This is a good family project to make recycled cardboard folders to storage children stationery, small books and other tiny paper goodies. 
Kids will have fun drawing, sewing buttons and lacing, and once finished they can play a funny game using envelopes: carrying secret messages, drawings and paper treasures inside those cool folders! 
Hope you have a great time with this easy craft activity : )

What You Need

• Recycled cardboard
• Buttons
• 
Plastic lacing string
• Marker
• 
Thick embroidery thread (perlé)
• Needle
• Punch
• Scissors
• 
Ruler

Recycled Cardboard Suitcase

Step 1

Draw a rectangle (13.8” wide x 9.7” high). Then add on top, and centered, another rectangle of 7”x 2.6” for the handle. It will be 1” wide on both sides and 0.8” wide on top. Cut out two pieces from this suitcase shape.

Step 2

Take one of the cardboard pieces and draw two pockets. Punch holes for two pocket buttons and also for a big closure button.

Step 3

Thread a needle and sew buttons. You can make big holes and use unsharpened or plastic needles for kids.

Step 4

Take the other piece, this will be the back of the suitcase. Punch to holes top centered.

Cut string long enough to reach closure button. Pass it through both holes and tie a knot to make loop.

Step 5

Take the two cardboard pieces wrong sides together, align and punch holes all around edge leaving the topside without holes.

Using plastic lacing string, start lacing sides together, tying a knot at the first hole and each time you reach the end of the string lace.

Step 6

Lace all three edges and secure with knots. Take the plastic string loop out, leaving the tied knot inside the suitcase, fasten the big button on top to close.

All done!

Recycled Cardboard Handbag

Repeat steps for making the bag, using a big lid pan and a small tea plate to get the shape.
Draw flowers, sew buttons and add stickers to decor your fancy bag.

Happy crafting!