My Handmade Minions Cardboard Photo Prop: Donte’s Birthday

by Katie Lynch

Before I started Katie J Design & Events, I made this cardboard photo prop for Donte’s Minions-themed seventh birthday party. It was one of my favourite homemade pieces from the day.

I love creating activities that keep kids entertained at birthday parties. This decoration doubled as entertainment: it was big, colourful and stood on its own, and the kids loved popping their faces through the opening for photos.

These are the original party photos and the cardboard construction method I used. The same basic structure can be adapted to an original design of your own, such as a rocket, flower or robot.

What I used

A large removalist box
Cardboard offcuts for reinforcement and the base
A pencil
A Stanley knife and a suitable cutting surface
Packing tape
Acrylic paint and paintbrushes

Most of the supplies were things I already had. The cutting and assembly take a little time, but you don’t need fancy equipment. An adult should handle the knife and check that the finished prop is stable before children use it.

How I built the cardboard photo prop

1. Open out the box

I cut off the top and bottom flaps and saved them for later. Then I cut down one side of the box so it could open out into one large piece of cardboard.

2. Plan the outline and base

I sketched the outline in pencil, leaving extra cardboard at the bottom for the standing base. For your own design, keep the shape fairly simple and plan where the face opening will sit before cutting.

3. Cut the outline

I carefully cut around the outline with a Stanley knife, protecting the surface underneath. Keep the spare cardboard for reinforcing the prop.

4. Reinforce the folds

Using packing tape, I secured cardboard offcuts across the existing folds so the large piece wouldn’t bend as easily. This made a big difference to how well it held its shape.

5. Make the face opening

I drew an oval where the children’s faces would go and cut it out carefully. Check the height and size for the children using the prop, and make sure the edges are smooth.

6. Build the standing base

I cut two slits in the base and slid cardboard offcuts into them to help it stand. An extra piece at the back gave it more support. Test the balance on a level surface and reinforce it as needed.

7. Add any extra pieces

I used saved cardboard for the pieces that extended beyond the main outline, then attached them with packing tape. Keep additions light so the prop stays balanced.

8. Paint and let it dry

I finished the prop with acrylic paint. For your own version, paint your original design in the colours you’ve chosen and let it dry completely before setting it up.

I wish I’d taken photos of each stage, but these pictures show the finished prop being enjoyed at the party. The kids’ mischievous faces still make me smile!

Make the construction idea your own

The useful part of this project is the structure: a large piece of cardboard, reinforced folds and a supporting base. You could use that method for a flower with a face opening in the centre, a rocket window or an original robot.

Keep the prop in a sheltered spot and check it between turns. It’s a photo prop rather than something to climb on or lean against.

For the food, homemade cake, paper lanterns and games from the same celebration, read Donte’s seventh birthday party story.