DIY Block Party Duo Costume: 45-Min Cardboard Build

DIY block party duo costume built from large cardboard boxes, flattened and acrylic paint in two bright colors

AI-generated concept photo

Time45 minEffortEasy

⏱️ We timed it, but results may vary.

Plan this costume →No signup · 2 minutes.

Two interlocking tetromino shapes built from painted cardboard boxes, worn like sandwich boards. Find your fit. About forty-five minutes, easy: flattened large cardboard boxes, acrylic paint in two bright colors, and wide ribbon for shoulder straps. The shapes should actually interlock when you stand together; test the fit before painting.

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Tip: stand so the two shapes interlock for photos.

Materials

Two large cardboard boxes, flattened (make: from shipping boxes)
Acrylic paint in two bright colors, 1 set (buy: craft store)
Wide ribbon or webbing for shoulder straps, about 4 yards (buy: craft store)
Painter's tape, 1 roll (buy: dollar store)
Scissors or a box cutter, 1
Ruler or yardstick, 1 (own)

Steps

Mark a grid of 12-inch squares on the cardboard with the ruler.
Cut an L shape for one person and a T or square for the other.
Each shape is 4 squares.
Cut big first, trim after a fitting.
Paint each shape its color.
Let it dry fully, flat, for at least 2 hours.
Tape ribbon loops to the top of each shape for shoulder straps.
Test the hang before the party.
Each shape should sit at chest height.
Safety: Cut on a protected surface with the blade pointed away from fingers, and round the cardboard corners so nobody gets poked in a crowd.
Each person wears one shape like a sandwich board.
Tie front and back panels with the ribbon straps.
Optional pro finish: stand so the two shapes interlock for photos.

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