Turn Recycled Cardboard Into a Fun DIY Car for Pets
Transform those cardboard scraps into a cool, colorful car for Fluffy or Fido using only a few materials you likely have on hand.
![Cardboard Hangout Cardboard Hangout](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2017/7/7/1/Original-Flynnside-Out_MFDL3_Cardboard-House-DIY_Lead.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1499448409922.jpeg)
Flynnside Out Productions
Materials Needed
- recycled heavy-duty cardboard scraps
- ruler or straight edge
- measuring tape
- pencil or marker
- utility knife
- hot glue gun
- hot glue sticks
- strong duct tape
- non-toxic tempera craft paint, in desired colors
- several foam paintbrushes
- paint palette
Sketch + Cut Out Sides
Using a pencil or marker, draw a half-circle shape on a scrap of cardboard (Image A). Utilize any fold on the box so you have a nice, level base (Image B). Cut out the shape, then use it as a template to create the other side (Image C).
![Step 1- Sketch and Cut Out SidesUsing a marker, free hand a half circle shape on scrap of cardboard. Utilize any fold the box so that you have a nice level base. Cut out the shape then use it as a template to create the other side.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2017/7/7/1/Original-Flynnside-Out_MFDL3_Cardboard-House-DIY_Step1A.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1499448409370.jpeg)
Flynnside Out Productions
Image A
![Step 1- Sketch and Cut Out SidesUsing a marker, free hand a half circle shape on scrap of cardboard. Utilize any fold the box so that you have a nice level base. Cut out the shape then use it as a template to create the other side.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2017/7/7/1/Original-Flynnside-Out_MFDL3_Cardboard-House-DIY_Step1B.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1499448410719.jpeg)
Flynnside Out Productions
Image B
![Step 1- Sketch and Cut Out SidesUsing a marker, free hand a half circle shape on scrap of cardboard. Utilize any fold the box so that you have a nice level base. Cut out the shape then use it as a template to create the other side.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2017/7/7/1/Original-Flynnside-Out_MFDL3_Cardboard-House-DIY_Step1C.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1499448412354.jpeg)
Flynnside Out Productions
Image C
Measure for Base + Roof
To create the base and roof of the car, measure along the bottom of the half circle to determine the length (Image A). Next, hold up each side of the car and measure the desired distance between the two pieces. We went with a 10-inch width (Image B).
![Step 2- Measure for Base & RoofTo create the base and roof, first measure along the bottom of the half circle to determine the length of the base and roof. Next, hold up each side of the car and measure the desired distance between the two pieces. We went with a 10-inch width.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2017/7/7/1/Original-Flynnside-Out_MFDL3_Cardboard-House-DIY_Step2A.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1499448411432.jpeg)
Flynnside Out Productions
Image A
![Step 2- Measure for Base & RoofTo create the base and roof, first measure along the bottom of the half circle to determine the length of the base and roof. Next, hold up each side of the car and measure the desired distance between the two pieces. We went with a 10-inch width.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2017/7/7/1/Original-Flynnside-Out_MFDL3_Cardboard-House-DIY_Step2B.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1499448410160.jpeg)
Flynnside Out Productions
Image B
Add Windows
Once both sides are sketched, draw windows onto the side of the car and cut them out with a utility knife. Use that to trace a template on the other side. This way, you'll have perfect symmetry on either side of the car.
![Cardboard Hangout Step 3- Add Windows
Once both sides are sketched, draw windows on to the side of the “car or house” and using a utility blade, cut them out. Use that to trace a template on the other side. This way you’ll have perfect symmetry on either side of the car or house.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2017/7/7/1/Original-Flynnside-Out_MFDL3_Cardboard-House-DIY_Step3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.822.85.suffix/1499448413536.jpeg)
Flynnside Out Productions
Measure, Score + Cut Base
With your 10-inch width in mind, add four more inches, which will allow for a two-inch lip on either side (Image A), and cut out. Then, with the bottom side up, lightly score the cardboard with a utility knife along the sides for easy folding (Image B).
![Step 4- Measure, Score & Cut BaseWith your 10-inch width in mind, add four more inches which will allow for a two-inch lip on either side and cut out. Then, with the bottom side up, lightly score the cardboard with a utility blade lightly score along the sides for easy folding.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2017/7/7/1/Original-Flynnside-Out_MFDL3_Cardboard-House-DIY_Step4A.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1499448413307.jpeg)
Flynnside Out Productions
Image A
![Step 4- Measure, Score & Cut BaseWith your 10-inch width in mind, add four more inches which will allow for a two-inch lip on either side and cut out. Then, with the bottom side up, lightly score the cardboard with a utility blade lightly score along the sides for easy folding.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2017/7/7/1/Original-Flynnside-Out_MFDL3_Cardboard-House-DIY_Step4B.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1499448412355.jpeg)
Flynnside Out Productions
Image B
Attach Base to Sides
To assemble, attach the base piece to the sides using duct tape (Image A) along the interior for reinforcement (Image B).
![Step 5- Attach Base to SidesTo assemble, attach the base piece to the sides using duct tape along the interior for reinforcement.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2017/7/7/1/Original-Flynnside-Out_MFDL3_Cardboard-House-DIY_Step5A.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1499448414423.jpeg)
Flynnside Out Productions
Image A
![Step 5- Attach Base to SidesTo assemble, attach the base piece to the sides using duct tape along the interior for reinforcement.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2017/7/7/1/Original-Flynnside-Out_MFDL3_Cardboard-House-DIY_Step5B.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1499448415051.jpeg)
Flynnside Out Productions
Image B
Cut Out Sunroof
Measure and mark the roof onto the cardboard (14-by-38 inches), then cut out a small sunroof. We used a small children's book as our template.
![Cardboard Hangout Step 6- Cut Out Sunroof
Measure and mark the roof onto the cardboard (14x38-inches), then cut out a small sunroof. We used a small children’s book as our template](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2017/7/7/1/Original-Flynnside-Out_MFDL3_Cardboard-House-DIY_Step6.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1499448414255.jpeg)
Flynnside Out Productions
Notch + Attach Roof
Notch the roof's two-inch lip to allow for the curve, then secure the sides, one at a time, to the roof using hot glue.
![Cardboard Hangout Step 7- Notch & Attach Roof
Notch the roof’s two-inch lip to allow for the curve, then secure the sides, one at a time, to the roof using hot glue.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2017/7/7/1/Original-Flynnside-Out_MFDL3_Cardboard-House-DIY_Step7.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1499448415666.jpeg)
Flynnside Out Productions
Paint Cardboard
Once fully assembled, paint the interior of the car with a non-toxic tempera craft paint in your desired color, and let dry. Next, paint the exterior of the car in your favorite color, then let dry. Use cups of varying sizes to trace the wheels, then paint those, too.
![Cardboard Hangout Step 8- Paint Cardboard
Once fully assembled, paint out the interior of the hangout with a non-toxic craft paint. Next, paint out the exterior of the car with a bright color. Use cups of varying sizes to trace the wheels, then paint those, too.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2017/7/7/1/Original-Flynnside-Out_MFDL3_Cardboard-House-DIY_Step8.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1499448415140.jpeg)
Flynnside Out Productions
Ready to Play
Once the car is completely dry, set it out and watch your furry friend go wild. If they need some coaxing, toss in a few toys or treats.