What Is Junk Modelling & How To Do It

To celebrate Toyi joining the Bigjigs family, we are shining a light on the creative trend of junk modelling! Toyi crafts award-winning construction kits which feature a range of tools to elevate children’s junk model masterpieces.  

Junk Modelling: Your Questions Answered 

Learn how to turn ordinary items into extraordinary playthings! Find out what junk modelling entails, which materials and tools you’ll need, and the benefits for kids. We’ll also share some simple junk modelling ideas to get you started.

What is junk modelling? 

Junk modelling involves making things out of recyclable materials and everyday household items. Using materials such as cardboard, plastic bottles, egg cartons, and fabric scraps, children can transform trash into treasured toys, musical instruments, costumes, decorations, and so much more. It’s a hands-on educational activity that inspires kids to think creatively while fostering an eco-conscious mindset.

What do you need for junk modelling?

The best bit about junk modelling is that you’ll typically find everything you need around the house. Gather materials, such as cardboard boxes or plastic bottles from the recycling bin, then pick up a few tools like scissors, glue, and crayons, and you’re away! 

• Cardboard boxes
• Plastic bottles & caps
• Milk jugs
• Egg cartons
• Yoghurt pots
• Scrap paper
• Old magazines & newspapers
• Toilet paper & kitchen towel rolls
• Fabric scraps
• Aluminium foil

• Child-friendly scissors
• Glue 
• Sticky tape 
• Paints & brushes
• Marker pens & colouring pencils
• String or yarn
• Stapler
• Hole punch

To upgrade your junk models, try one of Toyi’s revolutionary craft kits, bursting with reusable construction pieces specially designed to enhance kids’ inventive junk art projects.

Why is junk modelling good for children?

Junk modelling enriches children’s imagination, creativity, dexterity, problem-solving abilities, confidence, social skills, communication, and language development. It also teaches kids valuable lessons in sustainability and resourcefulness. 

• Creativity & imaginative thinking
• Fine motor development
• Problem-solving 
• Confidence & sense of achievement
• Collaborative social skills
• Language & communication
• STEAM learning 
• Environmental awareness 

What can I make with junk modelling?

You can make anything you like with junk modelling, the possibilities are limitless! You could make masks and costumes out of old clothes and fabric scraps; musical instruments from paper cups; animals from egg boxes, picture frames from cardboard cutouts; aeroplanes from plastic bottles; plant containers from painted yoghurt pots; pet pals from pinecones; flowers from ice cream tubs; and trucks from toilet roll tubes!  

Keep reading for more marvellous junk model ideas…

6 Junk Modelling Ideas For Creative Kids

Here are 6 exciting junk model projects you can dive into with your creative kiddo, from junk model animals to junk model vehicles and beyond! 

1. Robot Companion 

Kickstart your crafting adventures with a junk model robot! Grab some paper cups and cardboard and use Toyi’s 44-piece Arts & Crafts Robot Building Kit to create a quirky eco-bot that stands proudly in your child’s bedroom. Decorate it with paint, stickers, or markers to give it a unique personality.

2. Carnival Ferris Wheel 

3. Animal Friends

Junk modelling animals is easy with Toyi! There are lots of different sets to choose from, such as the 22-piece Playful Animal Building Kit, which comes with eyes, tails, joints, and connectors to help little wildlife lovers fashion furr-ever friends! They could make a giraffe from a kitchen roll tube, a turtle from a plastic lid, or even build an entire zoo!

4. Space Rocket

Blast off into space for some interstellar adventures with Toyi’s Arts and Crafts Spaceship Building Kit! Find a used plastic bottle and a sheet of tin foil, then use the craft set’s 48 construction pieces to make an out-of-this-world junk model rocket.

5. Mini Vehicles

Tiny transport fans can make their own junk model boat, bus, car, truck, train, or plane with Toyi’s Vehicle Building Kit. This colourful craft set comes with 44 reusable construction pieces, including wheels, joints, and connectors, so young engineers can make a digger out of a milk jug or a scooter out of a shoe box! 

6. Fantasy Castle

Build a majestic junk model castle using a cardboard box, loo roll tubes, and party hats with Toyi’s Constructions Building Kit. This impressive kids craft set comes with 179 pieces for children to make fantasy fortresses, cool castles, and princess palaces - a wonderful way to inspire imaginative play! 

More Ideas For Junk Modelling

We have an awesome collection of Toyi craft kits for all interests, from costume-making to aircraft building, so check out the full Toyi range for more fun junk modeling ideas!