Create IRL versions a Minecraft character, build or tool
Create an IRL Minecraft character costume, blocky build, or foam tool using cardboard, paint, and safe craft supplies while learning measuring and assembling skills.
About this activity
Create an IRL Minecraft character costume, blocky build, or foam tool using cardboard, paint, and safe craft supplies while learning measuring and assembling skills.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Gather all the materials on the table so everything is ready and easy to reach.
- 2
Step 2
Pick if you will make a Minecraft character costume a blocky build or a foam tool and decide how big you want it to be.
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Step 3
Use the ruler and pencil to measure and mark the cardboard pieces for each part of your project.
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Step 4
Draw a pixel grid on the cardboard faces where you will paint details to help keep your design blocky and neat.
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Step 5
Cut out the cardboard pieces along your marked lines using scissors and work slowly to follow the shapes.
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Step 6
Score fold lines with the edge of your ruler or the pencil to make folding the cardboard easier.
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Step 7
Fold the cardboard along the scored lines to form boxy shapes like heads bodies or blocks.
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Step 8
Tape or glue the seams and edges to assemble each piece into its final shape.
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Step 9
Attach craft foam or extra cardboard pieces for depth handles or tool blades using tape or glue.
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Step 10
Paint a flat base coat on each surface where you plan to add pixels and let the paint dry.
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Step 11
Fill in the pixel grid with square colors using your paintbrushes to create the Minecraft look and let everything dry completely.
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Step 12
Try on your costume or test your build or tool to make sure it fits and feels sturdy.
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Step 13
Share your finished creation on DIY.org and show the world your awesome Minecraft IRL project.
Fun facts
How do I make an IRL Minecraft character, block, or foam tool?
Start by choosing a character, block, or tool and sketch blocky, pixelated shapes. Measure the child or desired size, then create cardboard templates for each cube or panel. Cut pieces, reinforce seams with tape or hot glue, assemble into boxes or layered foam shapes, and add straps or handles. Paint base colors, then add square “pixels” with a small brush or painter’s tape. Let dry, test fit for comfort, and adjust for mobility.
What materials do I need to create a Minecraft costume, block, or foam tool?
Gather cardboard or corrugated sheets, EVA craft foam or foam board, acrylic or tempera paints, brushes and painter’s tape, ruler and measuring tape, pencil, box cutter/scissors and a cutting mat, low-temp hot glue gun or strong craft glue, masking tape, elastic straps or Velcro, sandpaper, and non-toxic sealant. Include safety gear like goggles and work in a ventilated area. Choose child-safe, non-toxic paints and supervise cutting and hot-glue use.
What ages is this IRL Minecraft craft suitable for?
This activity suits a wide range: preschoolers (3–5) can paint pre-cut pieces and help with decorating; ages 6–8 work on simpler cutting and assembly with close supervision; 9–12 can measure, cut, and assemble with adult check-ins; teens can design complex builds and foam tools independently. Adjust complexity, tools used, and safety supervision based on each child’s skill, attention, and fine-motor ability.
What safety tips and creative variations should I know?
Always supervise cutting and hot glue, use low-temp glue for kids, wear safety goggles, and work in a ventilated area for paints and sealants. Reinforce edges to avoid pokes and keep pieces lightweight so children can wear them comfortably. Variations: use EVA foam for flexible costumes, add LED or glow-in-the-dark paint, create wearable backpack-style blocks, or make simple handheld foam tools for younger kids to reduce weight and complexity.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
Can I substitute hard-to-find materials like craft foam, glue, or acrylic paint?
If craft foam is hard to find, layer extra cardboard or use felt for depth, swap strong white glue for hot glue or heavy-duty tape for seams, and use washable tempera or paint markers instead of acrylics to fill the pixel grid.
What should I do if the cardboard rips or seams won't hold when assembling the pieces?
If the cardboard rips or seams fail, score fold lines with the ruler or pencil to reduce stress, reinforce edges and seams with extra tape or hot glue before painting, and re-measure pieces with the ruler and pencil to ensure proper fit.
How can I adapt the steps for younger kids versus older kids?
For younger children, pre-measure and pre-cut the cardboard, draw larger pixel grids, and let them paint and tape under supervision, while older kids can measure, score folds, use a craft knife for precision, and add foam handles or straps.
How can we extend or personalize the Minecraft project after the basic build and painting?
Enhance and personalize the project by adding LED lights inside a cardboard head, attaching Velcro for removable armor or tools, sealing the painted pixel grid with a clear coat, and then share photos on DIY.org.