How to Make a Rainbow Cardboard Sculpture for Kids

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cut cardboard pieces.

   First, use a pencil to draw a rainbow shape (elongated semi-circle) onto some cardboard. Then cut it out (an adult may need to help with this depending on the thickness of the cardboard).

2. Rainbow stencil.

   Now use the rainbow as a template stencil to trace more rainbows the same size.

3. Cut out rainbow shapes.

   Next, carefully cut out all the rainbow shapes.

4. Color the rainbows.

   Then use paint or drawing materials to add color to your cardboard rainbows. You might create naturalistic rainbows with the color spectrum or mix up your color order any old way you please.
   
   I used a wide range of art supplies to create my rainbow but use what you have at home. This activity is a great impromptu creative prompt since you really don’t need any fancy supplies!
   
   

5. Cut the slots in the rainbows.

   Next, cut two slots into the top and two slots in the bottom of your cardboard rainbow (about an inch or 2.54cm long).
   
   Pro tip: The bottom two rainbows won’t need slots along the bottom edge as this looks a lot neater.
   

6. Build your sculpture.

   Now carefully slot the rainbows together to make a standing rainbow that can balance.
   
   
   
   It’s very important that each slot slots into another slot. This is what gives the sculpture its strength. Don’t try to slot it without a second slot or your sculpture will be flimsy and fall apart.
   
   
   

7. Get creative.

   Continue adding to your sculpture until you think it’s finished. Once you get the hang of building with slotted cardboard you can experiment with different arrangements of slots (different shapes and even making GIANT slotted sculptures)! Personally, I’m itching to do this!