Jeff and I were brainstorming things I could turn into donuts — as every normal couple does — when he casually said, “tires.” I laughed and thought, “This is why I’m marrying you.” I decided to take my donut crafting to the next level and transform spare tires into giant cardboard donuts for an unforgettable April Fools’ prank. I wish Jeff hadn’t thought of it first; it would have been even more fun to say, “I got a flat, so I had to put the donut on…” and have him run outside. Or, “I was doing donuts in the parking lot…” Endless prank possibilities! Here’s how to make your own giant donut tires.
Ready?
Materials
- Cardboard (reuse a box or buy sheets at an art store)
- Large poster board or artist’s paper for the frosting (one 20×30 sheet per tire)
- Various colors of cardstock for sprinkles (scraps or a multipack)
- Scissors
- Box cutter (optional, but helpful)
- Double-stick tape or glue
- Fishing line and a needle
Total approximate cost for four wheels: $14 or less.
How to make giant donut tires
- Measure the tire. If you can’t measure in person, you can call a dealer or shop to get the tire diameter. I had my Fiat’s tire measured at the shop. Once you know the diameter, mark the center of your cardboard and use a ruler to draw a precise circle. For a 24″ diameter, measure 12″ from the center in all directions, connect the marks, and cut the circle out with a box cutter or heavy-duty scissors.
- Cut a smaller circle from the center to create the hole so the donut sits around the rim.
- Create the frosting layer. Make a frosting template from scrap paper by tracing the donut shape and drawing a wavy frosting edge. Transfer the template to your poster board or artist’s paper, then cut out the frosting pieces.
- Cut sprinkles from colored cardstock in any colors you like. Affix the frosting to the cardboard donut with double-stick tape or glue, then attach the sprinkles to the frosting. Repeat for each tire.
- Secure the donut to the wheel using fishing line. Thread a needle with fishing line and stitch through the cardboard donut near opposite sides. Slip the line through the wheel rim and tie securely. Rim styles vary, so adapt your attachment method to fit the car you’re working with.
Once attached, you can have fun with the reveal: “Honey, I don’t think I put the donut on right… can you check it?” The project is lightweight and decorative, perfect for April Fools’ setups and photo ops.
Step-by-step photos by Studio DIY. Other photos by Mary Costa Photography.
There you have it: the donut project to end all donut projects. I might be done — maybe this is the grand finale of my donut-making days at Studio DIY. APRIL FOOLS!
A quick note: please do not drive your car with these on. They are decorative and intended for pranks and photos only.
Huge thanks to Megan for letting us use her adorable little Fiat for the photoshoot.