They generously gave me a massive roll of 440gsm paper, which I now use for all my projects. It’s a fantastic alternative to thick cardstock and saves me the cost of buying it!

Next, apply a thin, even layer of glue to the cardboard and press it onto the embossed cardstock. To ensure a strong bond, place a heavy book on top while it dries. I prefer tacky glue over Elmer’s to prevent soggy paper and bubbling in unglued areas.

Once the glue is fully dry, trim away any excess cardstock for a clean finish. Using the Xtool laser from the start would’ve saved time, likely cutting the process in half.

To build the base of my wall hanging, I used a 60cm x 30cm piece of MDF. To add dimension, I started by layering large cardboard squares over the base.

This created a sturdy foundation for adding depth and dimension to different sections of the design. Layered mixed media art makes reaching hidden bottom layers challenging. To avoid this issue, I used a quick-drying black spray paint to coat the base before assembling the layers.

Next, I painted all the shapes with black acrylic paint. While spray paint is an option, I only had a matte black on hand, which didn’t give me the slight sheen I wanted. The matte finish worked fine for the base since most of it would be covered by the layered design, but for the shapes, I preferred a subtle shine to enhance the overall look.

This next step is where the magic happens! I used silver wax paste to highlight the embossed designs, making them stand out beautifully. The process is simple—just dab a small amount of wax onto your fingertip and gently rub it over the raised surfaces to bring out the details.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t find an active link for the silver wax paste since it’s currently out of stock. However, I’ve included a link to a similar product in a different colour so you know what to look for. Most wax pastes on the market now come in tubes or tins, but the one I used for this project has been a favourite in my stash for years.

I started in the centre, working outward with gaps to reveal the layer below. I added the big pieces first and covered most of the surface. Then, I added the smaller pieces, creating multiple layers until I was happy with the design. I used a hot glue gun to keep the pieces securely in place.

Alternatively, you can use the dry brush painting method. Simply dip your brush into a small amount of paint, then remove the excess on a piece of paper until the brush is nearly dry. Lightly run it over the surface to highlight the raised areas. However, in my experience, the effect isn’t quite as striking as wax paste.

Once all the pieces were in place, I used an old paintbrush to apply a bit of silver wax to blend in the plain black areas.

I know this tutorial is quite detailed, but I wanted to cover everything to make it as easy as possible to follow. While the project took me about five hours to complete, it was surprisingly simple to do—and well worth the effort!

I’ve included some close-up shots of the layers to give you a better look at the details. I have entered this project into the cardboard contest if you like my idea please vote in the contest.