BeaverBot Cutter Cardboard Craft DIY (Safe for Kids)

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BeaverBot Cutter Cardboard Craft DIY (Safe for Kids)

Cardboard crafts have always been one of my favorite creative mediums--did someone say "upcycled crafts"?!

They’re absolutely affordable, endlessly versatile, and made from recyclable materials we already have at home.

With the right tools, cardboard can go from “trash” to thoughtful handmade decor, engineering prototypes, and imaginative play pieces in no time at all.

A handmade cardboard bird mobile hangs from a wooden stick. Three colorful 3D birds—one red, one yellow, and one blue—are suspended at different heights using thin fishing line. Each bird is made from layered cardboard pieces that form wings and a rounded body. The birds appear lightweight and playful, gently hanging in a row against a neutral background, showcasing a cheerful, kid-friendly craft made from recycled cardboard.

BEAVERBOT CUTTER: A Safe, Creative Cardboard-Cutting Tool for Kids, Teens, and Makers of All Ages

I received the BeaverBot Cutter 2 (B. Rex) to review. (this cutie is also available in PINK as Bivy)

While it’s marketed as a kids’ cardboard cutter, I quickly realized this is not just a toy—it’s a fully reimagined child-friendly machine designed to support creativity across different developmental stages, from younger kids to teens tackling more complex builds.

BEAVERBOT CUTTER: A Safe, Creative Cardboard-Cutting Tool for Kids, Teens, and Makers of All Ages I received the Beaverbot Cutter 2 (B. Rex) to review. (this cutie is also available in PINK as Bivy) While it’s marketed as a kids’ cardboard cutter, I quickly realized this is not just a toy—it’s a fully reimagined child-friendly machine designed to support creativity across different developmental stages, from younger kids to teens tackling more complex builds.

To test it out, I created this colorful cardboard bird mobile using scrap cardboard, simple supplies, and bold primary colors.

The finished project is playful, lightweight, and charming—perfect for a kid’s room, playroom, or creative space.

Let's get started--be sure to watch the video linked to this post!

To test it out, I created this colorful cardboard bird mobile using scrap cardboard, simple supplies, and bold primary colors. The finished project is playful, lightweight, and charming—perfect for a kid’s room, playroom, or creative space.

BeaverBot Cutter 2 Overview: First Impressions

The BeaverBot Cutter 2 is designed by a MIT graduate with a focus on smart safety, durability, and ease of use. From the moment you take it out of the box, it’s clear that this tool was created with child-safe materials, thoughtful engineering, and long-term use in mind.

Instead of exposed blades like a box cutter or other cardboard cutters, the Beaver Bot features a fully enclosed cutting mechanism. There are no exposed sharp edges, which means kids can focus on creating—not worrying about injury.

>>USE CODE: CUTTER2 — $20 off orders over $200

Key design highlights:

Clean, modern design with playful new characters
Cutting area clearly visible at the front of the device
Built-in waste box for cardboard dust
Smart anti-jam open chute design
Durable power cable
Included small cleaning brush for regular maintenance
It meets international toy safety standards and has undergone extensive safety tests, giving parents and educators genuine peace of mind.

Beaverbot Cutter 2 Overview: First Impressions The beaverbot cutter is designed by a MIT graduate with a focus on smart safety, durability, and ease of use. From the moment you take it out of the box, it’s clear that this tool was created with child-safe materials, thoughtful engineering, and long-term use in mind. Instead of exposed blades like a box cutter or other cardboard cutters, the Beaver bot features a fully enclosed cutting mechanism. There are no exposed sharp edges, which means kids can focus on creating—not worrying about injury. Key design highlights: Clean, modern design with playful new characters Cutting area clearly visible at the front of the device Built-in waste box for cardboard dust Smart anti-jam open chute design Durable power cable Included small cleaning brush for regular maintenance It meets international toy safety standards and has undergone extensive safety tests, giving parents and educators genuine peace of mind.

Supplies for the Cardboard Bird Mobile:

affiliate links

Here’s everything I used for this simple idea project:

BeaverBot Cutter 2 (B. Rex)
Scrap cardboard (cereal boxes, Amazon boxes or standard cardboard)
Free 3D bird pattern (linked in the end of post)
Arteza acrylic paint markers (or other age appropriate paints)
Long needle (assist small children with this part)
Fishing line
Wooden stick or small branch

This project uses regular household cardboard, like an Amazon box, making it ideal for classrooms or the entire school, home crafting, or art teachers looking for accessible materials.

