Making paper cars is a fun project that kids can enjoy. Plus, the kids will get a paper car to play with after the project is complete. You can start by making a simple origami car. If you have a lot of free time, try making a paper car that moves.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Making a Flat Origami Car
Step 1. Fold the origami paper in the middle
Fold the paper in half, on the wide side. Move your fingernail along the crease to sharpen it, then unfold the crease.
Step 2. Fold the top and bottom edges of the paper about 1/3 of the way
Fold the top edge of the paper by 1/3. After that, fold the bottom edge by 1/3 as well. Now you will have 3 pieces of paper that are the same size.
- In this tutorial, the top edge crease is called the "top" flap, and the bottom edge crease is called the "bottom" flap.
- The top and bottom third of the paper will be colored, while the center will remain white. If you want to make a car with white color, it means that the middle part is colored.
Step 3. Fold the corners of the top cover over the folded edge
Return to the top cover. Fold the bottom right corner up until it passes over the folded top edge. The left corner point should be about 1/3 of the cover.
Keep the top cover always folded in this step. Don't unfold it
Step 4. Fold the other corner in the same way
Fold the bottom left corner of the top cover up. After that, fold the top 2 corners on the bottom cover downwards. Each folded corner should be 1/3 of the fold length.
Basically, you do the same thing on the bottom cover as you do on the top cover. If necessary, rotate the paper so that the bottom cover is up
Step 5. Fold the corners to make a wheel
The newly folded corner will be used as a wheel. Unfortunately, the shape is pointed and not like a wheel. You can fix this by folding the corners down to make the shape more even.
If you wish, you can cut the corner into a semicircle. However, this goes beyond the principles of origami
Step 6. Fold the entire paper in half along the first fold
This is to finish building the car. Make sure the color you want is on the outside. Move the nail back and forth along the top crease to sharpen the crease.
You will have a crease at the bottom, just above the wheel. If you want, you can move your nails over it (on both sides of the car) to make it look neater
Step 7. Fold the top right corner inward to make the car body
Use your left hand to gently hold the car. Press the right side of the fold into the inside of the car. Flatten the car, then make creases by pressing along the edges.
- This is called a pocket fold.
- Fold the pocket in the deep corner to fit the rear wheel.
Step 8. Fold the top left corner inward to make a windshield
Make the windshield using the same technique as before. This time, make the pocket fold at a slight angle so that the shape will extend and pass through the front wheel.
Run your fingernail over the crease to sharpen it. While not a requirement, it makes the car look tidier
Step 9. Place the car with the wheels down
Pocket folds keep the car from being completely flat. The car will be able to stand on 4 wheels.
Beautify the car by drawing doors, windows, handles, and other details
Method 2 of 2: Creating a Moving Car
Step 1. Use a pencil and ruler to create a T-shaped template
Make the vertical sections 2.5 cm wide, about 10 cm high. Make the top, which is the horizontal part of the T shape, 2.5 cm wide and 20 cm long.
- You can build a car using plain hvs paper or construction paper (craft paper with many color options), but the best is cover paper (cardstock).
- The top or horizontal part will be the side of the car, while the vertical part will be used as a curved roof, like a buggy (a car with an open design).
Step 2. Cut out a T shape, then cut the top two corners at an angle to the bottom
First cut a T shape on the paper. After that, cut the corners from the top, on the horizontal part of the T shape. Make a cut that slopes down towards the vertical part of the T shape.
This cut will be used as a windshield later. Make sure the cuts at both corners have the same slope
Step 3. Fold the top, the horizontal T-shape, to form the side of the car
Make a box shape about 2.5 cm long in the top center, on the horizontal part of the T shape. After that, use the sides of the box as a guide. Fold the T along the left side of the box, then repeat this process on the right side of the T.
When you're done, you'll have 2 paper wings 9 cm long and about 2.5 cm wide. The part attached to the center of the 2 paper wings is a vertical blade about 10 centimeters long
Step 4. Use masking tape to glue the vertical blade of the T shape between the 2 wings
Hold the ends of both wings about 2.5 cm wide. Glue the bottom of the T shape to the center of the 2 wings so that they line up with the beveled edge. Put everything together by gluing tape.
- For a neater end result, stick the tape on the inside of the car.
- The vertical portion of the T-shape will curve over the two wings, forming a rounded roof, much like a buggy car.
Step 5. Make 4 circles measuring 2.5 cm from the cover paper
You can make a circle using a compass, a large coin, or a bottle cap. When the drawing is complete, cut it with scissors. This will be used as a car wheel so you need to cut it as neatly as possible. Otherwise, the wheels will not turn properly.
- The best material is black cover paper, but you can use a different color.
- To make it stronger and more sturdy, make wheels out of cardboard. Don't worry about the color because you can paint it later.
Step 6. Paint and decorate the car, including the wheels
Start at the wheel by coloring it black, then add silver or gray rims. If you want, you can paint the car, then draw the doors and handles on the sides. Finish by drawing the front and back glass.
- Add other details, such as decals (a type of sticker), headlights, and even a driver!
- You can paint or draw on paper to add those details. If using paint, allow the car to dry before continuing with the process.
Step 7. Make a hole to place the wheel
Make two holes on each side of the car, measuring about 3-6 mm from the bottom edge, with a gap of about 5 centimeters between the holes. Use a large needle to make a hole in the center of each wheel.
- Do not use a hole punch to punch holes in the wheel. The hole can be too big if you use the tool.
- If you don't have a needle, use a toothpick or awl. However, you have to be careful when using it.
Step 8. Insert the toothpick into the hole on the car
You will need 2 toothpicks, one each for the front and back holes. Cut the toothpicks to leave about 0.5 to 1 cm long on each side of the car.
- To be more realistic, first give black color to the toothpick.
- If you don't have a toothpick you can use a skewer or lollipop stick. However, you may need to make a bigger hole in the wheel.
Step 9. Install the wheels
Insert the wheel into the toothpick, with the image of the rim on the outside. The wheel will not turn on the toothpick. However, it is the toothpick that will spin in the hole in the car.
If using a lollipop stick, attach the wheels to the stick using hot glue. Again, don't worry if the wheel doesn't spin on the stick
Step 10. Secure the car wheel with a small slotted bead, if necessary
The wheel should be firmly attached to the toothpick. If the wheel loosens or comes off the toothpick, stick a small bead into the end of the toothpick. If necessary, secure the position of the bead by dripping glue.
- If the bead is not the same color as the wheel rim, paint it silver or gray to match.
- If you don't have a small bead, try a few drops of hot glue.
Step 11. Done
Tips
- Build some cars and do "races" with friends.
- Create designs that mimic real cars, such as racing cars or police cars.
- Make a decal by sticking some stickers.
- Glue sequins (glossy ornaments), beads, or round rhinestones to make lights (including sirens for police cars).
- You can use a marker or crayon to draw on the car. Alternatively, you can also paint the design.
- Do the painting on the largest part first. Let the paint dry before you paint or draw the details.
- You don't have to use the exact same measurements for a moving car. Once you've mastered how to make it, you can use a smaller or larger car size.
- If you're ready to build a more complicated car, try making a tank car.
- Build some cars and do "races" with friends. Create designs that mimic real cars, such as racing cars or police cars. Make a decal by sticking some stickers. Glue sequins, beads, or round rhinestones to make lights (including sirens for police cars). You can use a marker or crayon to draw on the car. Alternatively, you can also paint the design. Do the painting on the largest part first. Let the paint dry before you paint or draw the details. You don't have to use the exact same measurements for a moving car. Once you've mastered how to make it, you can use a smaller or larger car size.
