DIY Backhoe Costume
Duct tape - 2 yellow rolls, 1 black roll.
Two Pampers Diaper boxes (or equivalent).
One Huggies Wipes box (or equivalent).
Utility Knife.
(Optional) - Felt / reflective stickers / embellishments.
Want to make costumes - but despise the influx of random craft supplies?! Get this — duct tape and cardboard. Any extra is recyclable or useful! :)
PAMPERS BOX ONE - Cut off bottom flaps. Cut rectangular hole for your kid.
PAMPERS BOX 2 - Turn on side, then cut front digger shape. Use remainder of box for 4 dinner-plate-sized wheels.
To ATTACH FRONT DOZER part — you have two options.
OPTION 1: Doesn’t move. Tape rolls between scoop and main costume box - then tape long strips along bottom. OPTION 2: Tape acts like a hinge. Tape along bottom, then a V shape between.
HUGGIES BOX - This will be the arm and scooper. Draw, then cut blue lines. Flip and repeat. Then overlap slightly so the angle is less than 90 degrees and tape.
EXCESS PIECE OF HUGGIES BOX - Cut angles as shown. Then tape in place, as the scoop, at the end of the arm.
TO ATTACH SCOOP - cut flap into back of arm. Cut same size slit into box. Send flap through. Fold over and tape into place. Makes things super secure - so it’ll last until Halloween and beyond!
STRAPS —- Use flaps cut from bottom of Pamper’s box. Cover with yellow tape. Cut thin duct tape about 1/3 or regular width and wrap to make stripes.
COVER EVERYTHING W/ DUCT TAPE. Yellow is slightly see-through, so two layers works — OR……
FELT —- I had random felt pieces and strategically hot glued them to cover up the see-through portions of the box. Added fun, colorful details to wheels, controls, played around.
REFLECTIVE TAPE —- I found reflective adhesives at The Home Depot. Just a fun, more realistic detail on the costume - and adds a bit of safety as well.
If you’re looking for more truck costume ideas — check out my collaboration with The Home Depot. LOTS of variations of colors and trucks there. (Link in my blog.) CHEERS ALL! -E