>>USE CODE: CUTTER2 — $20 off orders over $200

Supplies for the Cardboard Bird Mobile: affiliate links Here’s everything I used for this simple idea project: Beaverbot Cutter 2 (B. Rex) Scrap cardboard (cereal boxes, Amazon boxes or standard cardboard) Free 3D bird pattern (linked in the end of post) Arteza acrylic paint markers (or other age appropriate paints) Long needle (assist small children with this part) Fishing line Wooden stick or small branch This project uses regular household cardboard, like an Amazon box, making it ideal for classrooms or the entire school, home crafting, or art teachers looking for accessible materials.

Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Make a Cardboard Bird Mobile

Step 1: Prepare Your Cardboard

Start by flattening your cardboard boxes and cutting them into smaller pieces, like removing flaps.

Amazon boxes work especially well because they’re lightweight, easy to cut, they have enough depth to slide and hold in a slot, and perfect for hanging projects like mobiles.

Make sure the cardboard is clean and free from tape or staples.

This helps ensure smoother cuts and keeps the BeaverBot’s cutting area clear.

Using the free bird pattern, trace the 2 bird shapes onto your cardboard with a marker that is easy to see while cutting.

Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Make a Cardboard Bird Mobile Step 1: Prepare Your Cardboard Start by flattening your cardboard boxes and cutting them into smaller pieces, like removing flaps. Amazon boxes work especially well because they’re lightweight, easy to cut, they have enough depth to slide and hold in a slot, and perfect for hanging projects like mobiles. Make sure the cardboard is clean and free from tape or staples. This helps ensure smoother cuts and keeps the Beaverbot’s cutting area clear. Using the free bird pattern, trace the 2 bird shapes onto your cardboard with a marker that is easy to see while cutting.

Step 2: Set Up the BeaverBot Cutter 2

Plug in the BeaverBot using the provided power cable...all the accessories are hidden under the working plate on top! It's so clever!

Place it on a stable surface with enough room in front for your cardboard to feed through the cutting area.

Choose your cutting mode (2 speeds):

Standard mode for thin cardboard and cereal boxes
Turbo mode for thicker or layered cardboard

Step 2: Set Up the Beaverbot Cutter 2 Plug in the Beaverbot using the provided power cable...all the accessories are hidden under the working plate on top! It's so clever! Place it on a stable surface with enough room in front for your cardboard to feed through the cutting area. Choose your cutting mode: Standard mode for thin cardboard and cereal boxes Turbo mode for thicker or layered cardboard

The simple one-button control makes this incredibly intuitive—even first-time users can start cutting details within minutes of use.

Seriously, they thought of everything...this cutter is super easy to use, intuitive and fun!

Step 3: Cut the Bird Shapes

Feed the cardboard into the BeaverBot slowly, letting the machine do the work.

The fast cutting speed paired with precise control allows for both smooth curves and detailed sections. This is especially helpful for projects with smaller parts or intricate shapes.

The built-in waste box collects debris as you work, and the smart anti-jam design keeps everything moving smoothly.

Step 3: Cut the Bird Shapes Feed the cardboard into the Beaverbot slowly, letting the machine do the work. The fast cutting speed paired with precise control allows for both smooth curves and detailed sections. This is especially helpful for projects with smaller parts or intricate shapes. The built-in waste box collects debris as you work, and the smart anti-jam design keeps everything moving smoothly.

Step 4: Assemble the 3D Birds

Each bird consists of two form elements that slot together.

This step is excellent for developing spatial awareness and problem-solving skills—perfect for young makers and older kids alike.

Take your time fitting the pieces together, if you use 3mm cardboard they should slot together without any glue!

The snug fit helps the birds hold their shape without glue.

Step 4: Assemble the 3D Birds Each bird consists of two form elements that slot together. This step is excellent for developing spatial awareness and problem-solving skills—perfect for young makers and older kids alike. Take your time fitting the pieces together, if you use 3mm cardboard they should slot together without any glue! The snug fit helps the birds hold their shape without glue.

Step 5: Paint the Birds

Using Arteza acrylic paint markers, color each bird, front and back, in bold primary colors:

One red
One yellow
One blue

Paint markers are ideal because they dry quickly and give excellent coverage on craft cardboard.

This step is also a great opportunity for creative exploration—kids can mix colors, add patterns, or personalize each bird.

Use whatever age appropriate coloring mediums you have.

Bust out the crayons, markers, or acrylic craft paint.

