Makedo is a cardboard construction system that is open-ended and easy to use. Makedo allows you to build imaginative and useful creations from reclaimed or recycled cardboard.

Safe-Saw:
Strong enough to cut through cardboard, but safe enough for little fingers, the Safe-Saw does the tricky work.
Rounded teeth leave paper cut free edges.
Strong enough to cut through cardboard. 
Safe for small hands.

Scru-Driver:
The companion tool to the Scru connector. For connecting cardboard quickly and securely. Enables rapid deconstruction of Makedo creations.

Fold-Roller:
Perforate lines to sculpt like a pro. Trace out cutting paths for the Safe-Saw.

Mini-Tool:
Always on hand for extra making, it's a Scru-Driver made mini.

Scru:
The heart of the Makedo cardboard construction system. Easily and firmly connect layers of cardboard with the Scru.
Completely reusable, just a few quick turns and the Scru is released.

Scru+:
Connect up to five layers of corrugated cardboard or attach 3D printed Makedo parts such as hinges and angle brackets.

For a more in-depth look at each tool in action:
go.make.do/tools

Yes! We designed Makedo tools to be endlessly re-usable.

Simply unscrew the Scru or Scru+ from an existing creation and use it again and again!

No, we only sell the tools for cardboard construction - to safely cut and connect.

In the spirit of making do, you need to find the cardboard locally.

Here are a few ideas for where to find good cardboard:

•  in your home recycling bin
•  at the grocer
•  at the hardware store
•  near the loading bay at most supermarkets
•  at cardboard recycling plants
•  at bicycle and appliance stores 
•  at second-hand box suppliers
•  from cardboard manufacturers

We do not sell the brackets or the moving hinge parts. These can either be made from cardboard or we offer them as free files so you can laser cut or 3D print them yourself.

See Makedo on Thingiverse

If you don't have access to a 3D printer, may find one at your local school or library... along with some enthusiastic makers to help you out. Alternately, you can search online for a local 3D printing service in your area.

Are you (or your makers) having trouble getting started with your Makedo creation?

Here are some design thinking ideas* that can help start the conversation, and follow through to the construction process. 

• Something to CARRY
• Something to SIT ON
• Something to RIDE IN
• Something that can MOVE
• Something that can FLY
• Something that is LIVING
• Something that is SOFT
• Something that is TALL
• Something for YOUR HOME
• Something for YOUR SCHOOL
• Something for a FRIEND
• Something to WEAR
• Something to HIDE INSIDE
• Something for a PET

* This list was inspired by Anne's Design Thinking Challenge prompts from the ever-creative Left Brain Craft Brain.

What can you make? What can't you make! 

With Makedo cardboard construction tools, makers of all ages can join cardboard together quickly, cleanly and easier than ever before.

Here are some of the fantastic ideas for creations from Makedo makers across the globe:

• cardboard house
• cardboard car
• cardboard dog
• cardboard mask
• cardboard hat
• cardboard glasses
• cardboard goggles
• cardboard armor
• cardboard costume
• cardboard sword
• cardboard shield
• cardboard boat
• cardboard plane
• cardboard train
• cardboard tram
• cardboard bus
• cardboard fire truck
• cardboard fire station
• cardboard truck
• cardboard tractor
• cardboard digger
• cardboard bike
• cardboard jet pack
• cardboard city
• cardboard dollhouse
• cardboard playhouse
• cardboard dog kennel
• cardboard puppet
• cardboard lamp
• cardboard monster
• cardboard minion
• cardboard gingerbread man
• cardboard iron man
• cardboard batman
• cardboard horse
• cardboard giraffe
• cardboard gorilla
• cardboard table
• cardboard chair
• cardboard stool
• cardboard theatre
• cardboard wings
• cardboard kneepads
• cardboard boots
• cardboard christmas tree
• cardboard lampshade
• cardboard display
• cardboard screen
• cardboard shelves
• cardboard shelf
• cardboard tray
• cardboard phone holder
• cardboard stand
• cardboard projector
• cardboard instrument
• cardboard weapon
• cardboard telescope
• cardboard catapult
• cardboard castle
• cardboard teepee
• cardboard star wars
• cardboard robot
• cardboard frame
• cardboard wall
• cardboard bridge
• cardboard safe
• cardboard maze
• cardboard tower
• cardboard arch
• cardboard door
• cardboard gate
• cardboard tunnel
• cardboard igloo
• cardboard dome
• cardboard space pod
• cardboard spaceship
• cardboard dinosaur
• cardboard t-rex
• cardboard shark
• cardboard dragon
• cardboard puppy
• cardboard kitten
• cardboard bunny
• cardboard tail
• cardboard crocodile
• cardboard body trace
• cardboard hands
• cardboard pinball
• cardboard game

...and your Makedo project too! Head to our Inspiration HUB to see what others have been making: know.make.do 

Anyone over the age of four can Makedo. If you are able to imagine that a cardboard box can be something other than ‘a box', then you have just earned your License to Makedo!

