Turn an old shoebox into a creative homemade clapperboard. A fun prop for kids’ dramatic play and aspiring filmmakers, this recycled DIY is a great way to inspire creativity (and movie-making!).
The low, deep, echo of a massive rolling boulder Indiana Jones must outrun in The Raiders of the Lost Ark…a paint can thudding against Harry’s head in Home Alone…the crack of a bat as Benny hits his epic home run in The Sandlot.
They’re the sound effects that brought the movies of my childhood to life, and there’s an interesting trick to how their auditory movie magic was (and still is!) made: The resounding clap of a clapperboard – a staple of movie production that helps flawlessly sync sounds with what we see on film.
We’ve organized our collection by theme, so you can use the links below to jump straight to a specific topic of interest in this article…
A symbol of moviemaking, the classic black & white clapperboard is the first thing many of us think of when we imagine working on a Hollywood film set…and you can make your very own (complete with that satisfying clap!) using a recycled shoebox.
Watch the process video to see how we made it…
This creative movie-inspired DIY is a fun prop that can help introduce kids to the basics of filmmaking or spice up an afternoon Hollywood-style dramatic play.
To make your own DIY clapperboard, you’ll need:
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BASIC SUPPLIES:
- A shoebox
- Chalkboard paint (I used this kind but also like this brand)
- Scissors (I love this kind for cutting cardboard)
- A paintbrush or foam brush
- White tape (I used electrical tape, but you can use masking or washi tape instead)
- Chalk or chalk markers
OPTIONAL SUPPLIES:
- A Ruler
- Water-activated Kraft tape (I used this kind).
- You can try chalkboard adhesive paper like this instead of using chalk paint
- A Paint pen or adhesive letters
How to Make a Cardboard Clapperboard – DIY Instructions
Prepare the base of the clapperboard.
Use the utility knife to cut the bottom off of your shoebox to your desired dimensions.
Create the arm of the clapperboard from the shoebox lid.
Use scissors or a utility knife to cut the shoebox lid to your desired dimensions.
Score and fold the sides of the clapperboard arm.
Score and fold in the sides of your clapperboard arm to create a long rectangle.
Tape the clapperboard arm together.
Use tape to secure the sides of the shoebox lid (clapperboard arm) on the inside.
Reinforce the corners (optional).
This is optional, but you can reinforce the corners with tape or water-activated Kraft tape for an extra sturdy clapperboard.
Tape the clapperboard arm to the base.
Tape the clapperboard arm to the base.
Apply chalkboard paint.
Shake your chalkboard paint well before opening. Then, using a paintbrush or foam brush, apply an even coat of paint to the entire surface of the clapperboard. It’s usually best to apply 2-3 coats for a solid, writable surface.
Allow the paint to dry completely between coats, following the drying time recommended on the paint’s packaging.
Create different sections on your clapperboard.
Once your final coat of chalkboard paint is dry, it’s time to add the details. Using white electrical tape, masking tape, or washi tape, lay down lines to divide the board into sections for the scene number, take number, director’s name, camera settings, etc.
Fill in the finishing touches.
Your DIY clapperboard is almost ready for action! If you opted for adhesive letters, you could apply them now to label each section.
Use chalk or chalk pens to fill in the details, cleaning it off with a damp cloth or paper towel whenever you need to clean it off and start fresh.
You don’t have to stick to the standard look either! Kids can add some personalization to their clapperboards by decorating them with stickers, adding drawings, or painting designs around the edges.
The Role of a Clapperboard in Film-making
If you’ve ever wondered how a clapperboard is used, here’s a little background:
When the clapper hits the board, it creates a sharp, distinctive sound, marking the exact moment the scene begins. When editors go back through the video, they can make sure the sound of the “clap” perfectly aligns with the video of it happening – ensuring pinpoint accuracy for the rest of that bit of film.
For a wonderfully detailed but straightforward explanation and a bit of history on the use of the slate, visit this article from Studio Binder.
Typically, an assistant shouts the scene and take numbers before the clapperboard is clapped (and isn’t that one of the most entertaining parts of having your very OWN!).
DIY Kids Film Projects Using the Clapperboard
- Stop Motion Animation: Use the clapperboard to introduce kids to the world of stop motion animation. They can create their own scenes using toys, craft materials, or drawings, and use the clapperboard to mark the beginning of each scene.
- Documentary Making: Encourage kids to make a documentary about their family, pets, or a hobby they love. The clapperboard can be used to introduce each segment of their documentary, teaching them about the structure of storytelling on the side.
- Adaptation of Favorite Stories: Kids can pick their favorite book or fairy tale and adapt it into a short film, using the clapperboard to organize their scenes and takes. This activity combines literature, art, and film-making, offering a rich educational experience.
- Use for a Little Film History: Use the creation of the clapperboard as a starting point to explore the history of film-making, discussing the evolution of movies, from silent films to “talkies,” and the role technology played in these changes.
3 Creative Uses for Your DIY Clapperboard as a Photo and Video Prop
Why limit your handmade clapperboard to play only? Add a dash of creativity and fun to various photo scenarios and occasions. Here are five adorable and memorable ways to use your clapperboard beyond the realm of movie-making:
- First Day of School Photos: Start the school year with a snap! Write your kiddo’s grade, teacher’s name, and date on the clapperboard for a unique first-day-of-school photo that stands out in the album.
- A Kids’ Party Photo Prop: Set up a photo booth where the little guests can pose with the clapperboard, which they can customize with their names and a message. It doubles as a fun activity and a party favor if you print the photos for them to take home.
- Milestone Markers: Document your baby’s milestones (first tooth, first steps, etc.) by writing them on the clapperboard and taking a photo with your little star. It’s a fun little twist on the milestone letterboards and cards.
More Movie Crafts and Activities for Kids
- Observe a month of moviemaking with activities for kids interested in all areas of cinema!
- Create your own DIY Hollywood Star Walk (with the help of our free printables!)
- Make mini Oscar statues from two simple supplies.
- Inspire budding set directors, screenwriters, and directors with movie art prompts for kids
- Turn a shoebox into a super cool old-school cardboard movie camera
GETTING READY TO TRY this?
I love seeing all the ways people make these ideas their own! If you're sharing the results of one of our projects, mention or tag me with @barleyandbirch, or share it in the comments of one of our Pinterest project pins.
