How to make a custom cardboard packing box for FREE with Rajiv Surendra and Laura Fetterley

Rajiv's close friend, Laura Fetterley, shares her technique for making a custom cardboard packing box with used cardboard. Laura developed this method through years of packing and shipping delicate objects and Rajiv has often marveled at the beauty of her technique; the finished boxes are both sturdy and neat. Today Laura shows Rajiv how she makes a box for one of her oil paintings!
Check out Laura's artwork on instagram:
/ laurajeanfetterleyart

[@TheFutureisSteampunk]

I once ordered something from Japan and received a little hand made wooden box. It was so beautiful that I kept it and learned how to make the same thing.

[@Chemistry-uh2gj]

Rajiv, I watched you make a box for 42 mins, I think that says something about you and your videos that words cannot. Congrats on 100k

[@rajivsurendra]

Thank you!!!

[@Annacstt]

It really is so satisfying and heartwarming to see someone so passionate about things that they enjoy even the small mundane processes and make them something to pay attention and treasure. Thank you for this video. And congratulations on your mark, Rajiv! Ive found myself in tears celebrating your well deserved accomplishment. I just love everything you do and you've taught me so much. Thank you. 🖤

[@joemug4079]

Shut up! With the “tears” crap. Good grief you people….

[@joanoneill381]

You truly deserve the recognition, CONGRATULATIONS! I personally thank you for keeping alive, & passing on, the beautiful and meaningful everyday “crafts” that enrich our everyday lives. You’re a treasure.

[@rajivsurendra]

Thank you, Joan!

[@doripeeples2135]

Well said.

[@cheekyllamacreations]

I’ve just started watching and at 5:21 I was sooo relieved that you moved that vase, Rajiv! I was so sure it was going to be knocked off the table and I was holding my breath…phew I can breathe now! 😅…now to continue watching… Edit: the boxes are great, thank you Laura! …and congratulations on 100K team!! 🍾🥂🎉

[@anniehart1718]

Me too! 😂

[@organicmagic8822]

came down here looking for this comment lol

[@donnashelley3939]

Since shipping has become outrageously expensive, the size of the box matters, too. So I really think a custom size makes sense on a couple of levels. Thank you!

[@christinerenee5616]

I can't believe I'm about to spend 42 minutes watching a video about making a cardboard box. But I'm excited about it because I know if Rajiv made a video, it is worth my time to watch it.

[@compost_material]

This makes me feel less alone. I truly enjoy packing things I ship in custom made boxes and people typically give me the side eye when they find out. Thank you for sharing this video!

[@angelastephens4247]

Every time a new video comes out it always such a pleasant surprise. Is there anything you cannot do and do to perfection? Love to see your friend Laura again. She’s delightful. Bonus for this viewer: I’m packing to move overseas and you two have made my day!!! My art and breakables thank you!

[@meisapieceapie]

Bringing Mr Rogers beautiful simplicity back for the adults. Thank you for such a special and sweet space to learn through all of your videos without all the bombardment of today's platforms. Much gratitude and love to you both and your team.

[@bonriver9420]

Congratulations Rajiv on reaching 100K plus subscribers. You have managed to reach that goal faster than most KZbinrs. So well deserved; your channel is an absolute treasure. I love it when you have Laura on. Those custom cardboard boxes are such a great idea. Not only are you talented but you have amazing talented friends.

[@mscashwell]

Yes, thanks, Laura. I will now step up my recycling boxes game

[@johannechampagne7332]

Awesome video. All the accents today were fabulous. So entertaining. You know that question, “If you could have dinner with anyone at all, dead or alive, who would you choose?” Rajiv, of course. Congratulations, Rajiv. You’ll be celebrating a million subscribers in no time!

[@archivist17]

Especially if he's cooking!

[@Nana_Olafsson]

Thank you for this great video Laura and Rajiv 😊 I work as a librarian in Berlin. We often have to package books for interlibrary loan service. Often the sizes of the provided boxes from the mail department are way to big to ship books safely. So we make our own from old package material. The whole process is rather improvised. So this video will be very helpful for me and my colleagues.

