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How to Make a Bow and Arrow With a Clothes Pin

A simple spring-hinged clothespin is the low-tech mechanical force behind this DIY cross bow that shoots tiny toothpick arrows. Experiment with the basic construction to see how far you can get the arrows to fly, or have arrow races with your friends. Because the project requires hot glue -- regular craft glue won't hold the bow together well -- adult supervision is required.

Things You'll Need

2 wooden craft sticks
Hot glue gun
Scissors
Rubber band
Clip-style clothespin
Toothpicks or white paper
White glue

Instructions

- 1
  Place the two craft sticks in a T formation. Hot glue the sticks together where they intersect.
- 2
  Cut a 1 millimeter notch into each end of the horizontal stick at the top of the T by pressing a scissors blade against it. These notches will hold the rubber band in place later.
- 3
  Hot glue the bottom of the clothespin on top of the lower end of the T shape with the opening facing the horizontal stick.
- 4
  Place the rubber band around the horizontal stick. Slide each end of the rubber band into the notches on either end of the stick to hold it in place.
- 5
  Place one end of a toothpick against the center of the top side of the rubber band. Pull the toothpick straight back, bringing the rubber band with it, and clamp both the end of the toothpick and the rubber band in the clothespin.
- 6
  Press on the back end of the clothespin to release the toothpick arrow.

Backyard Toys