[DIY Toy]Small Cardboard Box Transformed into a Car Wash

Moms with little boys who have tons of toy cars, this one’s for you!A small cardboard box can be transformed in amazing ways too!After previously helping QQ make a parking lot with tape, this time we used a small delivery box leftover from mom's shopping spree to make a car wash for QQ.Here are the materials

1. A box approximately 21*15*15cm in size (preferably one with a four-panel opening)
2. 6–10 sheets of colored paper. Gift wrap paper can also be used
3. Thick cardboard (actually, the base of an old tote bag will do)
4. 2–4 straws (Q Ma personally finds McDonald’s straws thick and sturdy, perfect for the job)
Other tools – scissors, double-sided tape, a blade or awl. Other than the colored paper and tape, most of these materials are practically free.

Let’s start with the steps. First, decide which side of the box will be the front.

First, roll the thick cardboard into two cylinders (thicker ones allow both small and large cars to pass through). If you want to extend brushing time, you can make two rows of four brush rollers. Measure the height against the box and width around 10–15cm. Fix them with double-sided tape, then fold the colored paper in half, cut it in half again, fold it and stick it, then use scissors to make the paper fluffy to create the bristles for washing the car. Cut out about 5–6 pieces and glue them onto the cardboard cylinders, then tidy them up by hand, slightly curling them (you can also use a pen to curl). Now you’ve made two brush rollers. First, roughly measure the distance on the box (compare with your toy car), mark it with a pencil, making sure the top and bottom are aligned to prevent tilting after fixing (Q Ma here has a bit of OCD and doesn’t use a ruler, but if you’re not confident, go ahead and measure with one). Then, use the blade to carve a small cross at the marked spots, insert the blade and twist it to create a small circle. Insert the straw, smooth it out, then thread the brush roller you just made into it. Cut the straw into 3–4 sections, fold them downward and glue them. Trim off excess straw, tighten the end, cut it open, and glue all four sides—once everything is fixed, the main body is done. Next comes decoration. Q Ma printed some dots to use as wrapping paper for the exterior, then cut out a signboard shape—you can write whatever you like; decide whether you want a door or just trim away the extra cardboard. Check if little QQ enjoys it—cars of all sizes can line up for a wash!(Generally, the bigger the cylinders, the more sizes they can accommodate, and the closer the spacing, the better the stability). The little boy plays so roughly!He even puts his whole hand through. But he had a blast, bringing out all his toy cars for a wash. The washed cars ended up all over the place tilting every which way~Ha
Even Thomas came for a wash, isn’t that cool!Share this simple little craft with everyone—Q Ma kept it really simple without any fancy decorations, and QQ still had a great time!Why not give it a try yourself!

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