[@jeovaniee]

I started crying at the end. Your success, your connections, your passions, everything is so abundant with love. so pure. cheers to 100k, I had some la croix.

[@linettevandam]

Thank you sweethearts! This was so lovely. And 100.000 fans! Well done! Sending you lots of love from Amsterdam XX

[@solsticesummer982]

WHO ELSE could post a video ..how to make a box.. and cause us to say YESSSS!! I WANT TO WATCH THAT!! Click! ☺️ only Rajiv 💕💕

[@lesliemacdonald7976]

You are welcome, Rajiv -- the pleasure is all ours! I just love your videos and look forward to seeing your next installments!

[@cateb7276]

Rajiv, I can’t thank you enough for who you are and what you do. I so appreciate how you value old things and old ways and put out into the world the intrinsic beauty that can be found there. Please don’t ever stop. It is truly necessary in today’s world. ❤

[@valerie1723]

It was a pretty special moment to see you open the box containing your award. It was lovely of you to share it with your special friend Laura and all of us too. I was lucky enough to see one for real when I visited a local artist /wildlife photographer gallery here in the UK and the plaque looks pretty spectacular in real life. Even more special is the fact it represents hard work ,artistic quality and appreciation from all your followers. I look forward to lots more of everything you do❤

[@lissarice1876]

How do you find so many like-minded friends? Wonderful to know there are people out there who go to such length for beauty in function.

[@princesspuffypants]

Congratulations Rajiv on 100k! It is so well deserved!

[@aquababy5]

As a reseller I usually just reuse boxes but right now don’t have any small enough. This was perfect so I don’t have to go buy boxes! Thank you 😊

[@JudgeJunie]

You made 42 minutes of watching two people make a packing box an enjoyable , relaxing event

[@beverleylocke4207]

The idea that of turning the old box inside out is genius. I am constantly cutting down boxes but they don’t look good. This tip is a game changer!

[@anniehart1718]

Laura is not only a gifted artist but highly logical and practical too. What a fabulous friendship.

[@KasSommers]

Congratulations on 100,000 subscribers. And who knew that 45 minutes of watching people make cardboard boxes would be so fascinating?

[@inthe_grid]

Such a timely video! I just finished painting something for my best friend's gift for her upcoming birthday, which is fast approaching, and this video came along. Also, I just wanted to mention how your dedication to art and your attitude towards doing things have really inspired me to do things the way you do, which is with passion and enthusiasm. It reminded me of the young, expressive, and passionate me. Thank you so much, Rajiv! ☺️

[@GloriaAntonelli]

Congrats! I have been making custom boxes for decades. My added tip - I like to hot glue any flaps I can. ❤

[@rajivsurendra]

Great tip, thank you!

[@groovygal8948]

You two are so cute together! I have to say, that I probably won’t be making my own boxes anytime soon, as, it’s too complicated and too much of a chore for me. But, I totally admire Laura for figuring out how to do this so beautifully. Receiving a gift prepared this way is truly a labor of love. ☺️

[@cynthia2233]

CONGRATULATIONS! Much deserved! I love to make boxes and never hesitate to cut an old one down, but Laura takes it to the next level! Thank you, both for teaching us yet another skill!

[@LisaApril]

That's a beautiful painting of a very cute dog. Beautiful painting. I loved it. I'm sure the person was delighted. The love between people and animals transcends language and goes right to the heart.

[@tamaracummins1859]

Made my first box today! Thanks for sharing a skill that I didn’t even know I needed, and yes, I bought a bone tool.

[@lindapankhurst4513]

As usual…..an interlude of perfection!

[@annwright1885]

Cheers to 100 more Rajiv ‘Well Made!’🥂 Thank you Laura.

[@christinahaftmann4065]

Congratulations! Thank you for bringing beauty into the 21st century! 💐 💐 💐

[@PleaseNThankYou]

Necessity has long been the mother of invention. I love self-discovered creations.

[@jlanvers]

I was both completely relaxed and laughing out loud while watching this. Thank you so much!

[@Rositasparks]

Fabulous painting and vase. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and talents ❤ 📦 🖼️ congratulations Rajiv on over 100,000 subscribers

[@sushreeshashwata]

You reaching 100K quickly kind of restores my faith in humanity as a race that we wl survive 😂 congratulations and keep making this world a bit happier and curiouser with each video ❤

[@lindsaylowry6581]

I loved the ending shot or rajiv in the mirror! and the little moments of laughter throughout! truly reminds me that creativity is a process and not a straight line , and how fun it can be with friends! thank you for sharing these moments with us! and CONGRATS

[@EmmysNana]

Who’d of thought, a 42 minute video about making BOXES could be so fun! Love the energy! 🥰

[@gracemccartin194]

I enjoyed watching the box making video with you and Laura. I think a beautifully wrapped package including the outer box enhances the gift and says “ something special is inside “ . I also liked the fact that you and Laura made the little measuring mistake and your sense of humor and interactions were fun to watch.🥰

[@gordhed]

Nice job on box making you two!You cracked me up with “f’n box…” just kinda how I was feeling. I LOVE adding individuality to my shipping boxes, so I paint them, featuring my totem, the peace sign. ☮️ Congratulations on your KZbin recognition! The plaque is so cool. I’m a mirror freak, too.

[@sandradenis904]

CONGRATULATIONS Rajiv!! Thank you so much for sharing your gifts, talents and love for the forgotten arts with us. Your videos always bring a smile to my heart!

[@alisondavis2601]

Congratulations to an ultimate maker, artist, and teacher!

[@hellotherelovely5298]

I had to learn this technique when learning to rehouse art work for a museum’s collection. It was harder than it looked at first, but once I got the hang of it, it was fun! Great video!

[@kencur9690]

Very strange, because museums do not pack art in tight boxes, as far as I know. They would actually use much, much bigger boxes than the artwork it contains. And it will be filled with padding, housing a secondary, wooden box, which actually houses the artwork itself. Which museum did you work for? Was it a renowned one?

[@hellotherelovely5298]

@@kencur9690 the museum I work for house items according to the size of the object being rehoused. Padding and stuff is added according to the needs and material of the object. Not everything is placed in a crate. I’ve learned that people use different techniques when housing artwork but certain factors are universal. When I said I learned “this technique” I was referring to the cutting of the box. We try to utilize as much material as possible. It is a renowned museum, but I won’t disclose which one. Do you work in museum collections?

[@kencur9690]

@@hellotherelovely5298 Ah no, I am just familiar with packing methods, and have also been on the receiving end of art - when shipped the boxes have always been massively disproportionate to the item inside, especially the outer cardboard box, though crates have also been considerably bigger. Did you pack to rehouse within the museum or to ship? What do you mean as much material as possible? You mean you use a lot of material per item? Or did you mean to day you try to make the best use of material available?

[@hellotherelovely5298]

@@kencur9690 Oh ok! I rehouse art to store in the museum. Shipping is different! I don’t create packing for shipping we have specialists for that. When I say we use as much material as possible, I meant we try to avoid wasting packing material. We have a lot of items in the collection and we acquire a lot of art too, so we try to use as much of the material as possible.

[@dianef108]

I keep my green mats under the bed in a large portfolio case. I make custom boxes from pressed board for my handmade wedding and baby albums. The custom storage box for an album takes it to a whole new level of beautiful! Your rulers, or one of them is probably 1” in width thus saving you from using your tape measure. Always try using your L-square or T-square ruler as designed, against one edge to get a perfect line. Can also use it to fold back your cardboard edge, especially if it is thick so that you don’t get any crushed sections. Solid rulers are your friend when not measuring flowing materials. Just well meaning suggestions. Love your content and your voice! I am amazed at the depth and breadth of your knowledge and skills for such a young person! My grandmother taught me a lot of my crafting skills which, probably led me to becoming a civil engineer! My grandmother taught skills at the 4H club.

[@traceybradshaw]

I do this every Christmas when I send out my carefully wrapped gifts to family in other states. I used to sell vintage items online and learned the trick of double boxing to protect fragile items. I’ve never had an item that I’ve sent, damaged or broken (touch wood). I will admit that my family thinks I’m a little crazy for keeping used packaging and boxes for reposting items. I currently have a huge box full of those water soluble packing peanuts that I refuse to dispose of, as I know they will be handy in the near future - they were used to protect 2 custom lampshades delivered extremely well packed after the first 2 were literally thrown in a box with 2 solid brass wall sconces and zero packing materials, arriving completely crushed. To add insult to injury, the poor sender had actually paid a “professional” pack and send company to pack and deliver them 😱

[@cecwintonyk8228]

Another great video with super tips. It was fun to see you and Laura working together and having such a good time. I am surprised you don't have a steel rule in your supply stash. One negative comment about this video - I really missed your cursive writing at the beginning for the video title. Congratulations on reaching 100K subscribers - well deserved.

[@rajivsurendra]

We forgot to shoot the chalk title and I too was so sorry about that!

[@cecwintonyk8228]

@@rajivsurendra Forgiven!!!

[@HollyEBrown]

Love making custom boxes! One of the best skills I gained in art school.

[@luslab]

Make sure you keep that box from KZbin, it'd be perfect for a painting! Congratulations on the 100K!

[@karenblanck7726]

One thing I’ve learned (the hard way) is to always double box ceramics/glassware, pottery. Make a snug inner box (and use bubble wrap inside) and then place that inner box into an outer box with an inch or two space on all sides. You can then use crumpled kraft/packing paper, peanuts or bubble wrap to secure the inner box in the outer box and prevent it from shifting and moving around. I guarantee you will never have a broken ship when double boxing ! Same strategy you used with the painting….having an inner and outer box.

[@LihsaInHouston]

Thank you, Rajiv! You are such a dear and special person and deserve all the accolades for you and your love of artists and artistry. I, too, love to make boxes and have made them out of cardstock. And now you need to make a box out of the KZbin box 🤓

[@rajivsurendra]

Thanks, Lisa.

[@beverlyb5144]

I am an E-bay reseller and this is an AMAZING TUTORIAL!! I LOVED IT. I will be making boxes smaller from now on. 👍😊

[@victoriah.2083]

Congrats Raj, we are so blessed for the wonderful content you produce. For me, it is not just enlightening, but it is relaxing. A calming ASMR. Thanks again. Cheers. And here's to 220K!

[@jennameese8738]

I’d love a tour of Laura’s place if she’s open to it! You two are such kindred spirits, I’m so glad you found each other!

[@carolc764]

Your painting of the schnauzer is so beautiful. Nice job.

[@rajivsurendra]

Thanks, Carol.

[@beebop3734]

I am so glad that Rajeev moved the vase. Thanks for the tutorial, Laura.

[@entrevisiones605]

Rajiv, you are so awesomely multitalented! After I watch one of your videos even my favorite objects that I pick up in my own home seem sacred. If you ever want to explore antique stores and flea markets in Buenos Aires I will be thrilled to be your guide 😊. Thanks for making washing a sink or cleaning silver seem like a magical experience. I have two very antique silver vases that are now sparkling. Congratulations on hitting a milestone with your viewers which I am sure will continue to grow!

[@rajivsurendra]

Thank you!

[@melaniekubik-bondy9896]

Every time you post a new video, it turns out to be one of the MOST SATISFYING parts of my day!! Thank you, Rajiv!!!

[@avahbrousseau1644]

always makes my day brighter when you post! thank you rajiv for these amazing videos❤️

[@steventhibaudeau601]

Excellent video! I'll add that because she has that specific olfa knife, the back part of the handle is a multi tool. It perfectly scores cardboard for custom boxes and you can use it to take apart the seam in an already assembled box

[@pman2916]

Woohoo! Congratulations Rajiv!!! I'm extremely happy and proud of you👏 applauding you from Brisbane Australia 🇦🇺

[@mscashwell]

Agreed, Ana Costa. I will say it is satisfying to see how Rajiv is so involved and make it fun.

[@mystrie4663]

Thank you to you and your friend Laura for helping us learn a new skill. Also congratulations on the 100K accomplishment! Hoping that brief pour is indicative of a champagne "how to" video in the future.

[@carolrichardson5259]

Amazing boxes! Congratulations Rajiv and so well deserved. Love your channel 🎉🎉🎉

[@cris_here]

Congrats Rajiv!! So glad you're getting recognition for your passion and efforts

[@joannecatherinegabl1913]

I’m so happy for your 100,000 subscribers plaque! I love your content; it’s practical AND entertaining. RS, you are a bright and joyful light in this dark and daunting world. Congratulations and hope for more to come!

[@odettepeters7493]

Congrats on 100k! Someone bought me a bone folder with my name of it which I love!

[@rbrown6476]

Yes, I really needed this video! I often make boxes to send little things I’ve sold on EBay. I keep all boxes sent to me and store them in the shed. Then I watched this video and learned how to make them special and more sturdy. Hadn’t thought about not having a pre-existing fold in the middle of a new side. I’m going to use the new way of doing things from now on. Thank you. I especially like the method for reducing bulk on the tabs by flattening with the bone tool. A little tip from me if you like: Always roll up a tape measure from the end, not the beginning, because you always need the first inch to be flat and often don’t need the whole thing to be unrolled. But more importantly, the tape will take on the tight fold at the first inch and cause the problem that just happened! 😅 Much gratitude for such great videos ❤

[@donnamantellato4094]

Now I need a bone folder. 😂 Love all your videos and love the voices. They make me smile. 😊

[@andreab4161]

CONGRATULATIONS, RAJIV !!! So happy to see your immeasurable talent recognized and appreciated. Thank you for sharing with us. xoxo, From CA.

[@catherinehenry6762]

Dear Rajiv. I watch your videos all the time, even though I don't say much, if anything. This one, though, caught my attention because I have a passion for cardboard, (Yes,I know.) I am famous in my family for my packaging that fits everything perfectly, no matter how bizarre the shape. What a great "matiere premiere" indeed, sturdy, easy to work with, abundant, (thanks to Amazon for that) and free ! Over the years I've made various projects with it like Christmas villages, Halloween decor and a really frightening piglet. Little things but so much fun. Keep up the good work, I love what you do!

[@misszsazsa6288]

Congratulations! I enjoy your videos so much! You live life with intention and purpose which is such an example to all of us. Love, love, your videos! ❤

[@Killian11]

After watchinf this...I feel so empowered to put extra thought into the little things! It never occurred to me that a person could take the time to make the perfect container for delivering a special item.

[@starsrhi2335]

CONGRATS Rajiv - happy 100,000 !!! Enjoy all your videos, because they are interesting and fun.......so don't change those two things, INTERESTING AND FUN !!

[@user-jw4fz3sq1w]

Gorgeous painting Laurie!❤

[@zainabbadani4790]

That pop sound🎉cheers Rajiv!!! Can’t wait to see more and learn more with you

[@gracenote100]

First of all: congrats to the milestone number of subscribers. As I'm writing this, it has already grown almost as when you originally posted it. 🙂 Wonderful video and right up my alley, because I also recycle boxes. I beautify them with paint and lace and other stuff and use them myself for storing things. Laura has given me another tool now when it comes to sending something in a recycled box. Thank you!

[@kathleenlafferty3246]

We almost always reuse boxes when sending items, we also make our own cards and wrapping paper from magerzines and other found items around the house. It's definately cheaper than buying new, and a lot more fun and personal.

[@Angelika_Johanna]

I have no words for the amount of inspiration & joy your videos keep giving me. Just these-Thank you ❤️

[@NormAuParadis]

Really happy for you Rajiv on getting that silver play button.

[@brucewu3781]

What a lovely beginning to the day. Thank you for this useful and beautiful video. I love the elegant purity of your content!

[@inesspanni]

Oh my!!! You're amazing & remain my new favorite human!!!💖💖💖💖

[@susandenniscook9271]

Congratulations on your success and wonderful KZbin milestone! I enjoyed watching you make the custom boxes. I have done this many times and thought I was the only one particular enough to care about making boxes better fit the contents inside! Glad I’m not alone. It does take time, patience and a lot of measuring, but so satisfying, as you said.

[@pamelapeterson2987]

Perfect timing for this video to come up in my feed...have to ship an old mandolin. Thanks, Laura!

[@flyingcloudsmoore1313]

The yellow tape measure stretches. It’s best to use a metal ruler or yardstick. The yellow tape measure is for measuring parts of the body, for instance, where you need the tape measure to go around something round. When using it try to be very carful not to stretch it.

[@jainthorne4136]

Loved this video. So satisfying to watch. One tip about the champagne. When you open the champagne you hold the cork and turn the base of the bottle. This causes the pressure from the champagne to gradually force the cork out. If you hold the bottle and twist the cork then each time you let go of the cork to reposition your grip you risk the pressure forcing the cork out at that moment. It’s actually dangerous as the pressure is intense and a flying cork can cause real damage.

[@j.b.4340]

Most excellent. It’s always interesting to see how fragile items will arrive at my door. People get very creative with cereal boxes.

[@serenakoleno9338]

I used to work at Lord & Taylor and customers loved their pretty boxes with the single 🌹. Packaging does matter. Jewelry for instance would just not be the same without a lovely box. TFS ❤ Congratulations on 100K🎉

[@vivianzuniga8814]

That was so fun to watch! Her laugh is infectious! Congratulations!

[@Kap3lka]

I love working with cardboard. I made a faux fireplace from floor to ceiling completely out of cardboard. My visitors are under the assumption it's made out of regular building materials, like tiles, bricks, wood etc unless I tell them. I've made numerous other items out of cardboard, but to date the fireplace is the biggest one.

[@lindamon5101]

Rajiv u r so funny! Love ur friend Laura! Innovative& resourceful!

[@eily_b]

Congratulations to 100.000 subscribers 💐, there are already 12.000 more! That's a little town in my country! Amazing! I always pack things like vases, cups, plates etc. tight in a box that just fits the item plus some packing paper and then put that box in another not too big box with a good amount of packing material around. So it's really good padded. And I only use cardboard boxes and paper/bubble wrap that I collected from things I ordered online etc. And I have a pretty teal cutting mat, they come in a lots of colours. Pink, green, black, blue... whatever you are into. Look at sewing supplies for them.

[@dianewomble527]

That tea kettle rocks, you can’t go wrong adding a beautiful tea kettle.

[@laurecuvillier]

So nice to meet (in my case) Laura here; you mention her so much and she sounds amazing

[@tinajavier8537]

Thank you for removing your pottery. I could not look and was too afraid it might fall. Love this video. Actually all your videos! 😂

[@Esther-ps3vx]

I make boxes too and it is the most rewarding thing for me. I used to be hard on myself for taking a long time to make a box, but after watching this video I think I am not so bad when it comes to spending time making a box. I have made boxes for one book to a box to ship a big puzzle. Thank you, Rajiv, for this video.

[@jdp486]

Congrats! I could see you adorning your award in some fabulous artisan way to make it more your style!

[@antoniafoster8264]

I knew your channel would grow so fast. I’ve told everyone I know! Congratulations. So happy for you! 🤗