A NOMAD Guide for Sticker Boxes

 

By: Izzy Ruiz

What this project is: 

Sticker boxes are an easy open‑ended art activity where children use boxes, fun stickers, markers, and more to explore their creativity and embrace self expression freely with no “right” result. 

What you’ll provide: 

  • Paper mache box (or any small box you may have around) 

  • Stickers (think variety: glittery, puffy, scratch-n-sniff, foam, googly eyes, gems) 

  • Washi tape 

  • Markers 

Optional extra supplies include paper, scissors, and stencils. If you do not have a small box available, decorating the cover of a sketchbook/notebook is also a great option. 

 

How to set up the table: 

Lay out your boxes, stickers, tape, and markers so your child can easily pick which supplies they want to decorate their box with. Before you start, you can also show your little ones how to rip the washi tape with their hands. We’ve seen that once they get the hang of it, they seem to enjoy doing it on their own. If you’re comfortable with your child using scissors, that’s another option. Both ripping and cutting are good skills for children to develop. 

 

 

How to facilitate (without taking over): 

  • Instead of giving instructions, you can begin decorating your own box for a few minutes, casually talking out loud about what you’re trying, noticing what works, and showing that experimenting and changing ideas is part of the process. Generally, this is enough to get them going. 

  • Avoid fixing, suggesting, or redesigning their work. Struggles and experiments are part of learning. 

  • Encourage exploring different ways to layer stickers/tape and how the markers react on each surface. 

 

Helpful reminders: 

  • The goal is exploration and confidence, not a perfect or polished object. 

  • If frustration occurs, remind your child to take a step back for a moment. Once they’re ready, you can look at the piece together to identify the root of their frustration. We find that taking this time can help get them into a headspace for creative problem solving. 

Most important: 

Your role is to create an encouraging space and to support your child’s ideas. Curiosity, imagination, and persistence matter more than the final result. 

 

Optional next steps: 

Look around and see what fun things you and your little ones can put inside your boxes. Is there a theme or a story? Can decorating the box’s interior compliment the treasures they put inside? 

 
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