How to Make a Transformer Out of Cardboard
All things '80s are making a comeback into America's pop culture consciousness, as Hasbro's Transformers line is proof. Finding success at the cash register and the box office, the idea of blending three things young boys love--giant robots, cars and big battles--still holds sway more than 20 years after its inception. If you're a fan, completing your collection takes time and money. If you're a kid who just wants to play out the battles in your bedroom, then creating some homemade Transformers as fodder for the Decepticons and Autobots is fairly easy. Making Optimus Prime is an example.
Things You'll Need
- Medium-sized cardboard box
- Hot glue gun with glue sticks
- Small, empty tissue box
- Newspaper
- Aluminum foil
- Red and blue construction paper
- Scissors
- Markers
- Scotch tape
- Ruler
Instructions
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1
Cut the newspaper into small strips, ball them up, and stuff them into the empty tissue box. Once the box is full, tape the opening closed to prevent the newspaper pieces from falling out. This is the "body."
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2
Measure and cut six red construction paper squares, 5 ½ inches tall and 4 ½ inches wide, and glue each square to each side of the box. Allow to dry. Measure and cut two strips of cardboard, 6 inches long and 2 inches wide. Fold the cardboard strips in half length wise, then cover completely in aluminum foil, making "legs."
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3
Measure and cut three strips of blue construction paper, 3 ½ inches long and 1 inch wide. Glue each strip to the end of one of the legs, one strip for each of the three sides of the leg. Repeat for the other leg. Once dry, glue each leg to the underside of the body. Allow to dry.
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4
Measure and cut two strips of cardboard, 4 ½ inches long and 1 inch wide. Fold in half the same as the legs. Measure and cut six strips of red construction paper and glue three pieces to each "arm." Allow to dry. Measure and cut two cardboard pieces, 2 inches long and 1 inch wide. Bend in half.
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5
Turn one of the cardboard pieces upside down (forming an inverted "V"), and glue the end of the piece to the end of one of the arms, making "shoulders." Glue the cardboard tab of the shoulder to the body. Repeat for the other arm.
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6
Measure and cut a 3 inch cardboard piece and a 3 inch blue construction paper strip. Glue the strip on top of the cardboard. Once dry, fold along the 1 ½ inch and 2 ½ inch lines, blue side out. Glue to the body, making Optimus' "head."
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7
Once dry, carefully use the markers to draw details onto the head and body for a more realistic, robotic look.
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