General Recommendations:

• Children aged 4+ can make with the assistance of an adult
• Children aged 6+ can make independently
• Children 3 years or younger are not advised to have unsupervised access to Makedo

Makedo was invented and designed by Paul Justin (PJ), an industrial designer based in Melbourne, Australia, in response to requests from his kids to help them make ‘props’ for their imaginative play.

Learn more about how Makedo came to be here.

Makedo is made in China using virgin plastic. However the answers are far more nuanced than that. 

Our underlying philosophy is about developing a visceral understanding of up-cycling and activating a desire and ability in kids to safely and easily make and remake their own toys with cardboard and the tiniest amount of plastic (which makes us plastic negative when you consider the short life of so many plastic toys). 

Our impact must be viewed holistically - as must everything; each electric car and solar panel and sustainability promoting instagram feed viewed on an electronic device is contributing to a carbon footprint. However we see them as ‘good’ because we value the path that they pave. Makedo is creating sustainability thinking pathways inside the minds of tomorrows problem solvers and in this moment, we need to use plastic to do it.

From a technical perspective our product demands certain mechanical properties to both function as intended and comply with international toy safety standards. We are engaged in ongoing research to move away from virgin plastic and we have made some very exciting progress. While this is not ready for production yet, our design team are continually exploring how to best make use of these new materials for Makedo so do stay tuned!

Until that time (and since we were established in 2009) we have run a Closing The Loop program whereby we receive and re-process end of life plastic parts into new parts:

Closing the Loop Submission
(opens in new window)

Makedo tools and connectors are specifically designed to be used with standard corrugated cardboard, a readily available three-layer packaging material consisting of an outer and inner layer of sturdy kraft paper with a fluted layer in between.

The Makedo tools and Scru connectors can work well on all other kinds of cardboard too! We recommend having a try yourself with the reclaimed recyclable materials that you have access to.

All of our products are tested by an independent laboratory to meet global toy standards. 

Makedo conforms to:

• USA CPSIA and ASTM F963
• European EN-71
• Australia and New Zealand AS/NZS 8124
• Canada SOR/2011-17

Makedo is made without PVC, BPA, Phthalates or Lead.

We welcome and value your honest feedback.

Approximately three weeks after placing an order on our store, you will receive an invitation to post a review for the products that you purchased.

As well as helping other Makedo makers by sharing your valuable opinion, posting a review will earn you extra points for your Cardboard Club rewards!

We are sorry to say that there is no Purchase Order option in the Makedo Shop.
If the ordering process in our own checkout is not suitable for your purchase requirements, you can try your local specialist Education supplier.

Looking to purchase large quantities of Makedo? Depending on the circumstances, we may be able to accommodate bulk orders for educational institutions and similar organisations.

Please reach out by sending a message on our Contact Page so that we can find the best way to support your specific needs.

All Makedo stores accept the following credit card payments: Visa and Mastercard. The AUSTRALIA, UK/EU, and INTERNATIONAL stores also accept credit card payments from American Express.

Payment via PayPal is an option for USA/CANADA and INTERNATIONAL Makedo stores.

Payment via Apple Pay is an option on AUSTRALIA, USA/CANADA, UK/EU and INTERNATIONAL Makedo stores.

For more detailed information please refer to  this article on Fees and Charges.

US/CA payments are processed through a secure gateway provided by  Stripe.
UK/EU payments are processed through a secure gateway provided by Stripe.
International payments are processed through a secure gateway provided by Stripe.
Australian payments are processed through a secure gateway via Shopify Payments, powered by  Stripe.

Note: We do not accept bank transfers, checks/cheques or magic beans.

We would love to hear from you!

Here are the ways that you can get in touch with Makedo.

• Send us a message directly using the Help Beacon, located in the bottom-right corner of the Makedo website.
• Fill in the form on the Makedo website Contact page.

And you can also find us here:

• Snail Mail: 4 Paterson St Abbotsford VIC 3067, AUSTRALIA
• Instagram: /makedo
• Twitter: @makedo
• YouTube: /makedoTV
• Thingiverse: /makedo
• Instructables: /makedo-able

The amount of Makedo you need depends on the number of people who will be working with Makedo at any given time and also the scale of what they are working on. As a rough guide we recommend the following: 

1-2 makers: 1x Explore kit (50 pieces)

2-5 makers / family group: 1x Discover kit (126 pieces)

4-8 makers / larger group: 1x Create kit (260 pieces)

12-24 makers / classroom: 1x Invent kit (360 pieces)

Top up your collection:
Additional packs of Makedo Scru connectors and individual tools are also available from our online store. 

