All Activities
Make a costume prop

Make a costume prop
Green highlight

Make a lightweight cardboard sword or shield using cardboard, paint, tape, and elastic; practice safe cutting, decorating, and attaching straps to create a wearable prop.

Orange shooting star
Download Guide
Collect Badge
Background blob
Challenge Image
Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to make a lightweight cardboard sword or shield

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

Kids Drama Lesson: Creating Characters With Costumes

What you need
Adult supervision required, cardboard, elastic, marker, paint, paintbrush, pencil, ruler, scissors, tape

Step 1

Decide if you want to make a sword or a shield and imagine how big it should be on your arm or hand.

Step 2

Place the ruler on the cardboard and draw the outline of your sword or shield with the pencil.

Step 3

Cut out the shape from the cardboard using scissors while an adult watches or helps you.

Step 4

Apply strips of tape along the edges of the cardboard to make them stronger and smooth any rough bits.

Step 5

Turn the piece over and mark where the straps or handle should go with the pencil.

Step 6

Cut two short pieces of elastic for a shield or one longer loop for a sword using the scissors.

Step 7

Tape the ends of the elastic to the marked spots on the back and press the tape firmly so the straps stay put.

Step 8

Paint a solid base color on the front of your prop with the paintbrush.

Step 9

Paint decorations and details like emblems stripes or jewels on top of the base color.

Step 10

Let all the paint dry completely until it is not tacky to the touch.

Step 11

Put your arm through the straps or slip your hand into the sword loop and check the fit then tighten or retape if it feels loose.

Step 12

Take a photo of your finished costume prop and share it on DIY.org

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

Complete & Share
Challenge badge placeholder

Help!?

What can I use instead of elastic, paint, or cardboard if I can't find them?

If elastic in step 5 is unavailable, use ribbon or a strip of old t‑shirt fabric tied and taped to the marked spots in step 6, swap cereal boxes or posterboard for the cardboard in step 2, and use markers or stickers instead of paint for steps 7–8.

My scissors can't cut the cardboard and the tape keeps peeling off—what should I do?

If scissors struggle in step 3, have an adult score the outline with a utility knife along the ruler before cutting, and if tape peels in the 'Apply strips of tape along the edges' step, press firmly, add a second layer of packing tape, or secure with a dab of white glue.

How can I adapt this activity for younger kids or make it more challenging for older kids?

For preschoolers, have an adult complete steps 2–3 (trace and cut) and use wide fabric straps taped on in step 6 with stickers for decoration in step 8, while older kids can add a glued wooden handle in step 6 and paint layered emblems and weathering details in step 8.

How can we personalize or upgrade the finished sword or shield?

After step 9 is dry, personalize by gluing craft foam or aluminum foil to the edges for dimension, adding sequins or plastic gems over painted jewels in step 8, or carefully hot‑gluing battery LED tealights behind a painted jewel to make it glow.

Watch videos on how to make a lightweight cardboard sword or shield

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

Easy DIY Kid's Costume

4 Videos

Facts about cardboard crafts for kids

🛠️ Adding extra layers or taping the edges can make a cardboard shield sturdier without making it too heavy to carry.

🧱 Cardboard is lightweight, recyclable, and one of the most used materials for kid-friendly DIY props and costumes.

🗡️ Cardboard swords weigh much less than wooden ones, making them easier and safer for imaginative play (with supervision).

🤸 Elastic straps let a shield move with the arm and stay comfy, so kids can play and pretend for longer.

🎨 Paint and tape not only make props look awesome but also help protect cardboard from wear and small splashes.

How do I make a lightweight cardboard sword or shield my child can wear?

Start by drawing the sword or shield shape on sturdy corrugated cardboard and cut it out—use scissors for kids and a utility knife only with adult supervision. Glue additional cardboard layers for stiffness, then round and reinforce edges with masking or duct tape. Paint and decorate with non-toxic paints and markers. Finally attach elastic straps or fabric handles securely with hot glue, tape, or rivets, test the fit, and supervise play.

What materials do I need to make a cardboard sword or shield for a costume?

You'll need corrugated cardboard, a pencil and ruler for tracing, scissors and an adult-safe utility knife, strong glue or hot glue gun, duct or masking tape, acrylic or tempera paints and brushes, elastic bands or fabric straps, a hole punch or awl, optional craft foam or felt for padding, plus safety gear like a cutting mat and protective gloves. Non-toxic paints and child-safe adhesives are recommended.

What ages is making a cardboard sword or shield suitable for?

Making cardboard swords or shields is suitable for preschoolers through tweens with adjusted tasks: ages 3–5 can help decorate, pick stickers, and stick tape while adults handle cutting and gluing; ages 6–8 can trace shapes, paint, and help assemble with supervision; ages 9+ can use cutting tools carefully and attach straps with guidance. Always supervise tool use and tailor complexity to each child's coordination and attention.

How can I make a cardboard sword or shield safe and durable for kids?

To keep a cardboard sword or shield safe and durable, round and tape all edges, add craft-foam or felt padding where hands touch, and reinforce seams with tape or extra cardboard layers. Use non-toxic paints and let pieces dry fully. Attach elastic straps securely and test for strength; avoid small detachable decorations for young children. Inspect regularly for tears, re-tape weakened spots, and store props flat and dry between uses.
DIY Yeti Character
Join Frame
Flying Text Box

One subscription, many ways to play and learn.

Try for free

Only $6.99 after trial. No credit card required

To create a safe space for kid creators worldwide!

Discovery Tools

DIY Wiki

DIY TV

Creativity Tools

How to draw

Teacher Tools

SafeTube

DIY Blog

2025, URSOR LIMITED. All rights reserved. DIY is in no way affiliated with Minecraft™, Mojang, Microsoft, Roblox™ or YouTube. LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO® Group which does not sponsor, endorse or authorize this website or event. Made with love in San Francisco.