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How to Make a Kid's Canoe

In order to navigate lakes and rivers, Native Americans often traveled in canoes -- long and narrow wooden boats, powered by wooden paddles. Build a toy-sized version of these classic wooden canoes, using basic household crafting materials. This child-friendly and functional craft will cut through the waters as seamlessly as the canoes they are modeled after.

Things You'll Need

6-by-12-inch sheet of cardboard
Pencil
Scissors
String
Darning needle or large-eyed needle
Paint, markers, puffy paint or stickers
Paraffin wax
Empty soup can
Tongs

Instructions

- 1
  Fold the cardboard in half, lengthwise. The fold should be at the bottom of the paper; it will be the bottom of the canoe. One one side of the cardboard, draw the rounded arc of a canoe shape. Cut out the arc through both layers of cardboard.
- 2
  Curl and sew the open edges of the canoe together. Flatten the fold at the bottom to make a boat shape.
- 3
  Decorate the canoe, using paint, markers, stickers and puffy paint. Let dry completely.
- 4
  Boil water in a saucepan -- the pan should be about halfway full. Place the hardened wax in the soup can. Then place the soup can in the water. Wait for the wax to melt. Then use tongs to pick up the dry canoe. Dip the ends into the melted wax to make a waterproof coating. Continue dipping until the entire canoe is covered. You can also use a paintbrush to dip hard to reach spots.
- 5
  Place your canoe into a bathtub, pool or other small body of water and watch it sail away.

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