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Out of the Box
Book category winner of the Creative Play Award 2017
Out of the Box will broaden your child's imagination and develop craft skills through interactive play and creativity with clear step-by-step instructions showing you how to build 25 astonishing cardboard models.
Build something brilliant with recycled card, from castles to animal masks, dens and even lizards! You will be astounded at what the humble cardboard box can be transformed into. Out of the Box is a new approach to recycling that will provide hours of entertainment and endless fun.
Perfect for children aged 7 to 12, Out of the Box is packed full of ideas to encourage creativity, featuring detailed photographic explanations and colourful inspiration sheets that will inspire imaginative minds.
Out of the Box will broaden your child's imagination and develop craft skills through interactive play and creativity with clear step-by-step instructions showing you how to build 25 astonishing cardboard models.
Build something brilliant with recycled card, from castles to animal masks, dens and even lizards! You will be astounded at what the humble cardboard box can be transformed into. Out of the Box is a new approach to recycling that will provide hours of entertainment and endless fun.
Perfect for children aged 7 to 12, Out of the Box is packed full of ideas to encourage creativity, featuring detailed photographic explanations and colourful inspiration sheets that will inspire imaginative minds.
144 pages, Hardcover
Published March 1, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
June 22, 2018
I honestly thought this is a perfect addition to things my son and I could create during rainy days and days just too hot to be outside. He loves crafts and including boxes in the mix sold him instantly. It was amazing how his face lit up over doing some of the crafts. The masks were a hit because he loves to pretend but so was everything else. I will tell you that there are some lengthy projects and if you're dealing with a wee one then maybe some prep on the side would make things go smoother. It just depends on the child's ability to sit still and follow instructions with regular guidance. Over all we found plenty of things he could do and I was thrilled to see how excited he got once things are finished. We haven't made it throughout the entire book yet but it is something I refer to on bored days.
February 14, 2019
Oh. My. Gosh. I h*a*v*e to make all of these projects!! Ok. Calmer now. Seriously? I do have to make them! Fun, bright, clever, simple, and did I mention fun? I always figured that I have enough zebra mask patterns to last my lifetime. Evidently, I don't because now I have one more!!!! Great job!
July 14, 2017
Out of the Box by Jemma Westing includes twenty-five interactive cardboard model projects that will encourage kids' creativity and "out of the box" thinking skills through hands-on learning and the application of science-based principles. Kids can bring old cardboard to life and build recycled creations they can play with, sit in, or wear. From small-scale gifts to large constructions there are clear, step-by-step instructions to show kids how to make dinosaurs, masks, race cars, and so much more. There are also images and ideas to encourage them to make their own unique projects when they feel ready. Each of the projects use recycled materials, including cardboard rolls and boxes, so all the supplies should be easy to find right at home.
Out of the Box is a well written group project instructions and inspirations for making a wide variety of creations with common cardboard objects we all are likely to have around the house. The additional supplies, such as glue sticks, scissors, markers, duct tape and the like are also things that many of us have on hand. Even if you do not have every tool that the instructions use throughout the book, there are certainly some projects that will require no shopping. The projects include games, animals, wearable masks, ships, a 'cityscape', things for pets, and more. Even though I am an 'adult' I still want to try out some of these projects. So I work in a school and I will find a way to make it about the kids, but I want them for me- they are just a good excuse. I found the instructions to be understandable and easy to follow, although some of the projects are significantly more difficult than others. The photographs that accompany each project are helpful and clear. One of my favorite things about the book was the inclusion of "Try This" ideas which encourages kids to take their projects to the next level, and to truly make it all their own.
Out of the Box is a wonderful addition to school, public, and personal libraries. While it is a wonderful jumping off point for organized or personal crafts (i.e. makerspace, classroom, storytimes, homeschooling) it would also be a great resource for anyone that likes to build and create. I will be trying to get a copy for my school library for next year.
Out of the Box is a well written group project instructions and inspirations for making a wide variety of creations with common cardboard objects we all are likely to have around the house. The additional supplies, such as glue sticks, scissors, markers, duct tape and the like are also things that many of us have on hand. Even if you do not have every tool that the instructions use throughout the book, there are certainly some projects that will require no shopping. The projects include games, animals, wearable masks, ships, a 'cityscape', things for pets, and more. Even though I am an 'adult' I still want to try out some of these projects. So I work in a school and I will find a way to make it about the kids, but I want them for me- they are just a good excuse. I found the instructions to be understandable and easy to follow, although some of the projects are significantly more difficult than others. The photographs that accompany each project are helpful and clear. One of my favorite things about the book was the inclusion of "Try This" ideas which encourages kids to take their projects to the next level, and to truly make it all their own.
