Step 1
MATERIALS: Steel ruler Pencil 1(12 x 22” [30.5 x 56 cm]) piece single wall cardboard Box cutter Cutting mat Scissors Chalkboard vinyl sticker Hot glue gun Duct tape
Step 2
INSTRUCTION: Use the ruler and pencil to measure and draw 2 rectangles from the cardboard, each 8 x 11 ½ inches (20 x 29 cm). Cut out the rectangles with the box cutter, using the cutting mat to protect your working surface, We also rounded off the corners to remove the sharp edges.
Step 3
To create the screen, with the scissors, cut a piece from the chalkboard vinyl that’s slightly smaller than one of the cardboard pieces.
Step 4
To create the keys, adhere another piece of chalkboard vinyl to a leftover piece of cardboard. Cut the vinyl-covered cardboard into ¾-inch (2-cm) strips. Then cut the strips into different-sized squares and rectangles. Cut a rectangle with the natural cardboard finish that’s 2 ½ x 5 inches (6.5 x 13 cm) for the trackpad.
Step 5
Use the hot glue gun to attach the keys and trackpad to the second large rectangular piece to make the base of the laptop.
Step 6
To assemble the screen and keyboard, hold the screen and keyboard, hold the screen at the angle you’d like it to sit at when open, and use a piece of duct tape to attach the pieces together. Close the laptop, and then add another piece of tape to the other side to reinforce it.
Step 7
EXTEND YOUR PLAY: Try making a chalkboard tablet or phone as well for some low-tech screen time on the go. If you can’t get chalkboard vinyl, you can always use clear packing tape over the top of the cardboard to create a swipeable screen that you can use with dry-erase markers.
Step 8
Excerpted with permission from <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1645674622/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1645674622&linkCode=as2&tag=craftfocom-20&linkId=5a7336457b1c238c2d977760acb06a71">Cardboard Creations for Kids: 50 Fun and Inventive Crafts Using Recycled Materials</a>.
