Cardboard critters are free-to-access templates for kids of all ages to make toys.

Start Making

why cardboard?

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Accessibility and sustainability
Cardboard is a cheap material that many people already have! It's widely available as post-consumer waste and is fully recyclable and biodegradable.
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material properties
Cardboard has incredible properties that allow us to make things with it! It's structural, easy to cut and fold, glues well, and is great to draw on.

why toys from templates?

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Accessibile education
In short- Free art education is good! Free toys are good! These projects are designed to open the doors to art and STEM fields.
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sustainability
To build from often overlooked post-consumer waste is an act of anticonsumption. These projects teach "reduce, reuse, recycle, rethink" through real practice.

how it works

  • Cardboard Critters can be discovered through public spaces such as museums, libraries, and schools. Workshops can also happen in these spaces to bring people in through events.

  • Each project has its own life in making- from collecting materials and tools, to learning new skills through creation.

  • Each project has its own life in use- from different movements to sharing games with friends.

  • Each project remains recyclable when people no longer want to hold on to it.

    Workshops and a newsletter with new designs can keep people in the system.

Featured Projects

crawling caterpillar

Recommended for age 9

hopping frog

Recommended for age 12

drumming woodpecker

Recommended for age 15

View all