Out of the Box is a wonderful addition to school, public, and personal libraries. While it is a wonderful jumping off point for organized or personal crafts (i.e. makerspace, classroom, storytimes, homeschooling) it would also be a great resource for anyone that likes to build and create. I will be trying to get a copy for my school library for next year.
October 19, 2017
If you are looking for some educational, engaging, good old-fashioned fun for your children, grandchildren, scout/4-H group, classroom or church/temple youth group--this is a book you will want to read! Many of the projects can be used indoors and outdoors, so they can come in handy during inclement weather.
All of the projects are made from cardboard: boxes, egg cartons, cereal boxes, paper towel/TP tubes, etc. Other recycled materials are used to add detail to the projects. The author uses tape and glue for adhesives and paint, colored pencils and felt tip pens for decorating. She gives excellent tips on how to measure, cut and assemble the cardboard pieces. The book includes the templates for pieces which are not simple shapes.
I was impressed with the author's stepped out instructions and photos. Older children will be able to complete many of the projects independently. I found this book to be very user-friendly.
Another thing I liked about this book is that it contains a variety of types of projects: games, puppets, masks, costumes, decorations, portable theaters, etc. My personal favorites are the Ring Toss Challenge, Feed the Monsters game, Cardboard Theater, Racing Rabbits game, Pirate Ship, Adventure Castle, and Box Robot costumes. The Dome Den is absolutely awesome.
Highly recommended for children of all ages who like to measure, cut, assemble and decorate craft projects using their own hands.
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Borrowed from the 'New Books' Shelf at the local public library.
All of the projects are made from cardboard: boxes, egg cartons, cereal boxes, paper towel/TP tubes, etc. Other recycled materials are used to add detail to the projects. The author uses tape and glue for adhesives and paint, colored pencils and felt tip pens for decorating. She gives excellent tips on how to measure, cut and assemble the cardboard pieces. The book includes the templates for pieces which are not simple shapes.
I was impressed with the author's stepped out instructions and photos. Older children will be able to complete many of the projects independently. I found this book to be very user-friendly.
Another thing I liked about this book is that it contains a variety of types of projects: games, puppets, masks, costumes, decorations, portable theaters, etc. My personal favorites are the Ring Toss Challenge, Feed the Monsters game, Cardboard Theater, Racing Rabbits game, Pirate Ship, Adventure Castle, and Box Robot costumes. The Dome Den is absolutely awesome.
Highly recommended for children of all ages who like to measure, cut, assemble and decorate craft projects using their own hands.
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Borrowed from the 'New Books' Shelf at the local public library.
August 23, 2017
Just about everyone has experienced gift giving where the recipient child winds up ignoring the (usually) expensive gift in favor of playing pretend with the box. This book will open up a world of possibilities for using the box (and maybe saving the cost of the expensive whatsit inside)!
This book is full of really great projects to do together. There are fun activity toys (ring toss, puppet show, 'rabbit' (cardboard) racing game) as well as decorative crafts (flowers, butterflies, dinosaurs etc).
The book starts out with an introduction of techniques and materials, followed by written and visual project tutorials.
Most of the projects also include a 'Now try this' after-activity which builds on the crafts for each project.
The photographs are well done and illustrate the tutorials beautifully. The page layout is fun and engaging and accessible.
The target audience is grade school(ish) but there are many projects which are 'all ages' with a friendly facilitator/adult.
The projects themselves range from the simple (toilet paper roll owls) to pretty complex (pirate ship with play accessories). They're colorful and fun and will keep any kid (*ahem* of whatever age) amused for hours.
Five stars. I can't see it being better than this.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher.
This book is full of really great projects to do together. There are fun activity toys (ring toss, puppet show, 'rabbit' (cardboard) racing game) as well as decorative crafts (flowers, butterflies, dinosaurs etc).
The book starts out with an introduction of techniques and materials, followed by written and visual project tutorials.
Most of the projects also include a 'Now try this' after-activity which builds on the crafts for each project.
The photographs are well done and illustrate the tutorials beautifully. The page layout is fun and engaging and accessible.
The target audience is grade school(ish) but there are many projects which are 'all ages' with a friendly facilitator/adult.
The projects themselves range from the simple (toilet paper roll owls) to pretty complex (pirate ship with play accessories). They're colorful and fun and will keep any kid (*ahem* of whatever age) amused for hours.
Five stars. I can't see it being better than this.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher.
