Toys you can make from cardboard crafts! Authentic ideas you can build and play with
“It moves like the real thing!” “It’s just like an arcade!” Want to try making cardboard crafts that will amaze your family and friends?In fact, with a bit of ingenuity in assembling cardboard, you can create all kinds of fun projects like a claw machine, a basketball game, and even a cardboard car.Besides cardboard, most of the materials you’ll need are everyday items, along with a utility knife and glue.Why not take on the challenge of creating your own original project without fear of failure?In this article, we’ll share cardboard craft ideas that both kids and adults can enjoy!
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Toys made from cardboard crafts! Authentic ideas you can build and play with (71–80)
Strikeout
How about making a strikeout game using supplies from a 100-yen shop? Even small children can enjoy it.
Prepare nine 9×9 cm pieces of cardboard.
Cut a 7 cm radius circle out of each one.
Sand them down until they’re just thin enough to fall when hit by a ball.
Next, cut construction paper to the size of the panels.
Glue the construction paper and cardboard together, then cut pool noodles to make the frame.
Use a milk carton to make the base, and assemble everything at the end to complete it.
Have fun decorating the front and back with your favorite illustrations! It’s a great hit at events, too.
Doctor Yellow
This project is about making Doctor Yellow—the Shinkansen inspection train, also known as the “doctor” of the bullet trains—out of cardboard.
Since the Shinkansen is characterized by the unique curve of its nose, we’ll bend the cardboard to recreate that shape.
Then, attach another piece of cardboard shaped like an open-top box to the front to complete the form.
Decorate the whole thing in yellow to finish it as Doctor Yellow.
Because the top is open and you can get inside, it’s a craft that really lets you enjoy the experience.
boomerang
Let’s make a boomerang out of cardboard that, when thrown far, spins and comes back to you.
The shape is crucial to ensure it spins steadily and returns, so it’s best to use a ruler and build it precisely.
First, cut the cardboard into a base shape with four arms extending outward, then add weight by applying tape to it.
Adjust the angle of each wing while fine-tuning the design to achieve a form that spins well and comes back.
pull-back car
Let’s make a pull-back car out of cardboard—the kind that shoots forward when you pull it back and release it.
The wheels are connected by rubber bands, which wind up when pulled back and, when released, generate the force that propels the car forward.
First, connect plastic bottle caps with a rod, attach rubber bands to create the wheel components, and build the underside of the car where these parts will be installed.
Once the mechanism is complete, attach the top, decorative body so the mechanism is hidden, and you’re done.
A key tip is to keep the whole build light so the movement is easy to see.
Marble run made from cardboard
Let’s try making a cool marble run using cardboard.
Prepare a rectangular piece of cardboard that isn’t too thick, and cut off one section on the large face and one section on the narrowest side.
Then, using the pieces you removed and other bits of cardboard, build the pathways for the marble to roll along and attach them to the base cardboard.
Instead of connecting every path all the way through, it’s also fun to leave gaps here and there so the marble drops down to the next level and continues.
Be sure to set up the goal area so the marble stops securely and doesn’t roll out after reaching the finish.
Curling game
In recent years, influenced by the Olympics, it seems more children have been taking up curling.
So I’d like to introduce a curling game craft.
It’s very easy to make.
First, prepare a rectangular piece of cardboard.
Using the lid from something makes it simple.
Next, line the bottom with plastic, create the target from origami paper, and stick it on.
Then gather several plastic bottle caps, paint them red and yellow, and you’re done.
The rules are the same as curling, so it’s perfect for having fun with friends.
Miniature table
Many people have probably experienced trouble when a school research project ends up becoming too big.
Crafts made from cardboard, in particular, tend to get large.
That’s why we recommend making a miniature table.
The height is about 10 cm.
It uses only a small amount of cardboard, so you won’t need to spend time collecting it.
The method is simple too: just attach the legs to the tabletop.
At this size, it can be used together with toys, so your child will likely be very satisfied.