I love having my kids occupied in craft projects, especially if they're quick and easy (like our crayon painting). However, my attention span isn't guaranteed to last through more intricate, demanding tasks so I stick with the basics: glitter, baking, and reading stories with really great voices (that's a craft, right?). Unless I'm trapped in a Pinterest vortex, I'm rarely self-conscious about my half-hearted craftiness. I'm used to being out-crafted by school, our sitter, and the bus driver. However, it's my husband who really puts me to shame.

A couple of Saturdays ago (coincidentally prior to the start of college football), Billy decided my son's ongoing efforts to recreate the "World Grand Prix" track from Cars 2 was lacking. Of course, I HAD noticed that our dining room table wasn't the greatest venue for the track, but I never thought to do anything to improve the process.

Billy had another idea; he was going make a more life-like track.

After a quick trip to Michaels Art Store for foam core, spray adhesive, refills for the glue gun, and Exacto blades, the boys were in business! If you are a crafty guy (or gal) and want to give this a try, here's what I observed about the process:

Print pictures off the World Wide Web of iconic city sites around the world. Attach pictures to sturdy foam core using Kyrlon adhesive.Using an Exacto knife, cut a hole in the bottom of the image large enough to fit a car.After the hole has been made, glue braces to the back of the image so it can stand up.

Be sure to confer with the principal track designer to make sure he's pleased with the placement of the cuts. For instance, in the case of the Grand Canyon, The Boss wanted to make sure the cars appeared to be driving along the TOP of the Canyon.

This required creative adjustments. But, fortunately for The Boss, the crafting Dad went to Georgia Tech and knows how to tap into his inner geekness. As soon as adjustments are made to one race venue, new ideas inevitably creep into the conversation. Lady Liberty was next to get the customized treatment.What car wouldn't want to race through a ramp like this?Looks like fun even in profile!

Back across the pond, it's fun to cross the Tower Bridge at the proper level.Or to take a spin through Barcelona.Sometimes the adjustments are as simple* as cutting an extra hole. (*I didn't do a thing on this project, so what do I know about degrees of difficulty??!!)However, if you're going to China, the Great Wall requires some extra effort so the car can slide from the top of the wall to the bottom.

I'm positive Lake Louise wasn't in Cars 2, but since it WAS the site of our summer vacation, it was included.However, Tokyo Tower WAS part of Cars 2, so voila!! (or 電子ほら!)Our son LOVES his new accessories and is traveling around the world at a regular clip. As for me, I'll be in charge of keeping the glue gun cleaned and ready to go whenever Dad wants to jump into another project!

Have you ever had a homemade toy that you loved?

When Dads Craft