Turn an empty cereal box into a handy expandable file folder for papers, receipts, and craft supplies. This project takes about half an hour, uses materials you likely already have, and gives you a sturdy organizer that can stand on a shelf or fit in a drawer. You’ll need basic cutting and folding skills, and adult supervision for younger crafters.
What You’ll Need
- One empty cereal box (the larger, rectangular kind works best)
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Scissors or a craft knife (use a cutting mat if using a craft knife)
- Bone folder or a butter knife (for creasing)
- Glue stick or double-sided tape
- Optional: decorative paper, stickers, or washi tape for covering the outside
- Optional: a piece of ribbon or string for a closure
Step-by-Step
- Flatten the cereal box. Open the top flaps and bottom flaps, then press the box flat along its existing creases. Remove any plastic liner inside.
- Cut off the top and bottom flaps. Using scissors or a craft knife, cut along the crease lines where the flaps meet the box sides. Discard the flaps. You now have a rectangular tube of cardboard.
- Cut the tube into two pieces. Decide how tall you want your file folder to be (a typical folder is about 9 inches tall, but you can adjust). Measure that height from one end of the tube and draw a straight line across all four panels. Cut along this line to separate the tube into two open-ended rectangles. You’ll use the taller piece for the folder; the shorter piece can be used for a mini version or recycled.
- Create the accordion sides. Place the rectangle so that the front and back panels are facing you, and the side panels are on the left and right. You’ll now fold the side panels into a zigzag pattern. Starting at one end, make a fold about 1 inch from the edge, then fold back the opposite way, and continue until the entire side panel is pleated. Use a ruler to keep the folds straight and a bone folder to make sharp creases. Repeat on the other side panel.
- Fold the front and back panels. Now fold the front and back panels along the same lines as the accordion folds on the sides. This will make the whole structure collapse into a flat, fan-like shape. Press down firmly to set the creases.
- Reinforce the bottom. Open the folder slightly so it stands up. The bottom edges of the panels will be uneven because of the accordion folds. Trim the bottom edges so they are all level, leaving about 1/4 inch of extra cardboard below the lowest fold. This will be the base.
- Create a bottom flap. Cut a piece of cardboard from the leftover scraps that is the same width as the folder’s front panel and about 2 inches tall. Fold this piece in half lengthwise to create a crease. Apply glue to one half and attach it to the inside bottom of the front panel, so the other half extends outward like a tab. This tab will fold under the folder to form the bottom.
- Attach the bottom tab. Fold the tab under the folder and press it against the bottom edges of the accordion sides. Apply glue or double-sided tape to the tab and press it firmly onto the bottom edges. Hold for a few seconds until it sticks. This creates a flat base that allows the folder to stand.
- Let the glue dry. Place the folder upright on a flat surface and let the glue dry completely, usually a few minutes. You can place a light book on top to help it set.
- Decorate (optional). Cover the outside of the folder with decorative paper or washi tape. You can also add a label to the front panel. If you want a closure, punch a hole through the front and back panels near the top edge and thread a ribbon through, tying a bow to keep the folder closed.
Common Mistakes
- Cutting the box too short. If you cut the tube too short, your folder won’t hold standard letter-size paper without folding. Measure twice before cutting.
- Not making sharp creases. If the accordion folds are not crisp, the folder won’t expand and collapse smoothly. Use a bone folder or the edge of a ruler to press down hard.
- Bottom tab too small. A tiny tab won’t provide enough surface area to hold the bottom together. Make it at least 2 inches tall and as wide as the folder’s front panel.
- Using too much glue. Excess glue can cause the cardboard to wrinkle or stick to itself. Use a thin, even layer.
Tips
- If you’re using a craft knife, always cut on a self-healing mat to protect your work surface and keep the blade sharp.
- For a sturdier folder, use a cereal box that has a thicker cardboard, like those from family-size boxes.
- Add a piece of cardstock or thin cardboard to the inside bottom to make it extra durable.
- Use the leftover cardboard scraps to make divider tabs inside the folder. Cut small rectangles, fold them in half, and glue them to the inside of the front panel.
- If you don’t have a bone folder, a clean popsicle stick works well for creasing.
Troubleshooting
- The folder doesn’t stand up straight. This usually means the bottom edges are uneven. Trim them again with scissors, making sure they are level. Also check that the bottom tab is centered and firmly glued.
- The accordion folds are too stiff. If the cardboard resists folding, score along the fold lines with a dull knife or the tip of scissors before folding. Be careful not to cut through.
- The folder won’t stay closed. If you added a ribbon closure, make sure the holes are aligned and the ribbon is long enough to tie a bow. Alternatively, use a large paper clip to hold the top edges together.
- The cardboard tears at the folds. This happens if the folds are forced against the grain of the cardboard. Try folding in the opposite direction, or reinforce the folds with a strip of clear tape on the inside.
- The bottom tab comes off. Use a stronger adhesive like craft glue or hot glue (with adult supervision). Let it dry completely before using the folder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of box? Yes, any sturdy rectangular box works, such as a pasta box or a small shipping box. Just make sure the cardboard is not too thin or too thick to fold easily.
How much weight can it hold? The folder is best for lightweight items like paper, receipts, and small craft supplies. Avoid overloading it with heavy objects, as the accordion sides may bend.
Can I make it larger? Yes, you can use a larger box, like a family-size cereal box, and adjust the height accordingly. Just remember that larger folders may need extra reinforcement at the bottom.
Is this project safe for kids? With adult supervision for cutting, yes. Younger kids can help with folding and decorating, while older kids can do the cutting with safety scissors.
How do I clean it? Wipe with a dry cloth or gently with a slightly damp cloth. Avoid getting it wet, as cardboard can warp.
Can I make it waterproof? Not easily. You can cover it with contact paper or laminate it, but the edges and folds will still be vulnerable to moisture.