Easy Cardboard Rocket Ship DIY for Mini Dolls
Looking for a fun and simple craft project that will keep your little ones entertained? This cardboard rocket ship DIY is the perfect solution! With just a few household materials and a bit of imagination, you can create a mini rocket ship that’s the perfect scale for your 1:12 mini dolls.
Why a Cardboard Rocket Ship DIY?
As moms, we know the feeling of wanting to find something fun, educational, and—let’s be honest—super easy to do with our kids. That’s where this cardboard rocket ship DIY comes in. It’s eco-friendly, budget-friendly, and you’ll probably have all the materials you need lying around at home.
This project is made from a discarded Pringles can, scraps of cardboard, paper, and felt. Not only is it a great way to repurpose things you’d otherwise throw out, but it also sparks creativity in your kids and provides them with hours of imaginative play.
What You’ll Need
To make this adorable rocket ship for your mini dolls, gather up the following materials:
- An empty chip can (or some other cylinder shaped cardboard container)
- Cardboard (any leftover boxes will work!)
- Craft paper (or old wrapping paper for a fun design)
- Felt scraps
- Double sided tape (optional)
- Glue (a glue gun works best for this project, but regular craft glue is fine)
- Scissors
- Paint, markers, or stickers (optional, for decoration)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the chip Can Base
Start by cleaning out the empty chip can. This will be the main body of the rocket ship. Remove the lid and cut a small door into the side of the can using a pair of scissors or a craft knife (this part is definitely for grown-ups). This will be the entrance where your mini dolls can board their rocket!
**I decided that our rocket ship looked better when I cut the chip can in half, but you can certainly keep it full size.
2. Create the Rocket Fins
Next, grab your cardboard and cut out three or four triangles to serve as the rocket fins – I rounded mine out at the top. The size of the fins will depend on how big or small you want them, but aim for about 3 inches tall so they’re proportional to the can. Attach these to the bottom of the Pringles can using glue, spacing them evenly around the base.
3. Make the Rocket Nose Cone
Now, it’s time to create the top of the rocket. Roll a piece of cardboard or craft paper into a cone shape that fits the top of your Pringles can. Trim off the excess paper so that the cone is just the right size. Glue it to the top of the can to complete the rocket shape.
4. Add Details with Felt and Paper
Cut out small circles or shapes from felt to create windows, control panels, or any other details your little astronauts might need. You can also use colorful paper or wrapping paper to decorate the outside of the rocket. This part is a great opportunity to let your kids get creative with decorating!
I used prints from at Thread Mama Co. and you can find them here. I am not affiliated with this brand but I just wanted to share because I love all of her prints and use them often.
5. Optional: Paint and Decorate
If you have extra time or feel like getting a bit more crafty, you can paint the rocket ship or use stickers to add some fun designs. Let your kids take charge of this step—they’ll love personalizing their new rocket!
You can watch how I put mine all together by heading to my Instagram here!
Why You Will Love This Cardboard Rocket Ship DIY
This cardboard rocket ship DIY is not only easy to make, but it’s also a fantastic way to engage your kids in some hands-on fun while recycling everyday materials. The best part? It’s perfectly scaled for their 1:12 mini dolls! Your kids can take their mini dolls on a journey to the stars without leaving the playroom.
This project encourages imaginative play, helps develop fine motor skills, and gives you a quiet moment to enjoy a cup of coffee while your little ones dive into their space adventures.
Time to Launch Your Rocket Ship
With just a few supplies and about 30 minutes, you’ll have a mini rocket ship that’s ready for takeoff! Whether you’re looking for an eco-friendly project or just something fun to do on a rainy day, this cardboard rocket ship DIY is sure to be a hit. And don’t forget to share your creations with us on social media—we’d love to see where your mini dolls are headed in their new rocket!
Share your creations with us over on Instagram @bitsyworldofficial! I can’t wait to see what you come up with.
