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How to Build a Cardboard Train

All aboard the cardboard juice box train! This simple-to-make project is geared toward young children. Their favorite train-centered storybooks will come to life with a little help from an adult while recycling the child's favorite juice boxes. Building these boxcar trains makes a fun and not-too-messy craft project for a train-themed birthday party. Each party guest could take home his or her own train car creation. The train cars require a minimum of craft supplies, most of which are readily available.

Things You'll Need

4 empty juice boxes
Pipe cleaners
Scissors
Cardboard tube
Construction paper
Colored markers
Masking tape
White glue

Instructions

- 1
  Poke a hole in the top and bottom of a juice box with the end of the scissors.
- 2
  Lay the juice box on its side, then top and end to create construction paper templates by tracing around the box. Cut out the sides, top and ends.
- 3
  Decorate the boxcar sides and ends with the colored markers, drawing wheels and windows. Glue the construction paper to the juice box.
- 4
  For the engine train car, cut 2 inches off the cardboard tube and attach it to the top of the engine with masking tape.
- 5
  Push the pipe cleaner through the end holes of the boxcar. Bend the ends of the pipe cleaner for hooking onto the next boxcar.

Construction Toys