April 29, 2018
This looks like great fun with imaginative projects for kids.
This is a fun resource for crafts made from boxes and recycled materials. The book starts with tools that may be needed and techniques for cutting, curling, taping and gluing. It closes with templates for many of the projects.
There are smaller items like tube owls, butterflies, flowers and lizards to larger items like outdoor games such as Ring Toss Challenge and Feed the Monster games. There are Racing Rabbits and an alternate version for Penguin Skate race. There are fun items to wear like helmets, masks and body costumes. There are settings like a play theater, aquariums, castles and a city. Finally, there is a large geodesic den to serve as a clubhouse and an ambitious project to build a recycled racer.
The projects show the difficulty range as easy, medium or hard. Each project ends with an extra tip to try another version or add on. Although I suspect that working with cardboard may not be as easy as this makes it look, this clearly gives a chance to encourage the imagination of young people with crafts, variations and colors! I like that it uses recycled materials. If I was home with children I would give this a try.
Source: NetGalley; my rating 4.5.
This is a fun resource for crafts made from boxes and recycled materials. The book starts with tools that may be needed and techniques for cutting, curling, taping and gluing. It closes with templates for many of the projects.
There are smaller items like tube owls, butterflies, flowers and lizards to larger items like outdoor games such as Ring Toss Challenge and Feed the Monster games. There are Racing Rabbits and an alternate version for Penguin Skate race. There are fun items to wear like helmets, masks and body costumes. There are settings like a play theater, aquariums, castles and a city. Finally, there is a large geodesic den to serve as a clubhouse and an ambitious project to build a recycled racer.
The projects show the difficulty range as easy, medium or hard. Each project ends with an extra tip to try another version or add on. Although I suspect that working with cardboard may not be as easy as this makes it look, this clearly gives a chance to encourage the imagination of young people with crafts, variations and colors! I like that it uses recycled materials. If I was home with children I would give this a try.
Source: NetGalley; my rating 4.5.
April 9, 2018
Out of the Box is a brilliant resource for crafts and projects using (mainly) cardboard, paint and glue, perfect for all ages. The resulting crafts look to be sturdy and up to the challenge of lasting through hours of play.
The projects include wearable masks, outside games, pirate ships, a 'cityscape', and a selection of cute animals. Directions for each are described simply and effectively in steps with photos.
Highly recommended for any teacher, library, camp counselor, daycare provider, parent of young children, and anyone wanting to entertain and participate in crafts with children.
**eARC Netgalley**
The projects include wearable masks, outside games, pirate ships, a 'cityscape', and a selection of cute animals. Directions for each are described simply and effectively in steps with photos.
Highly recommended for any teacher, library, camp counselor, daycare provider, parent of young children, and anyone wanting to entertain and participate in crafts with children.
**eARC Netgalley**
June 9, 2017
This book is amazing. If it does not get kids imagination flowing, I don’t know what will. Even better, it's using stuff most people have around their house. Cardboard of varying thickness (old cereal boxes), check, duct tape, check, glue check. Let's get creating. The instructions are full color and easy to follow. Plus there are some of these projects, that as an adult I want to make. I see a new knight's helmet in my future, a an igloo for the dogs.
July 7, 2017
I'm a crafter and my younger daughter inherited that crafting gene. She loves crafting out of Popsicle sticks, rocks, gemstones, paper, old shoes even! This book was made for us! We had so much fun not just following patterns in the book but our own creations! We don't normally use frozen orange juice in the can but we bought some just for crafting use to embellish our creations. This book is the perfect rainy day, summer day boredom booster and every day in between!
October 19, 2017
Great ideas for recycled products, especially if you are trying to clean up your work space or your house. Has difficulty levels from easy to hard, although the "easy" would still be for a young elementary school student and not a preschooler. The only thing that would have made it better was a "time" guide for the projects, as involve paint and if you want to include these in an after-school program or a timed-slot, you need to know how long they might take.
June 13, 2017
I love this book both as a parent and as a teacher! It is perfect for home projects or school maker spaces. From tube owls to ring toss games and penguin families to pirate ships, this book will keep kids engaged and entertained with hands-on projects!
*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.
*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.
June 17, 2017
Do you love to make stuff? Jemma Westing's book Out of the Box will inspire a lot of cardboard crafting! Create a ring toss challange. Make a tree full of owls or a recycled racer. Expert crafters will be excited to get instructions for intricate masks. From easy to extreme, this book is full of amazing things to do with recycled cardboard. For ages 7 - 14.