This project is perfect for Spring decorations!

There's no reason to stop at only three 3D birds, keep cutting them out and fill a branch, use as Christmas tree decorations or make a garland for the mantle.

Use whatever age appropriate coloring mediums you have. Bust out the crayons, markers, or acrylic craft paint. This project is perfect for Spring decorations! There's no reason to stop at only three 3D birds, keep cutting them out and fill a branch, use as Christmas tree decorations or make a garland for the mantle.

BeaverBot Cutter Portability:

Another feature that really stands out about the BeaverBot Cutter 2 is its portability.

The compact size and lightweight design make it easy to move from room to room, pack up for craft nights, or share between classrooms without hassle.

It doesn’t require a complicated setup or a dedicated workspace—just plug in the power cable, place it on a table, and you’re ready to create.

This portability makes it especially useful for art teachers, homeschool families, and makers who like to rotate activities or store tools between uses.

Whether it’s set up on a kitchen table, a classroom workstation, or a maker-space shelf, the BeaverBot fits naturally into creative environments and encourages spontaneous, screen-free projects wherever inspiration strikes.

Beaverbot Cutter Portability: Another feature that really stands out about the Beaverbot Cutter 2 is its portability. The compact size and lightweight design make it easy to move from room to room, pack up for craft nights, or share between classrooms without hassle. It doesn’t require a complicated setup or a dedicated workspace—just plug in the power cable, place it on a table, and you’re ready to create. This portability makes it especially useful for art teachers, homeschool families, and makers who like to rotate activities or store tools between uses. Whether it’s set up on a kitchen table, a classroom workstation, or a maker-space shelf, the Beaverbot fits naturally into creative environments and encourages spontaneous, screen-free projects wherever inspiration strikes.

Step 6: String the Mobile

Thread a long needle with fishing line.

Carefully pass the needle through the base of the bird up toward the head.

Tie securely at the base and reinforce with a little hot glue.

Attach each bird to the wooden stick at different lengths to create visual movement and balance.

Adjust spacing until the mobile hangs evenly.

Step 6: String the Mobile Thread a long needle with fishing line. Carefully pass the needle through the base of the bird up toward the head. Tie securely at the base and reinforce with a little hot glue. Attach each bird to the wooden stick at different lengths to create visual movement and balance. Adjust spacing until the mobile hangs evenly.

YEAR ROUND FUN:

One of the things I appreciate most about the BeaverBot Cutter 2 is how useful it is all year long, not just for planned craft projects.

Around Christmas time especially, it becomes a surprisingly practical tool—kids can help cut down gift boxes, shipping boxes, and packaging into smaller, manageable recyclable pieces instead of everything piling up.

It turns a usually boring chore into a productive, age-appropriate activity and gives kids a sense of responsibility and ownership.

Beyond the holidays, it’s just as handy for breaking down regular household cardboard, prepping materials for school projects, or creating spontaneous builds whenever inspiration strikes.

Because it’s safe and easy to use, kids can jump in during different seasons with different goals—decor in December, cardboard city builds in summer, or creative experiments year-round—making the BeaverBot a tool that earns its place on the craft shelf long after the holidays are over.

YEAR ROUND FUN: One of the things I appreciate most about the Beaverbot Cutter 2 is how useful it is all year long, not just for planned craft projects. Around Christmas time especially, it becomes a surprisingly practical tool—kids can help cut down gift boxes, shipping boxes, and packaging into smaller, manageable recyclable pieces instead of everything piling up. It turns a usually boring chore into a productive, age-appropriate activity and gives kids a sense of responsibility and ownership. Beyond the holidays, it’s just as handy for breaking down regular household cardboard, prepping materials for school projects, or creating spontaneous builds whenever inspiration strikes. Because it’s safe and easy to use, kids can jump in during different seasons with different goals—decor in December, cardboard city builds in summer, or creative experiments year-round—making the Beaverbot a tool that earns its place on the craft shelf long after the holidays are over.

The Finished Result

Once assembled, the three birds float beautifully and look incredibly cheerful.

The lightweight cardboard allows them to move gently with air currents, making the mobile feel dynamic and alive.

This project is a great example of how cardboard creations can be decorative, intentional, and meaningful—not just temporary crafts.

The Finished Result Once assembled, the three birds float beautifully and look incredibly cheerful. The lightweight cardboard allows them to move gently with air currents, making the mobile feel dynamic and alive. This project is a great example of how cardboard creations can be decorative, intentional, and meaningful—not just temporary crafts.

