How do you make a rat out of cardboard? - briefly
Cut a cardboard sheet into the silhouette of a rodent, fold the body, attach ears and a tail, and secure joints with glue. Paint the assembled «cardboard rat» to resemble fur.
How do you make a rat out of cardboard? - in detail
Begin with a sturdy base. Cut a rectangular sheet of corrugated cardboard measuring approximately 10 cm × 5 cm. Fold the sheet in half lengthwise, creating a ridge that will serve as the spine of the model.
Shape the body. From a second piece, cut two identical elongated ovals (about 12 cm long, 4 cm wide). Attach each oval to the opposite sides of the spine using a strong adhesive, aligning the narrow ends with the spine to form the torso. Reinforce the joint with a thin strip of tape.
Create the head. Cut a small semicircle (≈3 cm radius) for the snout and a larger oval for the skull. Glue the snout to the front of the skull, then affix the assembled head to the front of the torso. Add two tiny triangles for ears, positioning them on top of the skull.
Form the limbs. Cut four narrow rectangles (≈2 cm × 6 cm) for legs. Fold each rectangle in half to produce a V‑shaped hinge, then attach the hinge points to the underside of the torso with glue. Secure the lower ends with tape to maintain stability.
Add details. Use a fine‑point utility knife to score lines for whiskers, tail, and fur texture. Score a long, thin strip (≈1 cm × 10 cm) for the tail and attach it to the rear of the torso. Etch small circles for eyes and a tiny triangle for the nose; fill these with black marker.
Finish the model. Apply a thin coat of matte sealant to protect the cardboard and preserve the painted details. Allow the sealant to dry completely before handling. The result is a lifelike cardboard rat suitable for educational displays or artistic projects.