How to Make a Toy Raft

Cut the carton length-wise in half, through the middle of the top seal. This will separate the two spouts of the carton.

Cut the top spout section from one of the halves, then insert this half-section inside the other half, creating a box that is half the width of the full carton, with a pointed bow section created by the one intact spout section.

Wrap the entire raft in duct tape, using more than one color if you want a more aesthetically pleasing final result. As you wrap the duct tape around, attach one chopstick to each side of the raft,at the bottom. These should extend at least one inch from the stern section of the raft.

Wrap a rubber band around the two chopstick ends behind the stern of the boat.

Cut a slit in the middle of your two plastic pieces and join them together to make a rudder that looks like an "X."

Place the "X" rudder in the center of the rubber band and tape it in place securely. (For just a simple raft, you can leave off the side chopsticks, rubber band and rudder.)

Cut out a square of plastic bag that's about seven inches on each side. Reinforce two adjoining sides with duct tape, and use another piece of duct tape to attach one of the tape sides to the end of your third chopstick. Orient the other taped side of your square toward the bottom of the chopstick.

Cut the square "sail" in half, leaving a triangle that's taped on the bottom and along the chopstick.

Poke a small hole in the top of your raft and insert the other end of your third chopstick into the hole. Tape it firmly in place.

Wind up the rudder gently, hold it in place while you set the raft in the water and let the rudder go as you release your new toy.