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Make a clamshell box

Make a clamshell box
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Make a clamshell box from cardstock by measuring, safely cutting, folding, and gluing; then decorate and test the lid for proper fit.

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Step-by-step guide to make a clamshell box

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BURGER BOX | PAPERBOARD CLAMSHELL BOX | SINGLE PACKAGING BURGER BOX

What you need
Adult supervision required, cardstock sheet, colouring and decorating materials, glue stick or double-sided tape, pencil, ruler, scissors

Step 1

Gather all materials on a clear table so everything is ready to use.

Step 2

Draw a rectangle 10 cm by 12 cm on the cardstock using the ruler and pencil for the box base.

Step 3

On that rectangle draw fold lines: vertical lines at 1 cm 3 cm and 8 cm from the left edge and horizontal lines at 2 cm and 10 cm.

Step 4

Cut out the 10 cm by 12 cm rectangle along its outside edge with the scissors.

Step 5

Cut small corner slits where the vertical and horizontal fold lines meet so the flaps can fold up.

Step 6

Fold each marked line inward and crease them sharply with the ruler edge or your fingernail.

Step 7

Put glue on the 1 cm tab and press it to the inside of the opposite edge to form the box base; hold until the glue sets.

Step 8

Cut a second rectangle 10.4 cm by 12.4 cm from cardstock for the lid.

Step 9

On the lid rectangle draw fold lines: vertical lines at 1 cm 3 cm and 8.4 cm from the left edge and horizontal lines at 2 cm and 10.4 cm.

Step 10

Cut out the lid rectangle and make small corner slits where the lid fold lines meet.

Step 11

Fold the lid along all lines and glue the 1 cm tab to form the lid; hold until the glue sets.

Step 12

Decorate the box and lid using your colouring and decorating materials to make it look awesome.

Step 13

Place the lid over the base and slide it down gently to test the fit.

Step 14

If the lid is too tight trim 1–2 mm from the inside top edges of the lid with scissors and test the fit again.

Step 15

Share your finished clamshell box on DIY.org.

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

Can I substitute any materials if I don't have cardstock or glue?

Use flattened cereal-box cardboard or poster board instead of cardstock and a glue stick or double-sided tape instead of liquid glue, but score the fold lines more deeply with the ruler so the base and lid keep their shape.

What should I do if my folds aren't sharp or the box won't form square corners?

Re-crease each marked line inward using the ruler edge or your fingernail as the instructions say, make the small corner slits slightly larger so the flaps fold up cleanly, and hold the glued 1 cm tab firmly until the glue sets.

How can I adapt the activity for different age groups?

For ages 4–6 have an adult pre-measure and cut the 10×12 cm and 10.4×12.4 cm rectangles and let them fold and decorate, for 7–10 let children measure, cut slits, and glue with supervision, and for 11+ challenge them to take precise measurements and perform the 1–2 mm lid trimming themselves for a perfect fit.

How can we enhance or personalize the clamshell box after making it?

Line the inside with patterned paper, add a ribbon or small magnet for closure, use your colouring and decorating materials as instructed to make designs, and share a photo of the finished clamshell box on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to make a clamshell box

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Clamshell Box Part 1

4 Videos

Facts about paper crafting for kids

♻️ You can decorate boxes with recycled magazines, fabric scraps, or stickers—an easy way to upcycle and personalize your project.

✂️ Cardstock is thicker and sturdier than regular paper—cutting it cleanly usually needs a sharp craft knife or strong scissors.

🐚 Clamshell boxes get their name because the lid and base remain attached and open like a clam—great for easy access and display!

📏 Professional box makers work with tiny tolerances (often just a few millimetres) so lids fit snugly without being too tight.

📐 Scoring a fold line with a bone folder or the back of a butter knife gives crisp folds and stops the cardstock from cracking.

How do I make a clamshell box from cardstock?

To make a clamshell box, measure the item you’ll store and add a few millimetres of clearance. Draw a base template with side walls and a matching lid with slightly larger interior dimensions. Score fold lines with a ruler and bone folder, cut out the shapes, fold the walls, and glue the flaps to form the base and lid. Allow glue to set, then decorate and test the lid for a snug, easy-on fit, trimming if necessary.

What materials do I need to make a clamshell box?

You’ll need sturdy cardstock (about 200–300 gsm or 65–110 lb), a ruler, pencil, scoring tool or bone folder, cutting mat, craft knife and/or child-safe scissors, straightedge, white glue or double-sided tape, and clamps or binder clips. Optional supplies: patterned paper, decorative tape, corner punch, measuring template, and embellishments. Supervise any use of knives and small decorative items with young children for safety.

What ages is making a clamshell box suitable for?

This activity suits ages 6+ with adult help for measuring and cutting. Children 8–12 can do most steps with minimal supervision, building measurement and fine-motor skills. Teens and adults can tackle precise fits, custom sizes, or decorative finishes. For younger kids (3–5), simplify by pre-cutting pieces and letting them fold, glue, and decorate to keep it safe and fun while still feeling involved.

What are the benefits, safety tips, and variations for clamshell box making?

Making clamshell boxes builds measurement, planning, fine motor skills, and spatial reasoning; it’s great for gifts and storage. Safety tips: use child-safe scissors, supervise craft knives, choose non-toxic glue, and avoid small embellishments for toddlers. Variations include magnetic or ribbon closures, double-walled boxes for durability, window cutouts, fabric-covered exteriors, and scaled templates for jewelry or larger keepsakes. Test the lid often for fit while assembling.
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