Create a Cozy Cat Bed with Rounded Corners from a Cardboard Box

1. Introduction and class project: Welcome to this fun and short DIY class. Today we are making a cozy cat bed using a simple cardboard box. This project is quick, budget friendly, and perfect for any skill level. The materials we'll need are: a cardboard box, a craft knife, a serrated knife, hot glue or PVA glue, and a roll of gummed paper tape. If you don't have it, you can use simple paper with PVA glue. So let's get started and give your cat the perfect spot. 2. Making the cat's bed: So how to make the bed. The first step is to take the cat out of the box. It's not easy, but you can do it. Now that we have it, we'll start by opening the box, laying it flat on the table, and cutting out a large rectangle. I always make the first cut along the natural lines of the cardboard. This serves as my baseline for aligning the rest of the cuts. Measure and cut a 30 centimeter by 36 centimeter rectangle. If you have a really big cat, you can make it larger. To create rounded corners, take a round object such as a jar lid, align it with the edge of the rectangle and mark the corners. Then cut them using a serrated knife or a craft knife. Now we're going to cut off the edges of the cardboard box to use as the walls of the bed. We'll need about four pieces, depending on the size of the box. Measure and cut them to a uniform height, 10 to 13 centimeters. I chose 13. One of these rectangles will be the front of the bed. To make a symmetrical shape, fold a piece of paper in half, cut out a quarter circle, and use it as a guide. Then cut the opening using a serrated knife or a craft knife. Mark where the front part will be, align it to about the middle of the base, and mark where the curve begins. This is where you will fold the cardboard. For assembly, you can use PVA glue, but it takes a few hours to dry completely. Instead, I prefer using hot glue for faster results. While the glue is still hot, use a scrap piece of cardboard to spread the excess glue so it doesn't clump. Don't touch the hot glue with your fingers. Always keep a small piece of cardboard on hand for this purpose. Repeat this process for all the other pieces. At the connection points, apply hot glue on the inside, and spread it with a piece of cardboard to keep it flat. Before moving on to the next step, remove any excess glue and smooth out any uneven cardboard edges. Now, we'll reinforce the bed by covering all the corners and joints with paper. This step is important. It stabilizes the structure and prevents it from falling apart. It also discourages cats from chewing on the bed. I recommend using gummed paper tape like this one. It's designed for cardboard, it's very strong and easy to use. Just wet the paper to activate the glue. Keep the roll away from the water container to prevent accidental drips that could ruin the roll. If you don't have gummed paper tape or don't want to buy one, you can also use strips of paper and apply PVA glue. Be sure to apply paper to all the connections on the inside as well. And also at the top, it gives a cleaner finished look. And that's it. Add a flat pillow or a simple piece of fabric, and the bed is ready for the king or queen of the house. I'd like to see what you create, so be sure to post it in the class project gallery. And please don't forget to leave an honest review. If you're looking for more cardboard projects, check out my other classes where we create furniture like small tables and cabinets from recycled cardboard boxes. It's a great way to design functional eco-friendly furniture without any heavy lifting. Thank you very much for watching this class and for sharing your creations.