This past weekend, I wanted to create something new and fun for under my tree. Lately, I’ve been seeing a lot of really cute trucks with a miniature Christmas tree loaded up in the back of the truck. I thought these were SO cute, so I went online looking for one….. yeah right…. Finding one was a challenge, and when I did, it cost way more than I wanted to spend. So, in my typical fashion, I decided I would try and make one. My goal was to keep costs low, and to try to use items from around my house.
I raided my recycling bin and pulled out some cereal boxes, cardboard, and discarded rolls that held ribbons. Here is a breakdown of what each piece was used for:
- base of the truck
- front hood and cab
- sides of the truck cab
- back and sides of the truck bed
- wheels
Other supplies needed are duct tape, craft paint, and an empty wrapping paper roll. Once I decided on what size I wanted my truck to be, I cut up the cardboard into all the pieces I would need. The next step was taping it together. In the above pic, I taped the base (1) to the side (2) and then added the back (3) as well.
This step was then repeated on the other side.
To make things easier, I taped both #2 pieces together on the inside before shaping it in the the front hood and cab. You can now see how it’s starting to come together into the shape of a truck in this pic.
The next step was painting the whole thing. I chose to do mine in a cream colour. One thing I love so much about this project is that it can be customized to any home decor and Christmas colours.
While the paint is drying, I moved on to the wheels. Be VERY careful with this step. I used a sharp steak knife to cut my empty ribbon rolls in half. I found that having a firm hand on top was the safest method, and wouldn’t crush the “wheels”.
I then painted the wheels a glossy black. This paint is from Michaels and cost only $1.00. I’ve used it in several projects and I’m so happy that I had it on hand.
Once my wheels were painted, I cut my wrapping paper rolls to size to act as the axles. It turned out that they slid in the ribbon rolls perfectly, but I also duct taped them, for some added strength.
Here is the truck getting the last couple coats of paint. I think I did 3-4 in total, but that may be because I used a light colour. I also painted the truck bed a glossy black.
Here is the finished truck under the tree. The small tree in the truck bed was one I had on hand that I purchased years ago from the dollar store.
I also drew on some details with a sharpie, such as the front grill and lights. I also painted the bumper a dark grey. The windshield and side windows were then added and some lighter shades were painted to give it some dimension. The little wreath was made with some spare berry wire I had in the bottom of one of my Christmas bins. I attached it to the front of the truck using a clear push pin.
Is my little truck perfect? Heck no!!!!!! But I still think it’s pretty cute and fun.
Here is the back, where I gave it a custom license plate. Lol!!!!
It even rolls (a little), but I wouldn’t recommend it be used as a toy.
Here’s a better pic to give you some proportion. My tree is 8.5 feet tall, and I think my little truck adds just the right amount of fun and whimsy.
Well, that’s it for today. I’ll be back again soon with more Christmas stuff to show you. Hope to see you back again.
See you next time friends
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Pattern to print anywhere?
That’s really cute! You’re right, the ready-mades are expensive! I got lucky and found one on clearance last Spring. I like yours because you can customize the size! Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to you as well Cecilia. I hope you have a wonderful new year also ????