How to Make Wind-up Toys as an Art Project for Kids

Wind-up Cars

• 1

  Cut away one side of a milk carton. This will be the underside of a wind-up car. Paint the milk carton with windows, doors and headlights. Allow the paint to dry.

• 2

  Punch a hole in each area where a tire would rest.

• 3

  Snip one spot on each rubber band.

• 4

  Thread the two snipped ends of one rubber band through two of the holes on a button. Pull the rubber band through until the snipped ends are aligned. Thread them through the hole in the front passenger side, and then thread the fishing sinker through one side of the rubber band. Finally, thread the rubber band through the driver side, attaching the first wheel to your car. Thread the snipped ends through two of the holes on another button and press it against the driver side of your car. Make sure the rubber band is taut on the underside of your car. If there is excess, cut it off. Hot glue the two ends of the rubber bands together.

• 5

  Repeat step 4 on the back of your car. The toy now has 4 wheels. To make your car move, simply pull it backward. The sinkers will twist the rubber bands as the car rolls backwards. When you release the car, the springs will return to their original shape, propelling the car forward.

• 6

  Use this basic plan to create buses, airplanes, trains and many other toys as well.