Makedo is an Australian company, based in (and operating from) Melbourne, Australia.
We do not have a W-9 form that we can provide for US customers.

If the ordering process in our own checkout at the Makedo USA store is not suitable for your purchase requirements, you can also find Makedo at Amazon and through our official US resellers:

Adafruit
Becker's School Supplies
Demco
Midwest Technology Products
Tout About Toys

When an Order has been flagged as High-Risk by our payment gateway, it may be automatically cancelled. If this happens to you and you believe it was in error, please try placing your Order again. If possible, try using an alternate credit card or payment method.

The first step is to contact us and provide as much information as possible to support your request. Our support staff will assess and respond accordingly.

For the detailed Returns Policy, please refer section 8 in the Makedo Terms of Service.

Please note that the stock will need to be unopened and in saleable condition and the return shipping is at your cost.

We have multiple international stock locations: Utah USA, Kentucky USA, Ontario Canada, Bristol UK, Saujon France, Perth Australia, Sydney Australia.

Orders for US destinations ship locally from Utah and Kentucky.

Orders for Canadian destinations ship locally from Ontario.

Orders for Australian destinations ship locally from Perth and Sydney.

Orders for NZ destinations ship from Sydney Australia.

All other orders (including EU) ship internationally from either Australia or the United States.

Please Note: 
Shipping times are estimates only. Once your parcel has shipped it becomes the responsibility of the courier service to deliver your order successfully.

Delivery to Australia:
Standard shipping orders are dispatched from Perth or Sydney within 2 business days using AusPost / Sendle and generally arrive  between 2-6 days from dispatch.

Delivery to New Zealand:
Standard shipping orders are dispatched from Sydney within 2 business days and generally arrive  9 days from dispatch.

Delivery to the United States:
All US orders are dispatched within 1-2 business days.
Orders to the US are shipped using 4-8 day USPS / DHL Ground Parcel. 

During peak periods dispatch delays may occur.

Delivery to Canada:
All orders are dispatched within 1-3 business days and are shipped from Ontario using the most suitable destination-based option (road or air freight) with various carriers. Canadian deliveries generally arrive 3-14 business days from dispatch.

Delivery to UK / IE / EU / other International destinations:
International orders are dispatched from either USA or Australia within 2 business days and will arrive according to the carrier estimate calculated at checkout. Live carrier quotes are provided at checkout according to: Cheapest Price, Best Value and Fastest Arrival.
Selecting the Cheapest Price option may mean your shipping method has limited or no tracking available.

Please note that additional time may be required for customs processing of International shipments. Deliveries to remote locations may experience longer shipping times.

Australia (AUD)

AU Standard Shipping: 2-6 Business Days* AU $10
Free AU Standard Shipping: 2-6 Business Days* Free over AU $60
AU Express Shipping: 1-3 Business Days* AU $20
Free AU Express Shipping: 1-3 Business Days* Free over AU $250

New Zealand (NZD)

NZ Standard Shipping: 9 Business Days $15

USA (USD)

Orders under $50: 4-8 Business Days (after dispatch)* $10
Orders $50 and over: 4-8 Business Days (after dispatch)* FREE

Canada (CAD)

Standard Shipping NU, NT, YK: 3-14 Business Days* $24
Free Standard Shipping NU, NT, YK: 3-14 Business Days* Free over $70
Express Shipping NU, NT, YK: 1-3 Business Days* $61
Free Express Shipping NU, NT, YK: 1-3 Business Days* Free over $270
Standard Shipping NS, NB, NL & PE: 3-14 Business Days* $20
Free Standard Shipping NS, NB, NL & PE: 3-14 Business Days* Free over $70
Express Shipping NS, NB, NL & PE: 1-3 Business Days* $51
Free Express Shipping NS, NB, NL & PE: 1-3 Business Days* Free over $270
Standard Shipping ON & QC: 3-14 Business Days* $11
Free Standard Shipping ON & QC: 3-14 Business Days* Free over $70
Express Shipping ON & QC: 1-3 Business Days* $27
Free Express Shipping ON & QC: 1-3 Business Days* Free over $270
Standard Shipping SK, MB, AB & BC: 3-14 Business Days* $17
Free Standard Shipping SK, MB, AB & BC: 3-14 Business Days* Free over $70
Express Shipping SK, MB, AB & BC: 1-3 Business Days* $41
Free Express Shipping SK, MB, AB & BC: 1-3 Business Days* Free over $270

EU
STANDARD SHIPPING (EUR):

Carrier Rates:
Calculated at Checkout*

INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING
(all other countries - USD):

Carrier Rates:
Calculated at Checkout*

* Carrier Rates
Real-time carrier rates calculated at checkout.
Note: we pass on the direct shipping cost and do not add a handling or service fee of any kind.

