This project will teach you how to make 3"x3" building blocks out of cardboard and then decorate them in any way you see fit.

As a kid I loved building things, the bigger the better. This project was inspired by all the young ones in my life needing some awesome toys that can't be bought at the store.

Step 1: Step 1: Parts and Materials

This list is very flexible and dependent on your abilities and investment in the project.

Chances are you may already have the materials to make these and can even do some recycling.

I'll have a shop for all these materials listed later this year.

You will need:

Cardboard 1/8th inch thick preferably. Can be new or used.
A way to cut the cardboard: razor blade and straight edge (recommended for small quantities), heavy duty paper cutter (my preference for large quantities) laser cutter (if you could get a hold of one), or table saw (most dangerous but a viable solution). All these pose serious dangers so only use tools you are experienced with and do not misuse equipment. I'll post a link to my shop of pre-cut cardboard for great prices later
Glue, plain old school paste will do, you will need about a bottle to make 50 blocks, I ended up buying a huge bottle for refills
Ruler for making measurements
pencil for marking measurements
Very strong label stock Spinacker, Avery or sheet-labels.com, but not onlinelabels because they are not strong enough. It's also possible to make your own skins.
Laser printer which can be outsourced. I will also post a link of pre printed labels for sale.

Step 2: Step 2: Cutting Sizes Out

This instructable doesn't take in to consideration the method of cutting. You will need to cut out these size squares and rectangles.

Two 3 x 3" squares
Four 2.75 x 2.75" squares
Two 2.75 x 3" rectangles

Step 3: Step 3: Gluing Tops and Bottoms

Take two 2.75 x 2.75 pieces and glue the faces to the two 3 x 3" pieces, centering the small ontop of the big

Then lay a bead of glue around the bevel edge you created.

Find your 2.75 x 3" rectangles and glue on the short edges.

Step 4: Step 5: Assembly

Take the back and left side place them in the beveled grove and line them up perpendicular to each other.
Hold in place for a few seconds then flip the top piece and place the beveled edges on the other ends of the left side and back.
Now the structure has some stability place the right side in the two beveled slots.
Time to place in the front face of the block, simply fit in open hole like a lid.
Gently press the block together from all sides to be sure it is holding in place.
Place the block aside and start another one.