Introduction: Cardboard Buzz Lightyear Jet Pack With Retractable Wings in 30 Minutes.

About: dad hacker tinkerer maker

My 3 year old is a big Toy story fan. He has recently begun running around and acting like buzz lightyear. I thought it would be fun to make a quick cardboard cutout in the shape of buzz's wings. I got a little carried away. Overall, the project still only required a little string(or wire) a cardboard box, and a lot of duct tape.

Step 1: Obtain Cardboard for the Pieces.

I took one box and cut 3 pieces to form the main body and wings.

I had intended just to do a simple cutout, but then I decided to do retractable wings.

Lay out the pieces and cut them into the following pattern. Make sure the wings are going to fit inside the folded piece.

Step 2: Reinforce Areas With Duct Tape and Add Hinges

There are a few areas that will be weak points. Reinforce these with duct tape.

To make the hinges, put the wings in place (make sure they work first) and simply poke some scissors through. I made two holes in the main body and one in the wing. I threaded it through like the picture below.

Step 3: Add Stuff to Make It Look Cooler

I didn't feel like spending much more time on it, so I just taped a piece of cardboard to it to build up some body. I covered the whole surface in duct tape and drew some stuff on it. You could go crazy and make it look super cool.

Step 4: Convince the Child That This Actually Cool.

My 3 year old, who is a fan of buzz lightyear refused to wear it. My 18 month old is modeling it here.


--update october 2 2007. Same younger brother still playing with it months later.