DIY Cardboard House for Maileg Mice

"If you’re anything like me, you love finding creative ways to bring toys to life. I have always loved miniatures and when I got my hands on these Maileg mice from Bella Luna Toys, I knew they deserved a cozy, magical home. With a little imagination, some recycled materials, and a lot of love, I crafted a DIY cardboard house that perfectly suits these tiny treasures. Today, I’m excited to share the process so you can create your own charming play space for these sweet mice or any small toys.

Bella Luna Toys has always been a favorite of mine for their thoughtfully curated, heirloom-quality toys that spark creativity and connection. The Maileg mice are no exception, each one is a tiny work of art, full of character and charm. These little friends inspired me to dream up a space where they could live, play, and rest, a project that was just as much fun for me as it was for them!"

• A sturdy cardboard box (recycled materials are perfect for this!)

• Acrylic paints and brushes

• Hot glue or craft glue

• Scrapbook paper or fabric for wallpaper

• Small trinkets, buttons, and scraps for furniture and decor

• Scissors and a craft knife

• String lights or fairy lights (optional but magical!)

Start by imagining the layout of your cardboard house. Will it have multiple rooms, stairs, or a little attic? I divided mine into a cozy kitchen and a snug bedroom upstairs. Light pencil sketches on the cardboard helped guide my cuts.

Using a craft knife, carefully cut your pieces. Glue on additional cardboard pieces to create walls or separate rooms. Don’t worry about perfection—charming imperfections add to the whimsy!

Add personality to your house with colorful paints and patterns. I used a dish rag and floral scrapbook paper for a vintage-inspired looking wallpaper. You can even add tiny curtains using fabric scraps. I made a stained glass sunroof using a piece of plastic and gallery glass paints.

This was my favorite part! The bed was made from cardboard and twigs, a wood slice became the table, and a medicine cup was a cute little basket. I added hooks on the walls with twig pieces and even hung a mouse portrait. The possibilities are endless, get creative with the materials you have!

Why DIY Matters 

There’s something so special about crafting a toy’s world from scratch. Not only does it spark creativity, but it also encourages children (and adults!) to see the beauty in repurposing everyday materials. This cardboard house became a labor of love, and it now serves as the perfect home for my Maileg mice.

Whether you’re crafting with kids or on your own, this DIY is a delightful reminder of the magic in handmade creations.

Happy crafting!