How to Make an Indiana Jones Toy Whip

When Indiana Jones is the craze again, parents often hear calls and cries of young ones--OK, usually boys--for Indiana Jones props. The hat is great. But they would also adore having a whip to lasso things. Lay down the strictest rules you can, in advance--then go out to nature to look for the branch. You can make this together, but parental supervision is needed for the craft and, at least initially, the play. Read on to learn how to make an Indiana Jones toy whip.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Short but sturdy tree branch appropriately sized for child's grip
• 6 foot long, fairly thick nylon rope, any color (often yellow or blue)
• Saw or machete (parent use only)
• Match (parent use only)
• Staple gun (parent use only)
• Scissors
• Pocketknife (optional)

1. Take a hike in a park or on a nature trail with the child to find a good sized branch. You will want it to be about 6 inches long for the whip, so if you find a longer one, it's OK; it can be cut to size.

2. Saw off the end so the branch is 6 inches. Use a machete or saw. The child should be at a distance, and this tool must be kept well away from the child of course, whether in use or in storage.

3. Burn both ends of the nylon rope so they won't fray or unravel. Make sure to choose a rope that will travel rather slowly rather than really whip around like the narrower, tightly wound ropes. This won't be leather. Think of the ropes used to tie down tarps.

4. Wind and staple, wind and staple. Decide on the base and the top of the handle or stick. Using the staple gun, staple the end of the rope 1/4 from the top end. Then wind two to three times around, stapling occasionally (wind and staple). End by stapling the rope an inch or so vertically along the stick (at a right angle to the winding) so that it will point upward and outward. Cut the rope at 6 feet.

5. Teach the child to twirl and whip or lasso objects outside, and always at a safe distance from other people, especially other children and pets. Direct the child on how to handle the whip safely. Show him how to wind the rope around the handle and tuck the end into the wound rope when not in use. Cool! Real wood has a better feel than plastic.

Tips & Warnings

• Suggest peeling the bark with a pocketknife or carving initials or symbols into the whip handle, if the child is old enough to handle this task and you have demonstrated it.
• Suggest painting the wooden handle if the child would like this.
• This can make a great father-son or grandfather-son project, but of course would work wonderfully with moms too.