Looking for a fun, creative way to spend your afternoon?

Let’s turn ordinary cardboard into something extraordinary! Making a cardboard tray is not only super easy but also a fantastic way for kids to explore creativity, learn basic crafting skills, and create something useful for the home. Whether it’s for Diwali sweets, your stationery, or just a quirky display piece, DIY cardboard trays are the way to go.

With Fevicreate activities, you can follow simple step-by-step guides that make crafting enjoyable and stress-free. These activities show kids how to transform cardboard into colourful, decorative trays in no time. Now, let’s get hands-on and make some tray magic happen.

1. DIY Aipan Cardboard Tray (Fun & Decorative)

This DIY aipan art tray coaster craft uses simple cardboard and chart paper to create a small decorative tray. Perfect for holding tiny items or displaying cute trinkets.

Materials Required

Thick cardboard sheet
Coloured chart paper
Fevicol MR
Fevicryl Acrylic Colours
Mirror pieces or sequins
Scissors, pencil, and scale

Steps to Make It

Draw the Tray Template: Sketch a square or rectangular tray template on cardboard with a pencil and scale.

Cut Out the Tray: Carefully cut along the lines. Make sure the edges are straight for a neat fold.

Fold the Edges: Fold the sides up to form the tray walls. Lightly crease for easier assembly.

Stick the Tray Together: Apply Fevicol MR on the side flaps and stick them to form the tray. Let it dry.

Paint the Base: Use Fevicryl colours to paint the tray. Apply evenly for a smooth, vibrant base.

Decorate: Add mirror pieces, sequins, or coloured paper strips for that extra sparkle.

Final Touch: Once dry, your Aipan-style cardboard tray is ready to display or gift!

Creative Tip: Use bright traditional colours for a festive look or go pastel for a calm, playful vibe.

2. Recycled Magazine Cardboard Tray (Eco-Friendly & Colourful)

Turn old magazines and cardboard into a bright, eco-friendly tray that’s perfect for storing stationery, jewellery, or little knick-knacks. It’s colourful, creative, and teaches kids the magic of recycling!

Materials Required

Cardboard sheet (recycled box works best)
Old magazines or colourful paper
Fevicol MR
Scissors, pencil, and ruler
Decorative beads or stickers (optional)

Steps to Make It

Draw and Cut the Base: Draw a rectangle or square on cardboard and cut it out for your tray base.

Make Tray Walls: Cut long strips of cardboard for the sides and fold them slightly to stick them on the base.

Cover with Magazine Pages: Cut magazine pages into strips or patterns and stick them neatly on the tray using Fevicol MR.

Decorate the Edges: Roll thin strips of magazine or coloured paper to create a border around the tray edges.

Add Extra Sparkle: Stick beads, buttons, or stickers on the tray for a fun, personalised touch.

Final Finish: Let everything dry completely. Your recycled magazine tray is now ready to brighten up any corner of your home!

Creative Tip: Mix and match pages from different magazines for a funky, colourful patchwork effect that’s totally unique!

3. DIY Diwali Festive Tray (Glitz & Glam)

Bring in the festive cheer with a Diwali-festive tray! This craft uses chart paper, foil mirrors, and Fevistik Power for a colourful, sparkling tray.

Materials Required

Fevistik Power
Fevicryl Acrylic Colour Black
Coloured chart papers
Mount board
Paper cord, sequins, ornamental stones, foil mirrors
Scissors, scale, pencil

Steps to Make It

Prepare the Base: Cut the cardboard to your desired tray size. This will be the foundation.

Cover with Chart Paper: Stick coloured chart paper over the base using Fevistik Power for a smooth surface.

Create Tray Walls: Cut strips of cardboard for the sides and stick them onto the base. Ensure all edges are even.

Add Festive Details: Decorate the tray with sequins, foil mirrors, or ornamental stones.

Paint Accents: Use Fevicryl colours to highlight patterns or borders.

Attach Decorative Elements: Use Fevistik Power to add paper cords, mini embellishments, or designs.

Final Review: Let everything dry properly. Your Diwali tray is now ready to wow guests or hold your festive treats

Creative Tip: Mix and match textures like foil, paper, and sequins for a fun 3D effect.

Why DIY Cardboard Trays Are a Must-Try

Making a tray from cardboard is more than just a craft; it’s a confidence booster, a creativity spark, and a great way to spend time together. Kids get to explore materials, colours, and shapes while also making something useful. And the best part? Every tray is unique, just like its creator.

So grab your cardboard, chart papers, Fevicol, and Fevicryl colours, and start your tray adventure today. Your hands-on creation awaits, and trust us, it’s going to be fun, bright, and totally one-of-a-kind.

Happy crafting with Fevicreate!