More Cardboard Crafts!!!

The Girls having fun with their box ‘cars’ 🙂

I have to admit we didn’t exactly come up with this ‘idea’ ourselves – our local art museum was sponsoring an event where you get to decorate boxes as cars and participate in a parade!  We had a blast painting the boxes – So our 6-year-old made a jet car and our toddler is in a flower float — colored rope to suspend it up and voila!  HOURS of fun 🙂

See the article below for more cardboard crafts/fun!

Crazy for Cardboard Crafts

Craft With Cardboard

I love working with cardboard. Why? For starters, it’s abundant. Cardboard sneaks into your home every time you bring in groceries and sundries, and you can get boxes for free at most stores just by asking for them. Then there’s the fact that you can build big things with it, using only some tape or glue. Finally, cardboard can be recycled, so it’s ecofriendly. I’ve made hundreds of cardboard projects, ranging from small milk-carton houses to cars and huts big enough for my three girls, ages 4, 5, and 7, to play inside. We work together to think up, plan, develop, and construct these toys. The three projects on the following pages were originally built and played with by my family. They also appeared on my craft and sewing blog, ikatbag (ikatbag.com), where you can find instructions for making the seven other crafts shown at right. Here’s are three fun projects using my favorite material.

See more crafts on Lorraine Teigland’s blog.

Spaceship

Sized just right for tiny peg dolls, this basic structure can be used to make a dollhouse or castle turret as well.

Step 1

Start with a cardboard canister, such as an oatmeal container. Trim the top to shorten it. Cut three fins from corrugated cardboard. For the nose cone, cut a circle from cereal box cardboard that’s twice the diameter of the canister (our canister was 4 inches wide, so we used an 8-inch circle). Trim away a pie-piece section, and curve the rest into a cone, securing it with tacky glue. Paint the pieces with acrylic paint and let them dry.

Step 2

Cut a small circle in the canister’s side for the door window. Cut a larger circle around the first circle, leaving 3/4 inch on one side uncut for a hinge.

Step 3

Use hot glue to attach the fins and the nose cone. Add details with paint.

Pull-Open Piñata

This no-whacking-required piñata provides just as much suspense as the traditional type. Kids take turns pulling one ribbon at a time, only one of which opens a trapdoor holding back the treats.

Make the Tower

From corrugated cardboard, cut a rectangle (ours is 16 by 25 inches) with the flutes parallel to the short sides. Cut tab like crenellations along one of the long edges. We also cut out a window and added a drawing of a princess. Roll the rectangle into a cylinder and glue the overlap in place.

Make the Trapdoor

Trace the tower’s base onto a piece of sturdy corrugated cardboard and cut out the circle. Use a craft knife (an adult’s job) to cut a trapdoor, leaving one side scored but not cut through to form a hinge.

Place the Ribbons

Cut about a yard of curling ribbon. Glue one end to the inside of the trapdoor, opposite the hinge. Run glue along the bottom edge of the tower, and attach it to the base.

Cut more lengths of ribbon — at least one or two per player. Lay about 6 inches of their ends within the three sides of the trapdoor opening, then carefully close the trapdoor; the ribbons will be pinched in place.

The Deception

The hinge edge of the trapdoor will not have any ribbons — a dead giveaway. To mislead players, use a craft knife to make small slits close to the hinge and insert ribbons into them.

With a hole punch, make holes at the top of the piñata, then tie a ribbon loop for hanging. Fill the tower with treats and hang it up.

Musketeer Swords

These were created when my daughters were in a serious Musketeer phase — swinging broomsticks around, fighting invisible enemies.

Step 1

The blades of these swords are made from wrapping paper tubes. For each sword, flatten one end of a tube, trim it to a blunt point, and tape it closed.

Step 2

Cut a strip of corrugated cardboard (with the flutes parallel to the short ends) that’s about 1 inch wider than the tube and about 12 inches long. Round off the ends. About 2 inches from one end, cut a hole big enough to fit the tube.

Step 3

Slide the tube through the hole.

Step 4

Next, bend the other end around to the flat end of the tube, and glue it in place. Spread a thin layer of glue on the blade, then wrap it with aluminum foil. Add a line of glue where the foil overlaps. If desired, paint the handle guard.

