Home >> Toys >> Bath Toys

How to Make Toy Boats From Play-Doh

Play-Doh has been around since 1956, according to Hasbro, its manufacturer. It is easy for kids to use and can be molded into virtually any shape. However, Play-Doh is water soluble, meaning that it dissolves in water. So to make a water toy such as a toy boat out of Play-Doh, you must take steps to ensure the Play-Doh doesn't dissolve in the water and turn into icky goo.

Things You'll Need

Play-Doh (brand name or homemade)
Craft glue
Toothpicks (optional)
Cookie sheet
Aluminum foil
Paintbrush
Non-toxic paints (optional)
Non-toxic varnish

Instructions

- 1
  Roll some of your Play-Doh into a big ball and flatten it slightly.
- 2
  Press in the center of the Play-Doh, molding the shape into a basic square as you go. (You also may shape one end into a triangular shape for a more classic boat design, but the square works just fine.)
- 3
  Keep molding the boat until you have distinct sides. Keep the bottom of the boat and the sides at least 1/4 inch thick.
- 4
  Mold a bit more Play Doh into a small cube.
- 5
  Break a toothpick in half and poke the pieces in the bottom of the cube so they stick out no more than 1/4 inch.
- 6
  Coat the bottom of the cube (the side with the toothpicks sticking out) with glue and secure the glued side of the cube inside the boat on the top, close to one end but not close enough to touch the sides. The cube needs to be slightly higher than the sides. If you've triangulated one end of the boat, put the cube in that end.
- 7
  Place some aluminum foil on a cookie sheet or a plate and place the boat on top of the foil.
- 8
  Let the Play-Doh air dry until it is rock hard. Mend any cracks that form with more Play-Doh and/or glue.
- 9
  Paint the boat, if desired, and allow it to dry.
- 10
  Coat the entire boat with varnish and allow it to dry.

Bath Toys