WooWoo! Cardboard Box to Train Costume!

 I promised you, and here it is...how I made the Train Costume... for only $10! 

The hardest part of making the train was deciding how I wanted it to look.  Once I had a design idea, the rest of it was pretty easy.  


If you want to make one for your own little guy, here's how you do it: 

Main Train:  (This part is hard to explain, if you get lost in my words, just look at the picture.)  Choose a box that will fit the size of your child.  Make sure it's wide enough for their hips, and short enough that they can walk in it. (That's important.)  To make the cab, fold one of the end flaps of the box down to form the front of the train.  Stand the other end flap up to form the back of the cab.  Cut the side flaps vertically where the end flaps end.   On the front, tape the short side sections to the front flap, on the back stand them up and tape them to the back flap.  The left over sections of the side flaps are taped down, inside of the box.  I used packing tape and duct tape to tape everything in place.  Cut a piece of cardboard from another box to fit the opening on the back side and tape it.  Spray paint the box.

Decorative Design (on the side):    Open an empty cereal box to where it lies flat, draw your design, cut it out, and spray paint it.  Hot glue it onto the side when your paint is completely dry.

Light:  This is an inexpensive battery operated push light.  Place the light where you want it, trace around it, and then cut a hole slightly smaller than your light.  This will help it to have a snug fit and stay in place better.  I  used packing tape on the inside of the train to hold it in place.

Smoke Stack:  This is a cardboard oatmeal container.  Cut the top part of the container off to the height you want and then spray paint it.  My boys used the smokestack to hold their candy!  Pretty fun!  I used long brads and tape to hold the smoke stack on.

Front Bumper:  Once again this is a cereal box. :)  Cut around the box to make it a triangle, spray paint it, and then hot glue it on.  You'll want to add packing tape underneath and to both of the sides to keep it securely in place. 

Windows:  The windows are squares of yellow paper glued on.  Pretty simple.

Top of Cab:  This piece is poster board, cut slightly bigger than the box, spray painted black, and taped on.   (A cereal box would work fine too.)

Wheels:  This is my favorite part!  They are records from the thrift store and cost me .50 each.  Just for fun I  chose records with kids music on them.  Attach them with brads through the center of the record, through the cardboard, and then tape the brad on the inside to help hold it in place.  The gray piece connecting them is a piece of poster board covered with duct tape.  Punch holes in it to insert the brads through.

The Straps:  The straps are nylon webbing.  I actually used the strap from an old diaper bag.  You could also use old backpack straps.  (TIP:  Before you throw old diaper bags and backpacks away, cut off the straps and clips, they may come in handy for future projects!)  Measure the straps to a comfortable length and then hook them on using long brads.  You may want to use a couple in each strap to make sure they are secure.  I inserted the strap through the layers of cardboard to hide the ends.  The straps are criss-crossed in the front to help them stay up on the shoulders.

 

Engineer Cap:  You can find information about how I made an Eddy Cap for the Engineer cap here.

 

This train does take some time to make, but it's totally worth it!  Both of my boys have worn it and loved it.  You can imagine the excitement when they turn on the light, get their train whistle ready, and walk out through the door to collect candy.  I have so many happy memories watching them 'chugging' around in this costume.  Which of your kids costumes was your favorite and brings good memories? 

(If you decide to make this train, leave me a comment with a link, I'd love to check it out!)
 

This post is linked to these fabulous link parties:

The CSI ProjectTake-a-Look Tuesday at Sugar Bee Craft EditionJust Something I Whipped Up at T.G.CMade by You Monday at Skip to My LouMake it Yours Day at My Backyard EdenGet your Craft on!  With Todays Creative BlogAnything Related at All Thingz RelatedLetting the Creative Tuesday Juices Flow at These Creative JuicesTopsy Turvy Tuesdays at I'm Topsy TurvyEat, Drink & Be Scary at Somewhat SimpleI made the World Cuter Today with Making the world cuter MondaysThrilling Thursday at Paisley PassionsWhatever goes Wednesday at Someday CraftsLook What I made at Creations by KaraPower of Paint Party Wednesdays at Domestically SpeakingHooking up with HOH at House of HepworthsTransformation Thursdays at The Shabby Chic CottageMad in Crafts-Mad Skills PartyMad in Crafts-Halloween Costume PartyWhat are Little Boys Made of at Seven Thirty ThreeShow off your Stuff Party at Fireflies and JellybeansWeekend Wrap-up Party at Tator Tots and Jello Halloween Costume Party at Corner HouseSew Many Mamas Homemade Halloween Costume Party