BeaverBot Cutter 2: Long-Term Review

After extended use, the BeaverBot Cutter 2 continues to impress.

With regular maintenance (a quick brush-out using the included cleaning tool), it performs consistently over time.

What makes it stand out:

Encourages time building rather than rushed crafting
Supports skill-building challenges
Reduces reliance on scissors and sharp blades
Ideal for art teachers, homeschoolers, and maker spaces
Works across a variety of project kits and compatible materials
From screen-free projects to advanced cardboard city builds, this cutter adapts beautifully to different creative goals.

Beaverbot Cutter 2: Long-Term Review After extended use, the Beaverbot Cutter 2 continues to impress. With regular maintenance (a quick brush-out using the included cleaning tool), it performs consistently over time. What makes it stand out: Encourages time building rather than rushed crafting Supports skill-building challenges Reduces reliance on scissors and sharp blades Ideal for art teachers, homeschoolers, and maker spaces Works across a variety of project kits and compatible materials From screen-free projects to advanced cardboard city builds, this cutter adapts beautifully to different creative goals.

Why Cardboard Is Such a Powerful Creative Material

Cardboard is one of the best materials for hands-on builds because it’s forgiving, accessible, and encourages experimentation.

Kids can test ideas, make mistakes, and rebuild without fear of wasting expensive supplies. This makes cardboard ideal for:

Kid-led play
Screen-free projects
Prototyping ideas before using advanced tools
Art class and STEM learning
DIY craft boards and engineering challenges

The only real barrier has always been cutting it safely—especially for younger hands.

That’s where the BeaverBot Cutter 2 really shines.

Why Cardboard Is Such a Powerful Creative Material Cardboard is one of the best materials for hands-on builds because it’s forgiving, accessible, and encourages experimentation. Kids can test ideas, make mistakes, and rebuild without fear of wasting expensive supplies. This makes cardboard ideal for: Kid-led play Screen-free projects Prototyping ideas before using advanced tools Art class and STEM learning DIY craft boards and engineering challenges The only real barrier has always been cutting it safely—especially for younger hands. That’s where the Beaverbot Cutter 2 really shines.

Why This Tool Works for Older Kids, Teens and Adults too!

Our BeaverBot Cutter 2 experience:

While BeaverBot is often associated with younger kids, my 17-year-old has been using it extensively to build cardboard-cutting prototypes for wearable gauntlets and armor concepts. For years of building and experimenting, he’s used everything from scissors to abrasive tools and even some power tools.

What surprised him most?

Cleaner cuts than scissors
Easy way to prototype
More control than a paper cut or utility blade
Faster cutting with less fatigue
Safer for detailed work
It's a great tool for even 17 year olds

It’s now become a core tool in his creative workflow—especially when testing ideas before committing to more advanced materials.

We are looking forward to the upgrade kit, so we can cut thicker pieces of cardboard (up to 5mm)...coming soon!

Why This Tool Works for Older Kids, Teens and Adults too! Our Beaverbot experience: While Beaverbot is often associated with younger kids, my 17-year-old has been using it extensively to build cardboard-cutting prototypes for wearable gauntlets and armor concepts. For years of building and experimenting, he’s used everything from scissors to abrasive tools and even some power tools. What surprised him most? Cleaner cuts than scissors Easy way to prototype More control than a paper cut or utility blade Faster cutting with less fatigue Safer for detailed work It's a great tool for even 17 year olds

That's it!

The BeaverBot Cutter 2 isn’t just a cardboard cutter—it’s a gateway to creativity. By prioritizing smart safety, thoughtful design, and ease of use, it allows kids and teens to focus on what matters most: imagining, building, and experimenting.

Whether you’re crafting with younger kids, supporting a teen’s engineering curiosity, or just looking for a safer way to cut cardboard for creative builds, this tool delivers confidence, consistency, and peace of mind.

If you’re ready to turn scrap materials into meaningful projects and support a child’s creative growth at every stage, the BeaverBot Cutter 2 is absolutely worth keeping—and this colorful bird mobile is the perfect project to get started.

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The Beaverbot Cutter 2 isn’t just a cardboard cutter—it’s a gateway to creativity. By prioritizing smart safety, thoughtful design, and ease of use, it allows kids and teens to focus on what matters most: imagining, building, and experimenting. Whether you’re crafting with younger kids, supporting a teen’s engineering curiosity, or just looking for a safer way to cut cardboard for creative builds, this tool delivers confidence, consistency, and peace of mind. If you’re ready to turn scrap materials into meaningful projects and support a child’s creative growth at every stage, the Beaverbot Cutter 2 is absolutely worth keeping—and this colorful bird mobile is the perfect project to get started.

