Ingredients
- Reused cardboard boxes
- 2 sheets of cardboard
- 1 roll of decorative adhesive paper with a brick design
- 1 sheet of white glossy paper
- Adhesive tape
- 1 Christmas garland of your choice
- Christmas ornaments
- 3 Christmas stockings
- 7–9 natural wooden branches
- 2 strings of LED micro lights
- Scissors
Instructions
- Plan the fireplace shape. Gather the boxes and arrange them in the position you want for the finished decoration. Form two side columns with an open space between them, then plan a horizontal section across the top.
- Join and reinforce the boxes. Use adhesive tape to connect the boxes into two side columns and one top section. Reinforce the joins and corners well so the structure holds its shape. Check that the columns stand evenly and that the top section is level before moving on.
- Add the mantel and inner backing. Place one cardboard sheet across the top of the structure to create a flat mantel. Let it extend slightly beyond the fireplace for a shelf-like finish, then secure it in place. Fix the second sheet in the open area at the back of the fireplace. Make sure both panels are firmly attached before applying decorative paper.
- Cover the outside with brick paper. Begin wrapping the columns with the brick-pattern adhesive paper. Continue over the top section and along the sides until the exposed exterior surfaces are covered. Work in manageable sections. Smooth the paper as you apply it to limit bubbles and creases, and take extra care around corners so the pattern looks tidy.
- Finish the mantel and fireplace interior. Cover the top shelf with white glossy paper, wrapping it over the edges so the cardboard is concealed. Then cover the interior back panel with the brick-pattern paper, making sure the cardboard is fully hidden. Press along the edges and joins to help the coverings lie flat.
- Decorate the mantel. Arrange the Christmas garland and ornaments along the mantel. Add one string of LED micro lights to the garland or nearby decorations, positioning the lights so they are visible without hanging where they could be easily pulled.
- Add stockings, branches, and the second light string. Decorate the fireplace with the three Christmas stockings. Arrange the 7–9 natural wooden branches in the lower opening, then distribute the second string of LED micro lights among them. Keep the arrangement stable and do not place lights where they will be crushed or tightly trapped.
- Your cardboard fireplace is ready to display. Before adding decorations, give the structure a final check: the columns should remain steady, the mantel should stay attached, and the coverings should be secure.
Notes
Choose boxes that are dry and in reasonably good condition. Use LED micro lights for safety. Avoid putting heavy ornaments on the mantel.
