How to Build a Popsicle Castle for Kids' Crafts

Every room and outdoor area in a castle served a necessary job.

Learn about the parts of a castle by building your very own Popsicle stick palace. Castle construction is an interesting subject to study because it is so different from the architectural practices of today. Even though castles seem extravagant and luxurious in stories, they were very utilitarian. Every room and outdoor area served a necessary job and contributed to the overall health and safety of the people who lived there. Educate others about castle construction by using your model as a visual aid.

Things You'll Need

• Glue
• Cardboard
• Scissors
• Hot glue
• Sandpaper
• Tape

Instructions

Basic Square

1. Lay two Popsicle sticks parallel on a table, 3 inches apart. Orient the sticks so they are horizontal and resemble an equal sign. Ensure both sticks are flat, not standing on the thin edge. Spread glue on the surface of both sticks.

2. Lay a Popsicle stick vertically on top of the first two sticks. Ensure the stick is flat, not standing on the thin edge. Align the vertical stick with the left end of the horizontal sticks. The structure will resemble a "C."

3. Place additional sticks to the right of the first vertical stick. Push each stick flush against the previous one so there are no gaps. Continue until you reach the right end of the horizontal sticks. This forms a rectangular wall panel for your model castle.

4. Spread a thin layer of glue over the panel.

5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 to make three more panels. Set the panels aside.

6. Cut a 1-foot-square sheet from the cardboard as a base for your model castle, using the scissors, and set it aside.

7. Turn a Popsicle stick so the narrow edge is visible. Apply hot glue to the length of the stick on this thin edge. Repeat with three other sticks.

8. Place two of the Popsicle sticks on the cardboard so they are perpendicular one Popsicle stick length apart; they will resemble an equal sign. Place the other sticks perpendicular to the first two to form a square -- the foundation of the castle. Ensure all four sticks are on their narrow edge, not on their wider face.

9. Dry all of the pieces overnight.

10. Hot-glue the panels to the castle foundation. Hold the wall panel so the side with the two horizontal sticks faces the inside of the foundation. Apply glue to the outer side of the foundation stick and press the wall panel against the glued stick until it stands upright. Repeat with the remaining walls.

11. Wait for the glue to dry.

12. Cut eight Popsicle sticks in half. Use the sandpaper to smooth the broken edge and remove any splinters.

13. Glue the half sticks to the top of the walls to form the crenels -- the square notches at the top of the castle wall.

14. Measure the length and width of the castle inside of the walls. Cut a square of cardboard this size.

15. Apply a thin strip of hot glue around the interior of the castle walls 1/4 inch below the crenels. Lower the cardboard square into the castle until each edge touches the glue.

16. Apply glue around the edge of the cardboard to secure it, completing the roof.

17. Repeat all of the steps to make a second room next to or on top of the first. Place more buildings near the first to make an entire castle complex.

Turret

1. Glue 20 Popsicle sticks side by side to a strip of paper or thin cardboard.

2. Dry the piece overnight.

3. Curl the paper, Popsicle stick side out, to form a tube.

4. Place a piece of tape on the inside of the tube to hold it together.

5. Cut a round of paper 3 inches larger than the diameter of the tube. Cut a slit in the circle from the edge to the center. Roll the paper to form a cone. Glue the cone to the top of the tube as a roof.

6. Glue the finished turret to the cardboard base near the square castle, separate from the main structure.

Tips & Warnings

• As social and military needs changed, the structure of castles changed, too. One way you can explore this evolution is in the placement and style of castle components such as turrets. For example, the Aleppo Citadel in Syria has built-in turrets that are the same height as the main keep. Whereas, Glenborrodale Castle in Scotland has turrets that tower high over the main buildings.

References

• "Smart Play"; Barbara Sher; 2004
• "Magickal Crafts"; Kristin Madden, et al.; 2005