Creating A Cardboard Camper: A Fun Diy Project

Dreaming of a vintage camper to take on your cross-country travels? You can make a mini version using cardboard! This DIY project is perfect for those who want to experience the joy of camping without leaving the comfort of their homes. All you need are some large cardboard boxes, a box cutter, duct tape, paint, and a paintbrush. With these simple materials, you can create a fun and creative play camper that will provide hours of entertainment, especially for little ones and even cats! So, get your crafting hats on and let's bring this cardboard camper to life!

Cutting and assembling the cardboard

To make a camper out of cardboard, you'll need to gather some large pieces of cardboard to form the body of the camper, as well as smaller pieces for the accessory parts. You can use any sturdy cardboard you have available, such as moving boxes or appliance packaging. Here's a step-by-step guide for cutting and assembling the cardboard:

Cutting the Cardboard:

• Start by removing any flaps from your cardboard boxes using a box cutter or a utility knife. Be sure to exercise caution when handling sharp tools.
• Create a template of the camper shape on a piece of poster board or cardboard. Draw a large oval or rounded rectangle for the body, adding a square window and a door shape. You can also add a curved arch or a Dutch door for a vintage touch.
• Place the template onto the flattened cardboard box and trace the outline. To prevent cutting through both sides of the box, insert a sheet of plywood or scrap cardboard inside the box.
• Carefully cut along the traced lines with your box cutter. Cut out the window and door, leaving one side of the door attached to the main body to create a hinge.
• Repeat the process for the other side of the box, remembering to reverse the template.
• Cut out additional pieces for the camper walls, wheels, awnings, and any other desired features. For the wheels, trace circles of different sizes onto cardboard and cut them out.
• To create a curved roof, cut slits along the top edge of the camper body, overlap the pieces, and tape them in place to form a rounded shape.

Assembling the Cardboard:

• Begin by attaching the walls to the inside of the camper body. Bend and shape the cardboard to follow the curved roofline, taping the walls in place.
• Attach the roof by applying tape along the top edges of the camper body and securing the roof piece.
• Cut and attach additional cardboard pieces for the front and back ends of the camper. Bend and shape the cardboard to fit under the curved roof, taping them in place.
• Cut out windows and a door in the camper body, as well as any desired details like window panes or a curved awning.
• To add strength and stability to the structure, reinforce the joints and edges with extra tape or glue. Hot glue or strong adhesive can be used for a more permanent hold.
• Continue assembling the camper by attaching the wheels, awnings, and any other accessory parts.
• Once the basic structure is complete, you can add finishing touches like paint, decorations, or an area rug inside the camper.

Remember to measure and cut your cardboard accurately, and always be cautious when using sharp tools. With creativity and patience, you'll be well on your way to crafting a fun and unique cardboard camper!

Adding windows and a door

Now it's time to add the windows and door to your cardboard camper. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Drawing the Window and Door

Draw a square on one end of the camper body to create a window. You can also add curved edges to the window for a more playful look. Then, draw a door shape in the middle of the camper, making sure to leave one of the long sides of the door uncut so it stays attached to the box. You can go for a simple rectangular door or get creative with a curved arch or a Dutch door (cut in half horizontally so the top and bottom halves can open separately).

Step 2: Cutting Out the Window and Door

Use a box cutter to carefully cut out the window and door shapes. Remember to cut along the inside of your drawn lines to ensure a precise fit. Leave one side of the door attached to the main body frame, creating a hinge effect.

Step 3: Adding Details to the Door

On the inside of the door, use a bowl to trace a semi-circle or circle for a window. Cut out this shape with your box cutter. You can also add extra details to the door, such as a handle or a mail slot.

Step 4: Creating Window Panes

To create window panes, cut thin strips of cardboard and attach them to the inside of the window in a criss-cross pattern. This will give the window a more realistic look.

Step 5: Painting and Decorating

Before attaching the window and door, you can paint or decorate them as you like. Consider using colourful paint or adding stickers or cut-out shapes for a playful touch. You can also add curtains or blinds to the window for added charm.