Originally published in the March 2012 issue of FamilyFun magazine.

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http://www.parents.comBringing together the power of respected magazine brands including American Baby and Parents, the Parents Network is your go-to destination for parenting information. From first kicks to first steps and on to the first day of school, we are here to help you celebrate the joys and navigate the challenges of parenthood.

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Cardboard Box and Paper Towel/Gift Wrap Tube Log Cabin

Voila! Paper Towel Log Cabin!

When I saw this at my daughter’s preschool I thought this was ingenious!  Well… anything not involving paint but involving a lot of fun is pretty ingenious in my book 🙂

Here are the steps involved–

1.  Find a big appliance box — pictured is a box for a smallish refrigerator.  If you don’t have any on hand you can procure one by calling your local appliance stores.  It really depends on the size you want to end up with – the bigger the box the bigger the cabin, but on the other hand the more paper towel tubes or gift wrapping tubes you’ll need.

2.  Carve out with a blade (be careful!!) the windows and door.  Position top flaps of box to make the triangular roof – if not perfectly even use butcher paper (or brown paper bags) to make up for any gaps on the ‘peak’ of the roof.  We used clear packing tape to hold things together.  TIP – to save time – measure windows by placing a paper towel tube on both sides to gauge how wide the window needs to be – this will save you from having to re-carve the tubes later to accommodate extra space.

3. Now for the fun part – start attaching the tubes to the outside of the cabin – begin from the top and move downward (that way if you end up with a small tube-less gap in the end it will be at the base of the cabin and not at the top) – you can use school glue (Elmer’s Glue) or a glue gun if your want – I found that the tubes were light enough to stay on – although I suggest you use a good amount — inevitably little hands will want to try prying their ‘logs’ out of their cabins…

Front view

Now… if you DON’t have enough tubes to fill everything up – I would use brown construction paper (even better if they were on their way to the recycling bin anyways) or any color construction paper (if you’re adventurous 🙂 ) and roll them up to the size of the paper towel tubes – just tape the ends and glue to the cabin.

No need to fill the backside of the cabin if the cabin will be backed up to a wall anyway.

Repurpose Cardboard Boxes into Kid Crafts/Toys!

WOW – (from one of my absolute favorite parenting websites – Parents.Com) check out these amazing repurposing ideas for cardboard boxes, disposable plates, straws etc.  I personally will try to do the doll bed and castle!

Cute Cardboard Box Crafts

Cardboard Box Shape Sorter

Put together this smart cardboard shape sorter to help your toddler learn shapes and sizes.

What you’ll need: 18x18x18-inch box, circle compass, ruler, pencil, cutting mat, X-Acto knife, adhesive contact paper, colored masking tape, hot-glue gun

Make it: While box is flat, draw desired shapes on all six sides using a compass and/or ruler and pencil. Slide cutting mat behind shapes and cut out using an X-Acto knife. Trace each cutout circle onto contact paper, then use a compass to draw a circle around it that is 1 inch larger in diameter. Cut out the ring and adhere it to the corresponding circle cutout on the cardboard box. Repeat for other circles. To outline squares, use strips of colored masking tape. Use hot-glue gun to seal the box shut on both ends. Give your child play balls and toys to put through the holes.

Cardboard Box Doll Bed

A crafted cardboard bed will give your child’s fave doll some serious slumber. Plus, it’s so E-Zzz to make.

What you’ll need: 17x11x11-inch box, scissors, paper, tape, pencil, crafts knife, cutting mat, hot-glue gun, pom-poms, large sequins

Make it: While box is flat, cut off the four top flaps. Fold a piece of paper in half so it measures 8 1/2×5 1/2 inches. Hold folded paper vertically and cut a decorative design across the top portion. Unfold, tape to one of the short side panels of the box, and trace design. Use X-Acto knife and cutting mat to create headboard design in cardboard. Repeat to create footboard design on opposite side panel. Assemble the bottom of box and secure shut with hot-glue gun. Embellish the bedposts with pom-poms and the frame with sequins; secure with glue.

