Upcycled Cardboard Box with Tray | Inspired by Hako-Zen

📄 A4 Printable PDF Template (5 pages) is Available!
Get it on Gumroad:
https://itoshigestudio.gumroad.com/l/...

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Do you know Hako-Zen?

It’s a traditional Japanese item from the Edo period to the early Showa era (approximately 1603–1950).
Each person had their own personal set of dishes, stored in a box that also served as a tray and a mini table.
Because people traditionally sat on the floor, this box fulfilled the role of a table in daily life.

Inspired by the smart functionality of Hako-Zen, I’ve reimagined it for modern use—
as a multi-purpose organizer for art supplies, tools, or everyday items.
Give it a try and customize it to suit your lifestyle.

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🎯 What’s special about this design?
• Minimalist cube box inspired by Hako-Zen, combining 3 functions:
 storage box, tray & mini table, and portable workstation
• Paper weaving using upcycled Amazon envelopes

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📦 Related Projects
• Bento Grid Organizer
   • [Cardboard Crafts] DIY Bento Grid Cardboar...  
• Desktop Organizer
   • Cardboard Crafts DIY: Desktop Organizer Se...  

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📍 Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:52 Title & Highlights (Close look at the drawer design)
01:23 Tools, Materials, Estimate Time, Dimensions
02:08 Part 1 – Box
11:44 Part 2 – Lid
16:00 Part 3 – Weave Paper
21:44 Part 4 – Assemble
25:36 Remade lid & Comparison
26:23 Finished Result + Fitting with old works!
27:49 Introducing my first book

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📏 Project Specs
• Size: W180mm × H200mm × D180mm
• Materials:
 7mm corrugated cardboard – approx. 500mm × 600mm (for box)
 3.5mm corrugated cardboard – approx. 500mm × 600mm (for lid)
 Craft paper for paper weaving
• Time Required: 3–4 hours (using template)

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The cream I used to polish at 16:28
TOKO PRO
Burnishing Gum for Edges on Oil Tan and Veg Tan Leather
https://a.co/d/fxgXPEz

🔧 Recommended Tools
• Cutter knife / Metal ruler / Tweezers / Sash spatula
• Embossing stylus / Hand roller
• Glue: KORA Projects – Universal bookbinding glue (400g)
Buy here: https://bit.ly/46Qvi3v

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📘 Get the Template Book on Amazon!
Make 20+ DIY cardboard furniture & storage projects with easy-to-follow guides.

• English:
CARDBOARD DIY by ITOSHIGE STUDIO

• Español:
Artesanía en cartón por ITOSHIGE STUDIO

• 日本語版（Kindle）:
https://amzn.asia/d/aQE7k3U

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🛠 New to Cardboard Crafting? Start Here!
“How to Work with Corrugated Cardboard” Series:
• Vol.1: 3 Cutting & Shaping Basics
   • Turn On Subtitles/CC | How To Work With Ca...  
• Vol.2: Covering Corrugated Edges (Grooves & Tabs)
   • Turn On Subtitles/CC | How To Work With Ca...  
• Vol.3: 3D Assembly & Construction
   • Turn On Subtitles/CC | How To Work With Ca...  

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📡 Follow ITOSHIGE STUDIO
• Instagram:   / itoshige_studio  
• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.es/ItoshigeStudio/

#upcycling #cardboardfurniture #hakozen