I love this tool so much, I'll have more patterns in the future!

Get the FREE Bird Pattern Here:

CHECK OUT THESE FUN CARDBOARD CRAFTS TOO!

How to Make Jar Lid Ornaments!

Let me show you how fun, easy and practically free it is to make layered jar lid ornaments.

These are the perfect craft for big groups; church activity, school/class craft, Girl or Boy Scouts, Girls Craft Night, paint nights and more.

Gather a few supplies you probably already have--which makes these festive jar lid ornaments--FREE!

How to Make Jar Lid Ornaments! Let me show you how fun, easy and practically free it is to make layered jar lid ornaments. These are the perfect craft for big groups; church activity, school/class craft, Girl or Boy Scouts, Girls Craft Night, paint nights and more. Gather a few supplies you probably already have--which makes these festive jar lid ornaments--FREE!

How to Make Monarch Butterfly Wings with xTool M1

Make the perfect Halloween costume butterfly wings using things on their way to the trash.

I love upcycling, reusing and thrifting for the perfect costumes.

These monarch butterfly wings were easy to make, took less than one hour, they look amazing and they were FREE!

How to Make Monarch Butterfly Wings with xTool M1 Make the perfect Halloween costume butterfly wings using things on their way to the trash. I love upcycling, reusing and thrifting for the perfect costumes. These monarch butterfly wings were easy to make, took less than one hour, they look amazing and they were FREE!

Cereal Box Refillable Journals Upcycled Craft DIY!

Make a cereal box refillable journal for the perfect Earth Day crafting!

These cute notebooks are perfect and can be refilled with any kind of paper you like.

Turn a cereal box into a refillable notebook for sketching, drawing and note taking.

Cereal Box Refillable Journals Upcycled Craft DIY! Make a cereal box refillable journal for the perfect Earth Day crafting! These cute notebooks are perfect and can be refilled with any kind of paper you like. Turn a cereal box into a refillable notebook for sketching, drawing and note taking.

Vampire Costume made with Cardboard!

Make a costume out of boxes and plastic table cloth--it's a great option to make your costume out of the recycle bin!

Amazon asked me to make a costume out of their shipping boxes a few years ago and I love it.

I was able to make this high collar Vampire costume and a big jewel necklace.

I love how this turned out using recyclables as my costume!

Pre-packaged store bought costumes are cheaply made and can be super pricey. It's much more rewarding to make a costume in a couple hours out of things that are on the way to the recycle bin. I don't have little kids to dress up for Halloween anymore, so I made this to fit me! This costume is simple enough to make any size and it just takes a few supplies found easily around the house.

Fortnite Cosplay The Enforcer Skin Costume DIY!

Do you have any kids that are into Fortnite?

Last year it was all my son could talk about...this year not as much.

But I'm sharing his Halloween costume from last year, as the Enforcer skin from the video game Fortnite.

This was a fun DIY cosplay with most of the items found in our home, made of garbage or pulled out of the closet.

Make the perfect Halloween Fortnite Cosplay. The Enforcer Skin Costume DIY is easy to make with items found in the closet, upcycled items like cardboard, foam and brads and a boogie bomb.

Cardboard crafts just got a MAJOR upgrade 🐦✂️

I tried the BeaverBot Cutter 2 (B. Rex) and turned scrap cardboard into this colorful bird mobile—and honestly? It was much fun for all ages. This cutter is designed to be kid-safe, but it’s powerful enough for teens, detailed projects, and even cardboard prototypes (my 17-year-old approves 🙌).

I used cereal boxes, a free bird pattern, and paint markers in primary colors, then strung them into the sweetest hanging mobile. No exposed sharp edges, no stress, and way less time fighting scissors or box cutters.

Perfect for:
✨ screen-free projects
✨ young makers & teens
✨ classrooms & art teachers
✨ holiday box cleanup (hello Christmas cardboard!)
✨ creative builds all year long

This is one of those tools that actually grows with your kid—and turns recyclable materials into something magical.

Full tutorial + in-depth review on doodlecraftblog.com 💛
Would you try this with your kids or students?

#beaverbot #cardboardcrafts #kidledplay #youngmakers #screenfreeprojects #diyforkids #craftwithkids #recycledcrafts #doodlecraft