Cardboard Box Castle

Cut notches along the top of an extra-large box to make a cardboard castle. Add tiny knights and toy horses for hours of play. The only thing missing from this fantastic fortress is a moat.

What you’ll need: 20x20x20-inch box, scissors, ruler, pencil, X-Acto knife, cutting mat, hot-glue gun, gray acrylic or tempera paint, paintbrush, 2 or 3 small cardboard boxes, red string, chenille stems, striped drinking straws, small pom-poms, felt

Make it: While box is flat, cut off the four top flaps. To cut towers at corners, draw a 6×11-inch rectangle centered at the top of each side and cut out using an X-Acto knife and cutting mat. Create a crenellated edge by making 1×1-inch notches around the top edge of the box with an X-Acto knife and cutting mat. Draw a 7-inch-tall drawbridge door, as shown, and cut so the bottom is still attached to the box. Use a pencil to poke two sets of corresponding holes on either side of the door and frame. Cut out 1-inch squares for windows where desired using an x-Acto knife and cutting mat. Assemble box and hot-glue bottom closed. Paint outside of box with two coats of gray paint and let dry. Place assembled, smaller boxes inside castle to create height and hallways for figures. Cut two 6-inch lengths of string and thread through corresponding holes on door and frame; knot to secure. To make flags, insert a chenille stem into a straw and glue a pom-pom to one end. Cut a triangular flag shape from felt and glue short side underneath pom-pom. Attach flags to the box by pushing the chenille stems through the cardboard and bending.

Cardboard Box Car and Gas Pump

A fun cardboard car and gas pump combo will drive your kids wild!

Cardboard Box Car: Steering Wheel

Kids will think it’s wheely awesome when they find a real key in the ignition of this cardboard car.

What you’ll need: 30x16x14-inch box, scissors, hot-glue gun, black electrical tape, blue painter’s tape, self-adhesive utility lights (available at hardware stores), 2 large yellow and 3 red plastic jar lids, 2 large red pom-poms, 2 tin cupcake liners, black marker, colored paper, yellow masking tape, blue plastic dinner plate, key, 4 large blue plastic jar lids, 4 large black coffee can lids, 1 plastic ketchup flip top

Make it: Position assembled box so that flaps are on top and bottom. Hot-glue bottom of box shut and glue the two longer top flaps down inside the box. Cut the remaining two flaps so the rear is 3 1/2 inches long and the front is 7 inches long. Bend the front flap in half at a right angle to create a triangular dashboard. Cut two 3 1/2-inch triangles from scrap cardboard and glue to each end of dashboard; secure with hot-glue gun. Adhere two horizontal strips of black electrical tape to front of dashboard for windshield wipers, and use strips of blue painter’s tape to create a grille, car doors, and door handles, as shown. Mount each self-adhesive utility light to a yellow plastic jar lid and hot-glue to the front of car for headlights. Hot-glue two red plastic jar lids to back of car for taillights, and glue a large red pom-pom inside each. Glue a metal cupcake liner above each red taillight. Use marker to draw a license plate on colored paper and attach between taillights using yellow tape. Hot-glue the remaining red plastic jar lid to the center of a blue dinner plate and glue onto dashboard for a steering wheel. Push key into cardboard to the right of steering wheel. Glue a blue plastic jar lid to the center of a black plastic coffee can lid; repeat to make four wheels, and hot-glue each in place. Hot-glue a ketchup cap to the back left side of car for a gas tank.

Cardboard Box Car: Back Bumper

Have your tot personalize his cardboard car by helping him create a fun license plate.

Cardboard Box Gas Pump

The best part about this cute cardboard gas pump? Every fill-up is free!

