While making a full sized float for a Mardi Gras parade may be more then you want to take on these shoebox size floats are fun to make and you can still have your own Mardi Gras parade. In this craft, an upside-down shoebox is the base of a festive float. The lid of the shoebox is made into the backdrop of the miniature float.
What you will need:
- A cardboard shoebox
- Colorful construction paper, foil, or gift wrap
- Scissors
- Glue
- Paint or markers
- Assorted small toys, dolls, action figures, plastic doodads, beads, ribbon, plastic flowers, glitter, etc.
Instructions for the project: The first step is to decide on a theme for your float, like: under the sea, racecars, superheroes, spring gardens, etc. You may also want to think of a title for your float (like Pirate Parade, Cowboy Carnival, and Dancing Dolls etc). Next you will need to decide what color(s) you want your float to be.
Start by covering the outside of the shoe box with colored paper, foil, gift wrap, Sunday comics, brown grocery bag paper or paint the box. Do not worry about covering the inside of the box (it will not be visible). Be sure that you cover the entire lid. After you have finished with this step then turn the shoebox upside-down; this will be the base of your float. Attach the lid of the shoebox to the end of the upside-down box (this will form a backdrop for your float). Then you can glue, staple or tape the lid in place. Now is the time to decorate your float! Arrange the dolls and other items on your float and glue them in place. Use markers or paint to write the title of your float on the side of the box.