July 20, 2017
Fantastic projects. I used the dome den design to make a slightly smaller scale model for a mini-golf program we are doing at our library. Time wise it took me about 5 hours to complete. I imagine kids would need to split some of the projects over a few days, so will need the drive and concentration to stick with it.
November 6, 2017
This book is a great imagination starter. Seems like we all have cardboard around and is there anything better than making great projects from it?
Twenty-five projects are presented with clear instructions and wonderful photo illustrations.
I really liked the rating scale listing whether the project was easy or difficult or somewhere in between.
These are great ideas to copy or expand .
Twenty-five projects are presented with clear instructions and wonderful photo illustrations.
I really liked the rating scale listing whether the project was easy or difficult or somewhere in between.
These are great ideas to copy or expand .
September 12, 2024
This book is exactly what I was looking for! I wanted hands-on projects to help my students explore engineering concepts while using recycled materials and there creativity. All of the activities are easily adaptable. I cannot wait to start doing the activities with the kids and see what they are inspired to make.
December 5, 2017
I'm always on the look-out for recyclable crafts, especially ones we can use within programs. Most of the projects in this book were better suited for a one-on-one situation but if I still had a one child at home or if I were a homeschooling parent, this would be ideal!
March 24, 2017
A good book that my daughter dived into and made some of the projects straight away. Some of the designs seem easy others more tricky but contain great activities to keep her busy.
With thanks to Toppsta and the publisher for a copy of the book to read and review.
With thanks to Toppsta and the publisher for a copy of the book to read and review.
May 4, 2017
This book is so much fun! However, some projects are a lot more challenging than they appear.
July 12, 2017
Depending on the age group you are working with this book is not as children friendly as it is lead up to be. It is good to use as reference.
June 6, 2017
Great projects for school-age makers. Awesome projects. Colorful samples. Simple step-by-steps.
June 13, 2017
My rating is based on skimming the projects (ranging from easy to difficult) and many with "now try this" extensions. Have two coworkers who will love this book!
July 19, 2017
This is a terrific book with projects to be made from cardboard. The directions are clear and easy to follow and the projects look like so much fun! Can't wait to get this one in my library!
April 15, 2018
Some of these are definitely things I have seen on Pinterest, but overall, it's got great pictures, clear instructions and I think it would keep kids occupied.
May 8, 2018
The projects shown are inspiring! My hope is that it is a springboard for students to have their own creativity projects.
August 27, 2018
Absolutely amazing! So many ideas to try with clear instructions.
December 13, 2018
Really awesome and inspirational book. I've already used this for my library's STEM programs. The box robot and pirate ship crafts are my favorite. Highly, HIGHLY recommended.
June 3, 2019
Step-by-step pictures in full-color make this book perfect for young crafters.
March 13, 2024
Rating this book so I can order it again next time I do a cardboard box makerspace. This book is FANTASTIC. The illustrations are rich and the instructions are perfect.
November 5, 2018
this book provided a lot of detail and was good.
January 15, 2019
3.75 stars This book isn't a book you can read from cover to cover. It is a book of projects!
As I look at the recycle bin outside of our library I see that making things out of Cardboard should be the law. (lol) With some glue, paint, and duct tape you can make some really cool stuff.
Having done a lot of card board crafts, I get a little nervous with these projects. They show the use of scissor but the best way to cut out cardboard is a razor blade, (xacto knife) A trip to the ER and 3 stitches on my hand, I am super careful cutting things out. I was super careful before, but once bitten, twice shy!
I like how it shows a "difficulty " meter so you can decide if you should try it with certain ages. All the materials you will need.
What I think is weird and why I rated it 3.75 stars... They show the project on the first part, show you how to build the creations, and you have to go back to the first of the project to see the final project. I thought at the end of explaining a small picture of the completed project would be there to find easily, instead you have to flip back through the project.
As I look at the recycle bin outside of our library I see that making things out of Cardboard should be the law. (lol) With some glue, paint, and duct tape you can make some really cool stuff.
Having done a lot of card board crafts, I get a little nervous with these projects. They show the use of scissor but the best way to cut out cardboard is a razor blade, (xacto knife) A trip to the ER and 3 stitches on my hand, I am super careful cutting things out. I was super careful before, but once bitten, twice shy!
I like how it shows a "difficulty " meter so you can decide if you should try it with certain ages. All the materials you will need.
What I think is weird and why I rated it 3.75 stars... They show the project on the first part, show you how to build the creations, and you have to go back to the first of the project to see the final project. I thought at the end of explaining a small picture of the completed project would be there to find easily, instead you have to flip back through the project.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews