Among the other things left to be complete on the summer bucket list, I was most creatively excited about the "box cars". Some of you have seen the box car/drive in movie trend for kids, and since it was on our summer list, I could not resist. Not to mention it is one of the activities I can do while somewhat sedentary, and there's lots of pretend play that comes afterwards.
So last night I wasn't as sore as usual, so I got some old moving boxes, packing tape, and hot glue, and got to work. I didn't take in process picks for a couple of reasons, first of which that it was dark interior lighting at my disposal last night. Secondly, I think you can make up your own creative plan pretty easily.
For ours, I used the medium sized moving boxes. I taped the bottoms of the boxes together solidly, since little feet would be hard on the stability of the boxes.
Then, I picked one narrower end of the box, and cut each side down about 2/3 the height of the box, along the edges. Don't cut all the way to the bottom - you need a place for the headlights. I folded the cut side into the box, and bent it in a couple of places to resemble a car hood, and then arranged the top flap where it would be the windshield. I used hot glue and tape to attach the hood/windshield piece how I liked it, and then cut off the excess from the sidewalks and the other top flaps.
I cut a big rectangle out of the windshield top flap, and small windows on each side. I cut a door on the left side of the car.
I used a salad plate to trace 4 wheels and the steering wheel, and attached them all with brads. I did some cutouts on the steering wheel too.
Then I tape up any sharper edges of cardboard, the inside bottoms, and any places I could strengthen the car.
This is them last night.
So last night I wasn't as sore as usual, so I got some old moving boxes, packing tape, and hot glue, and got to work. I didn't take in process picks for a couple of reasons, first of which that it was dark interior lighting at my disposal last night. Secondly, I think you can make up your own creative plan pretty easily.
For ours, I used the medium sized moving boxes. I taped the bottoms of the boxes together solidly, since little feet would be hard on the stability of the boxes.
Then, I picked one narrower end of the box, and cut each side down about 2/3 the height of the box, along the edges. Don't cut all the way to the bottom - you need a place for the headlights. I folded the cut side into the box, and bent it in a couple of places to resemble a car hood, and then arranged the top flap where it would be the windshield. I used hot glue and tape to attach the hood/windshield piece how I liked it, and then cut off the excess from the sidewalks and the other top flaps.
I cut a big rectangle out of the windshield top flap, and small windows on each side. I cut a door on the left side of the car.
I used a salad plate to trace 4 wheels and the steering wheel, and attached them all with brads. I did some cutouts on the steering wheel too.
Then I tape up any sharper edges of cardboard, the inside bottoms, and any places I could strengthen the car.
This is them last night.
We brought them out this morning for the boys, and they were ecstatic. I gave them markers and stickers and let them go at it. I have to keep resetting the steering wheel on Mr. Cs car, but so far the brads are holding up well.
When this version gets old, I plan to turn the cars into Flintstone cars. Holes in the floor and suspenders and all. :)
They aren't fancy, but I deliberately made them that way, for times sake and so little boys could decorate.
Next on the summer list? "drive in" movies in the box cars.
Have a great day!
Jess
They aren't fancy, but I deliberately made them that way, for times sake and so little boys could decorate.
Next on the summer list? "drive in" movies in the box cars.
Have a great day!
Jess
Awesome! I want one! Great job and they look like they're a hit!
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