Cardboard cars are a fun and easy-to-make project that you and your child could create together. The larger boxes transform into a life-size structure on wheels, while the smaller ones become customized toy cars. And they might even become the favorite game you'll find scattered around the house. So next time you need to throw away (or recycle) a cardboard box, consider turning it into a car!
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Large Cardboard Car
Step 1. Seal a large cardboard box with packing tape
Make sure the bottom and top are closed.
Step 2. Draw two doors in a semicircle on the two longer sides
The semicircles should start at the middle of the length, then drawn down, so that the straight side is along the top of the box.
Step 3. Cut the doors
With a craft knife, cut along the lines you drew.
Ask an adult for help with this step and anyone who will require the use of the cutter
Step 4. Cut the windshield
Using the cutter again, cut along two-thirds of the total top corners of the box. Start at one door and continue moving towards the back of the car, then make your way to the same starting point on the opposite side.
Do not cut off the piece completely. Make sure this flap remains attached to the hood (the third of the car on the front)
Step 5. Fold and tape the windshield together
Lift the flap you just cut and fold it in half down, inside the car. Tape the top crease to the bottom to secure the windshield.
Step 6. Cut a window on the windshield
Use the cutter to cut a large rectangle into the section folded in Step 5.
Step 7. Add the paper wheels
Glue two paper plates along the length of each side - they will act as wheels.
Step 8. Add cups to the front to reproduce the lights
Glue two cups to the front of the car so that the base is attached to the car and the widest part faces out. You can use paper or plastic cups.
Alternatively, cut circles of colored cardboard and glue or tape them to the front of the car
Step 9. Paint and decorate your car
Use finger or gouache paint for a personalized decoration and add details with markers.
Step 10. Arrange the interior
Glue some colored cardboard or fabric for the lining and add another paper plate to the "dashboard" that will represent the steering wheel.
Method 2 of 2: Small Cardboard Car
Step 1. Get a small cardboard box
Cereal boxes or tissue boxes are particularly suitable.
-
If you are using a long tissue box, turn it over so that the open side (for tissues) is not visible.
Make a Cardboard Car Step 1
Step 2. Make an incision around the sides and top
Start approximately 10 cm from the front of the car and approximately 7.5 cm below the top edge. Cut up, go through the top and drop about 7.5 cm on the opposite side.
-
In this step, use sharp scissors or a cutter.
Make a Cardboard Car Step 3
Step 3. Fold down the front section you just cut
This way you created the front end of the car.
Step 4. Shape the rear of the car
This step depends on the type of box you are working on and the type of car you want to create.
- For a sedan, repeat step 2 on the opposite end of the box.
-
For an old-fashioned car, like the Ford Model T, skip this step.
Make a Cardboard Car Step 4
Step 5. Drill the sides where the wheels should fit
Perform this step using the sharp tip of the scissors. It may be easier to measure and mark the points before proceeding, so make sure they are equidistant.
Step 6. Insert two skewers for the axes
They must be inserted between the two pairs of perforated points, where the wheels will be placed.
Alternatively, you can use plastic straws, pencils, or pens. Do not use pipe cleaners, as they bend too easily
Step 7. Create the wheels
Cut four wheels of equal diameter on another piece of cardboard.
It is recommended that you use a stiffer type of card than that of cereal boxes or handkerchiefs
Step 8. Attach the wheels to the axles
If you're using skewers, you can skewer the wheel with the pointed end. Otherwise, you will need to make a hole in the wheels so that they fit into the axle. Use the sharp point of the scissors, but be careful not to make a hole too large, otherwise the wheels will not stick!
Step 9. Decorate your car
You can use markers, pencils or stickers, or stick colored paper on the toy car. If you are really ambitious, you can paint it with tempera or finger paint.
