PAPER MACHE FOOD TRUCK

Paper mache food truck is a fun, easy craft for kids to make and paint.  Truck can be any size you like, ours was made from a 6x4x4 inch box and cardboard scraps for wheels and front piece.

There is no need to be overly precise as that is part of the charm of paper mache.  
Materials ~
Cardboard box, rectangle shape such as 6x4x4 and cardboard scraps for front piece and wheels.
Knife and scissors for cutting, glue and tape.
Liquid starch and torn newspaper strips.
White acrylic paint or Gesso for undercoat and acrylic paints in assorted colors.
Clear gloss acrylic top coat, optional.  

Tape box together and make truck front piece which is basically a flat sort of box with a slanted top, like a truck.  You will need to adjust the sides of the piece with slants to fit the slanted top piece.  See picture.  Cut 6 circles for wheels and glue to truck.
After truck is taped and glued together, cover with paper mache.  I prefer liquid starch (found at larger markets and Smart and Final) and newspaper strips but you can use a different recipe if you prefer.  I think liquid starch is the easiest and it dries with the best surface.
After paper mache is dry, paint an undercoat of white acrylic or Gesso and when that is dry, truck is ready to paint.  

An adult can do all of the steps above and give to a child to paint along with an assortment of acrylic paints.  The truck can also be created by kids with a little help.  Sometimes when you are working with kids, depending on the space and time situation, it's not possible to do the paper mache part so it's just easier to bring project, and paints, ready to go.
Encourage kids to have fun and paint their truck any way they choose. For a shiny finish and to add strength, add a coat of clear, gloss, acrylic top coat.