How to Make a Toy Crossbow

Pull the ink cartridge and front point out of the pen, then pinch near the back of the pen to pop out the back cap, leaving only the hollow tube of the pen.

Split the pencils into two pairs, then secure the pairs together with two rubber bands each, with a rubber band 1 1/2 inches in from each end of the pairs.

Form a cross with the two pairs of pencils, laying one pair flat then the second pair atop it perpendicularly so that the bottom pair is aligned off center along the length of the top pair.

Pass a rubber band over two adjacent ends of the cross, twist the rubber band, then pass it over the remaining two ends. This will create an X shape over the point the pencils cross. Repeat two additional times for an extra secure hold.

Place the hollow tube atop the top pair of pencils, running along the groove in the pencils, then secure with duct tape.

Tear off a piece of tape 3 inches long and lay it flat, then lay two rubber bands atop the tape, centered along its 3 inch length, so one band extends out on either side of the tape.

Fold the far edge of the tape down over the ends of the bands, creating a 1-inch long fold, then fold the near edge up as well, creating a 1-inch long section of folded tape, with bands extending out either end.

Insert one of the rubber bands extending from the tape between the bottom pair of pencils at one end of the pencils and the second end between the same pencils at the other end.

Insert a skewer into the hollow tube, so the end of the skewer touches the tape attached to the bands.

Pull back on the tape, pinching the skewer as you do so causing it to be drawn back with the tape and release. The rubber bands pull the tape forward, propelling the skewer down the hollow tube.