Bunny Go: a Self Propelled Bunny Made From Paper Cups and Bottle Caps

Have you ever looked at simple things that were about to be thrown away and wondered what you could make from them?

For this project, I turned two paper cups, two bottle caps, and a rubber band into a cute little self-propelled bunny!

The bottle caps aren't just decorations they are part of the mechanism that helps Bunny-Go move. The rubber band stores mechanical energy, which is released to make the bunny move.

I used tape and glue to hold everything together and a marker to give the bunny its face and personality.

The best part is that this project uses only a few simple materials that might otherwise become waste. ♻️🐰

Let's turn trash into treasure and make Bunny Go!

2 paper cups

2 bottle caps

1 rubber band

Tape

Glue

️ Marker

Take the two paper cups and prepare them to become the main body of Bunny Go.

Position the cups so they form the bunny's body and leave enough room for the moving mechanism.

Use tape and glue to hold the cups securely in place.

Tip: Try to keep the structure lightweight. A lighter bunny is easier for the rubber band mechanism to move.

Take the two bottle caps.

These will become an important part of Bunny Go's moving mechanism.

Position the bottle caps at the bottom of the bunny and secure them with tape and glue.

Make sure they are positioned evenly so Bunny Go can move properly.

Now it's time to add the rubber band, which provides the energy for Bunny Go to move.

Attach the rubber band to the mechanism using tape.

When the rubber band is twisted or wound, it stores mechanical energy. When released, that stored energy helps turn the mechanism and move the bottle cap wheels.

The basic idea is:

Wind → Store energy → Release → Bunny-Go moves! 🐰💨

Now it's time to add the rubber band that will help Bunny Go move.

1. Carefully make two small holes on opposite sides of the paper cup, near the bottom.
2. Take the rubber band and pass it through the holes so that it runs through the inside of the cup.
3. Insert a small wooden rod through each side of the cup to hold the rubber band securely in place.
4. Make sure the rubber band is positioned correctly and can stretch/twist without getting stuck.
5. Check that the rods are secure before moving on to the next step.

Now it's time to give Bunny Go its cute bunny look!

1. Cut out two bunny ears from paper and attach them to the top of the paper cup using glue or tape.
2. Use the marker to add details inside the ears.
3. Draw the bunny's eyes, nose, mouth, whiskers, and cheeks on the front of the cup.
4. Add your own expressions or details to give your Bunny-Go its own personality.

Now that the bunny is finished, it's time to test the mechanism!

1. Place Bunny-Go on a smooth, flat surface.
2. Carefully wind or twist the rubber band mechanism to store energy.
3. Make sure the bottle caps are positioned correctly.
4. Place Bunny-Go on the surface and get ready to release it.

Release the mechanism and watch Bunny Go move! 🎉

The twisted rubber band releases its stored energy, causing the mechanism and bottle caps to move the bunny forward.

If Bunny-Go doesn't move properly, check that the rubber band is securely attached and that the bottle caps can move freely.

What started as a few simple unwanted materials became a fun, moving bunny. With just paper cups, bottle caps, a rubber band, tape, glue, and a marker, I was able to give these materials a completely new purpose.

This project shows that upcycling doesn't have to be complicated. Sometimes, a little creativity can turn everyday waste into something fun, useful, and unexpected.

From waste to a moving treasure meet Bunny Go! 🐰♻️