Cardboard box village

They do say kids like the boxes more than the presents when they're young, and with this fun cardboard box craft

 we can see why. Using just a few bits and bobs you probably already have lying around, you and your little ones can have hours of fun creating a mini kingdom of cottages. The colours are up to you, and once you're finished the kids are sure to love deciding which of their soft toys or dolls lives in which house.

Maybe you could even trying creating a replica of your house, your child's school or their favourite fairytale cottage from your storytimes.

Whatever you decide to make, we're sure it'll be beautiful. Let us know how you get on in the comments below, or share a picture with us on Facebook.

Age group: We think this crafty project is perfect for little hands from between seven and nine, but if you have younger ones they could help too. There's something 'authentic' about slightly messier versions anyway, no?

You will need

• Small open boxes, in different sizes
• Brown, stripe and spotty wrapping papers
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Sticky tape
• White, red, green and blue plain card
• Glue
• Ric rac and ribbon
• Craft tape
• White paper
• Coloured pens
• Buttons
• Bows

Step 1 Cover the sides, bottom and top flaps of an open box with wrapping paper using glue.

Step 2 Stand the box upright, with the top flaps open. With a ruler and pencil, draw triangles on two opposite flaps and cut around. Then lay the other two flaps onto the triangles and stick with tape, creating a base to lay a roof upon.

Step 3 Measure, cut and fold a piece of coloured card for the roof, and stick in place. Trim with ric rac, craft tape or ribbon.

Step 4 For the windows, cut out squares of white paper and draw coloured panes with pens. Cut out a rectangular piece of card for a door. Stick to the house.

Step 5 Finally decorate the house with buttons and ribbon bows before standing back to admire your handy work.Craft: Victoria Eggs