How a $2 Thrift-Store Truck Became My Daughter’s Crayon Canvas

Here’s the story of the little two-dollar Goodwill truck I picked up for Clara in Georgia (I mentioned it in a recent video). When I found it, it looked perfectly charming and vintage—just a little less “Clara” than it could be. I decided it would be fun to get her involved in a simple, low-cost makeover.

I started by giving the truck a single coat of blue paint to set the stage for Clara’s decorating. The paint was a tiny leftover test pot—Embellished Blue by Behr—from an art project I did last year, so the whole thing cost just the couple of bucks for the truck. Once the paint dried I handed it over with a box of crayons and encouraged her to go to town.

Clara had so much fun. She colored every corner and crevice with true, single-minded focus. I wish I’d snapped photos of her mid-scribble—she was grabbing every color and coloring the blue truck with the kind of abandon kids have when they’re feeling entirely in charge of a project. I clapped and watched like the proud, too-excited mom I was. We had a quick chat beforehand about only coloring on things when mom says it’s okay, and she understood. So far she hasn’t doodled on the furniture.

Not a single surface was left untouched—wheels included. About ten minutes later she handed me her masterpiece: a crayon-covered truck that looked like it had been designed by a very happy and determined little artist.

Her crayon-holding truck, complete with colorful scribbles—so cute and full of personality.

We keep the truck on her little drawing desk most of the time, although she also pushes it around the floor for a good portion of the day. The desk setup makes it easy for her to see and reach the crayons—far better than the zippered pouch I used before, which hid the colors and frustrated her. The truck doubles as storage: the holes keep her occupied as she takes crayons out and puts them back in, so it functions as a puzzle, a storage spot, and a rolling toy all at once.

I considered sealing her doodles with a clear, non-toxic sealer, but I actually like the idea of allowing the artwork to evolve. Letting Clara add more color over time lets the truck change with her imagination—she already added a bit more pink the next day. In a few years, if she wants a fresh start, we can sand and repaint it another color and let her begin again.

This was a zero-dollar project beyond the $2 thrift find and the tiny bit of paint I already had. It’s the kind of small, joyful project I love: quick, inexpensive, and something Clara helped create. We’re still finishing up work on the deck outside, and I’m already looking forward to taking the truck outdoors for alfresco coloring sessions once the space is ready. Those relaxed afternoons will be even better when we can spread out and let the crayons go wild in the fresh air.

Small projects like this are some of my favorites—especially when Clara is in on the fun. What have you been doing with your kids or pets lately? We’ve had other creative moments around here, like a time our dog Burger “painted” something for us, which was equally memorable and messy. There are so many simple ways to make everyday objects special with a little imagination and minimal cost.

Tip: If you’re looking for more kid-friendly DIY ideas, there are plenty of easy projects you can adapt—everything from homemade shelves to simple mobiles—that encourage creativity without a big budget or a long lead time.