What you’ll need: 10x8x12-inch box, 12x10x10-inch box, hot-glue gun, scissors, green paper, double-stick tape, black contact paper, X-Acto knife, 5 feet of 1/2-inch clear plastic tubing (available at hardware stores), spray bottle, green masking tape, assorted office supply stickers and labels

Make it: Assemble both boxes and hot-glue flaps shut. Position the smaller box vertically on the floor and place the larger box on top horizontally; secure in place with hot-glue gun. Cut a 6-inch square of green paper and adhere to front of bottom box, as shown, with double-stick tape. Cut the letters G, A, and S and a 3×5-inch rectangle from black contact paper. Place the letters over the green square on front and stick the rectangle on the right side panel of the top box. Use an X-Acto knife to cut a 1-inch square in the right side panel of the top box and a 1-inch hole in the top of the right side panel of the bottom box. Hot-glue one end of the clear plastic tubing to the bottom of the spray bottle and insert handle into the 1-inch square on top box to hang. Insert the opposite end of tube into the 1-inch hole in the bottom box; secure with hot-glue gun. Attach a piece of green paper to the front of the top box and secure with green masking tape. Embellish paper with assorted stickers and labels as shown.

Cardboard Box Kitchen

Your mini chefs are bound to cook up some fun in this pint-size cardboard kitchen.

Cardboard Box Fridge

Stock this fab cardboard refrigerator with faux food for hours of pretend play.

What you’ll need: 16x12x28-inch box, 16x12x9-inch box, X-Acto knife, hot-glue gun, crafts knife, thick rope

Make it: Assemble both boxes and place the smaller box on top of the larger box so the top of the larger box is the same length and width as the bottom of the smaller box; secure together with hot-glue gun. Use an X-Acto knife to cut the top, bottom, and right edges of the front panel of each box to create fridge and freezer doors. Cut two holes, about 6 inches apart, in the freezer door and two holes, about 9 inches apart, in the fridge door. Thread a length of rope through each set of holes to make handles and knot in back to secure.

Cardboard Box Kitchen Sink

You may not be able to get your child to put his dishes in the real sink, but we promise he’ll spend plenty of time at this cardboard one.

What you’ll need: 18x12x22-inch box, small metal or plastic bowl with lip, pencil, X-Acto knife, cutting mat, hot-glue gun, small Play-Doh container, 2 large plastic bottle caps, bubble container, thick rope, fabric panels or pillowcases

Make it: Position flat box so flaps are in front and back. On a short side panel of the box (this will be the top), turn the bowl upside down on the left side and trace rim. Cut out the circle, about 1/4 inch inside the traced line, using an X-Acto knife and cutting mat. Cut a 1-inch hole in the top right and top left corners of the front of the sink; thread a length of rope through, and knot each end behind to secure. Assemble box and close flaps with hot-glue gun. Rest the bowl inside the round cutout on top of the sink. Behind the bowl, place an upside-down Play-Doh container between two plastic bottle caps and secure all with hot-glue gun. Attach an empty bubble container to the Play-Doh container with hot-glue to create a faucet. Hang fabric panels or pillowcases from rope to create a curtain.

Cardboard Box Kitchen Stove

This cardboard stove will be a hot hit with your tot chef.

What you’ll need: 12x12x22-inch box, X-Acto knife, cutting mat, thick rope, 3 brads, 3 Play-Doh lids, 3 plastic caps, 4 CDs, 20×12-inch piece of cardboard, scissors, 3 adhesive-backed kitchen hooks

Make it: Position flat box so flaps will be at right and left sides. Use an X-Acto knife and cutting mat to cut an oven door, as shown. Cut two 1-inch holes, about 6 inches apart, on oven door for handle; thread a thick rope through and knot in back to secure. Push a brad through the center of each plastic Play-Doh lid and use to secure to the front of the stove for controls above the oven door. Hot-glue a plastic cap over each brad. Assemble box and hot-glue flaps shut. Glue the four CDs to the top of the box for burners. Bend the right and left 4 inches of the 20×12-inch cardboard piece at right angles to create a backsplash about 12×12 inches. Trim bent side sections into triangular shapes, keeping the full width at the base. Round off the top of the middle section with scissors and hot-glue to back of stove, as shown. Adhere plastic kitchen hooks to backsplash to hold play utensils.

Originally published in the January 2011 issue of Parents magazine.  

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http://www.parents.comBringing together the power of respected magazine brands including American Baby and Parents, the Parents Network is your go-to destination for parenting information. From first kicks to first steps and on to the first day of school, we are here to help you celebrate the joys and navigate the challenges of parenthood.

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• Craft from Recycled Materials (kleenexmums.com.au)