How to Make a Cheap Fun Box

Place all your wooden boards on a flat surface. Use a coarse-grade sandpaper to sand all edges and corners of the boards thoroughly. Then use a medium-grade sandpaper to begin to give the board a smoother feel. Finally switch to a fine-grade sandpaper to make all of the edges of the boards smooth and splinter-free.

Place one of the longer boards on a flat surface, and place another long board vertically against one of its long sides. Hammer two of the two-inch nails into the boards, effectively building one side of the box. Place another longer board vertically on the other long side, and nail it into place with two more nails. Hammer one of the smaller boards down into one of the open ends, and hammer four nails into the board--two into the base and one into each side--to hold it onto place. Repeat this with the other smaller board, effectively creating an open-top box.

Place one side of a brass hinge flush against the top of one side of the box, and use the hammer to nail the hinge tacks into place. Place a second hinge about four inches away from the first, and tack it into place. Place the last long board on the top of the box, and tack the loose ends of the hinges onto it.

Paint the outside of your box in vibrant, colorful patterns. You can be as creative as you like, painting anything from a landscape scene to an abstract design. Wait until the paint dries completely before using your handmade box.