Step 6: Attaching the Window and Door

Use tape or glue to attach the window and door to the camper. For the door, you can use a piece of cardboard as a hinge to reinforce the attached side. You can also add velcro or magnets to the door to keep it closed.

Painting and decorating

Once you have the structure of your cardboard camper ready, it's time to paint and decorate!

First, use a paint roller to apply a solid base colour to the entire camper. You can then use a paintbrush to add any colourful details or patterns. For example, you could paint the bottom half of the camper a minty blue and add a yellow lightning bolt design for a vintage feel. If you want to create a crisp line between two colours, use painter's tape to separate the colours.

You can also add decorations to the outside of your camper. Cut out a wheel shape from scrap cardboard, paint it black, and glue it onto the camper between the window and door. For an awning, cut a rectangle from scrap cardboard and trace a scalloped edge on one of the long sides. Paint stripes in alternating colours, and once dry, fold the top third of the awning back and glue it above the window. For taillights, cut out two circles from red or pink cardstock and glue them to the back of the camper.

To add extra charm, you can include bunting flags, an area rug, some plants, and little lanterns.

Securing with glue or tape

Securing the structure of your cardboard camper with glue or tape is a crucial step in the building process. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do this effectively:

Taping:

• Use duct tape or painter's tape to secure the seams between the two long sides of your camper. This will provide extra support and ensure that the structure is sturdy.
• Tape the edges of the three main pieces (the two long sides and the top) together on the front and back sides. This will form the basic frame of your camper.
• To create a curved roof, cut slits along the rounded top, overlap the pieces at each cut, and tape them in place.
• Tape the pieces for the ends of the camper on both the inside and outside, making sure to bend or curl the top part to fit under the curved roof.
• Tape the hitch, lights, license plate, or any other decorative elements you want to add to your camper.

Gluing:

• Use a hot glue gun to attach cardboard pieces and add details.
• For gluing the curved sections of the camper, apply glue to the tabs on the main piece and use painter's tape to hold them in place while the glue dries.
• Work your way gradually around the curve, adhering the tabs to the side strip and using tape to reinforce the glue.
• Glue the decorative pieces to the front and back of the camper, but leave the awnings until last as they can get in the way when applying pressure to the sides.
• Glue the bottom pieces of the trailer together to provide extra support, and then glue this combined piece to the main body of the camper.
• Attach the undercarriage support with glue to ensure your camper sits flat.
• Finally, glue the awnings in place once all other glue is dry.

Finishing touches and accessories

Now that the structure of your cardboard camper is complete, it's time to add some final touches to give it a truly authentic feel. Here are some ideas to elevate your creation:

• Paint and Decorate: Use paint to add colour and bring your camper to life. You can paint the entire camper a solid colour or get creative with different shades and designs. For example, paint the bottom half a minty blue and add a yellow lightning bolt design for a vintage touch. Don't forget to add smaller details like hubcaps, windows, and a door.
• The Wheels: Trace a mug or cup onto scrap cardboard, cut it out, and paint it black. Add a smaller silver circle in the middle to create a hubcap effect. Glue this onto your camper between the window and door.
• The Awning: Create a stylish awning by tracing a rectangle onto cardboard and then tracing a scalloped edge along one of the long sides. Cut it out and paint stripes in alternating colours. Once dry, fold the top third of the awning back and attach it to the camper above the window with glue or tape.
• Tail Lights: Trace a mug or cup onto pink or red cardstock and cut out two circles. Glue these onto the back of your camper to resemble tail lights.
• Glamping Accessories: Add some glamour to your camper by including accessories like bunting flags, an area rug, plants, and little lanterns. You can even add a faux campfire for the full indoor glamping experience.
• Windows and Doors: Cut out windows and doors to create a sense of space and fun. For the windows, you can leave a cross shape intact in the middle to act as window panes. For the door, consider a curved arch and a Dutch door that opens and shuts separately for that vintage feel.
• Lighting: Add some fairy lights or hanging lanterns to create a cosy atmosphere inside your camper.
• Furnishings: Include small furniture, pillows, and rugs to make the inside of your camper inviting and comfortable.

Frequently asked questions