Intermediate

Cardboard Vintage Style Holiday Fireplace

cardboard fireplace with greenery on top and presents hanging from it

Supplies

MAKERX Angle Grinder (WX741L.9)
MAKERX Hot Glue Gun (WX746L.9)
MAKERX Rotary Cutter (WX745L.9)
Cardboard Shipping Boxes
Red Brick Paper
Wood Molding
Black Poster Board
Long Ruler
Festive Flourishes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Steps

1. Open and flatten three large shipping boxes. One for the front, one for the back and one for the sides. Using a ruler and a pencil, trace a handful three inch wide strips on the first box. Follow the traced lines and cut the stips out using the Rotary Cutter. Tip: The amount of boxes and strips depends on the size of the fireplace you’re making.

worx angle grinder, zipsnip, and hot glue gun next to red brick wrapping paper

rotary cutter cutting down the middle of cardboard next to red paper

2. On the second box draw an opening for the fireplace. Use a large lid of a pan or the top of a stool to create a rounded edge for the top. Cut it out with the opening with the Rotary Tool.

using pencil to draw on top of cardboard

using zipsnip to cut out stencil from cardboard

3. Place the brick paper on to the top of the box, make sure to leave an overhang of paper for the sides. Add hot glue in segments while pressing the brick paper on top of the top of the box. Press the paper down well, so it lays flat as you’re gluing. Cover the entire front of the box, even on top of the cut out hole. Trim the top and the bottom of the paper.

using hot glue gun to glue red and brick paper to cardboard

using rotary tool to cut around cardboard box

4. Once all glued, flip over the box, take the rotary cutter and cut out the hole about three inches in from the cardboard. Cut slits into the brick paper and fold them back. Use the glue gun to glue them in place. This will give a clean edge. Lay the third piece of cardboard down and glue a black piece of poster board in the spot where the hole will sit.

mini glue gun on top of cardboard and red and white paper

front of fireplace cardboard cutout with round door

5. Add a border around the perimeter of the back of the front piece with the cut strips. Add hot glue along the perimeter and place the strip upright on the glue and hold it in place until the glue is dry. Continue around the perimeter of the fireplace and on the inside of the cut hole. Tip: It’s easier to work in sections with shorter strips.

back of fireplace cardboard cutout with round door

6. Add hot glue to the tops of the cut strips and place the third box directly on top of it to create a full constructed fireplace. Tip: Work quickly and in sections. If the glue dries to fast, reinforce the backing with some shipping tape.

7. With the Rotary Tool cut out a base about five inches wide and six inches longer than the fireplace. Cut out pieces of black poster board to size and glue it on top. Line up the piece to the bottom of the fireplace and center it before gluing in place.

adding black base cardboard to bottom of fireplace cutout

8. Use the Angle Grinder to cut down a piece of wood molding about two inches longer than the fireplace for the mantel. Stain or paint it before gluing it onto the top of the fireplace.

using angle grunder to cut the middle of the wood piece

mini glue gun above stained wood piece and fireplace

9. Hang and add festive flourishes like garland, holiday lights, and stockings. Tip: Make it over the top by adding lights and logs inside the fireplace for some winter glow!