How to Make Your Own Poster Board Box

Box-making is an enjoyable craft. With bookbinding tools and book cloths readily available to crafters, ideas can be transformed into new concepts and projects. Using different mediums such as poster board will give you a sturdy base and the option of using a variety of decorating techniques. Creating your own poster board box can turn a dull afternoon into a pleasant crafting experience.

Measure the width, length and depth of the type of box you want to create. For example, to make a round jewelry box, use dimensions such as a 5-inch circular bottom base by 6 inches in height for your box's outer frame and 5 1/2-inch width for your lid.

Draft your pattern on pattern paper. Use a circle guide template or drafting compass for your circular bottom base and lid. Keep in mind that the outer frame dimension will be temporarily rectangular in shape until it is wrapped around the base in a later step. Draft the shape 6 inches by 20 inches. You will need to overlap the ends for a clean finish.

Trace your pattern on your poster board and cut out with your scissors. You will have three poster board pattern parts: the bottom base, lid and your box's outer frame. Take a piece of foam and place the lid's pattern over it. Cut the foam with your rotary cutter for a smooth finish. Make sure you use a cutting mat to prevent damage to your table's surface.

Spray a light coating of adhesive on your lid and glue your foam. Let dry.

Choose book cloth or fabric to cover your poster board. Trace your box's patterns on your material and cut out.

Brush a light coating of acid-free, all-purpose glue on your poster board and glue your book cloth. It is best to spray your lid's foam with adhesive and set the book cloth cover. You can brush another coating of glue on the under side of the lid to secure the cloth in place. Smooth out any wrinkles or creases with your bone folder. Let dry.

Place your bottom base on your work surface. Wrap your box's frame by applying decorative tape around the bottom base. For example, if your tape is 1 inch wide, make sure 1/2 inch is applied to the bottom base and the other 1/2 inch is around the outer frame. This will require some time to apply the tape smoothly.

Overlap the ends of the outer frame. You can opt to add a piece of decorative tape vertically over the overlap seam to hide it. You can also opt to add a decorative ribbon bow to your box's lid as a finishing touch to your poster board box.