EU / International:
Will there be any import taxes/customs duties?

This really depends on the value of your order and the policy of your local Customs authority. You may be liable for any or all of the following taxes: customs duty, excise duty and import duty. All customs duties and taxes are the responsibility of the recipient. We have no control over these charges and cannot predict what they may be.

Your local post office can give you advice regarding international online purchases. The HS Code for Makedo is 9503.00.0073. 

We are very sad to hear this.

Makedo is responsible for your delivery from the moment you make a payment on our store, through to when it is handed over to the courier or postal service.

If you cannot locate your package, the first point of contact will be to make an enquiry with the relevant courier or local postal service.

It is the recipient's responsibility to ensure that you have a safe, secure location for your package if you are not home at the time of delivery.
Packages left on the doorstep are occasionally stolen after being left by the courier or postal service.

Makedo does not issue automatic refunds or replacements for packages stolen after being marked as Delivered. Our insurance covers items that are still in transit only. 

We understand the disappointment and frustration that occurs when an online order does not reach you. Depending on the situation, we will endeavour to provide assistance on a case-by-case basis. 

Our warehouse is staffed by genuine humans and it is possible that they make the occasional error.

If you discover that your package is missing something or it contains the wrong items, please contact us within 30 days from when the order was delivered.

The Makedo Invent kit has been set up with classroom groups in mind; you'll find that the included tools and connectors are enough for approximately 12-24 makers to be engaged in some seriously playful creativity all at the same time.

This kit contains 360 pieces consisting of:

14x SAFE-SAW - Steel blade with to sharp edges to swiftly saw cardboard.

7x FOLD-ROLLER - Perforate lines to sculpt like a pro

7x SCRU-DRIVER - Connect cardboard as simply as righty tighty, lefty loosey.

240x SCRU - Connects up to three layers of corrugated cardboard

80x SCRU+ - Connects up to six layers of corrugated cardboard and 3d printed additions

12x MINI-TOOL - For parallel and cooperative making

1x INSPIRATION POSTER - Discover a world of possibilities with 52" / 132cm of illustrated Makedo creation ideas.

The best place to look for ideas and inspiration is the Makedo HUB.

You can also follow Makedo on Instagram and see what other Educators are doing on Twitter.

Here are a few classroom project ideas:

• The Tallest Tower
• Shelter
• Maze
• Geodesic Dome
• Costumes / Sets
• Bridge
• Mechanism / machine
• Animals
• Body trace
• Compatible components for 3D printing

Have you been to the Makedo website Education page?

We are not able to supply a free sample at this time. Our Explore kit is offered at a very reasonable price and functions well for educators to test and evaluate prior to making a larger commitment.

Have you been using Makedo in your classroom? 

Share the learning experience with other Educators by completing the Makedo In The Classroom survey. 

Submissions will be reviewed and responded to by the Makedo Education Manager.

In order to upload images/video to Makedo you are required to agree to the following Conditions:

Only the owner or persons representing the original source of the image/video are permitted to upload content to Makedo. By uploading you are declaring that you are responsible and have full permission to upload the image/video, and have not appropriated the content from another source. 

Makedo is granted full rights to use the images/video and any adaptations or reproductions of the uploaded content for the purpose of providing inspiration to the creative community of global Makedo makers.

This expressed permission might include (but is not limited to) the right to use the images/video in social media, Makedo subscriber newsletters, online publicity and printed material. 

Uploading images/video of children or minors:

By selecting to agree to these terms, you are granting consent on behalf of any children appearing in images/video to be published in the public domain. It is recommended that permission is sought and there is an informed consent from the child prior to the recording of images/video.

Content uploaded to Makedo is required to be respectful and suitably themed for viewing by both children and adults in the broader Makedo community. Any images/video that Makedo considers to be indecent, harmful, offensive or demeaning to any person will be rejected.

In order to further protect the privacy and safety of children and young people online, Makedo may reject images/video containing names or other personal details, and personal contact information or items that identify a specific location.

Further information and advice can be obtained from the Australian Government Office of the Children’s eSafety Commissioner.

We highly recommend watching Ken Robinson’s TED talk on creativity.