How to Make a Cork Float Toy

Bath time can be made fun time for kids.

Giving your kids a bath can be a real chore. The splashing and yelling can give you a headache and they just won't sit still. What you need is something fun and quiet for them to do. That's where these floating cork toys can help out. The toys aren't just fun in the tub, but also out of the tub as you spend time with your children making these toys yourself. These toys will give your kids a reason to take a bath.

Things You'll Need

• Wine cork
• Knife
• Markers
• White paper
• Packing tape
• Scissors
• 2 thumbtacks

Instructions

1. Cut a 1/2-inch long slit into the side of the cork using a knife.

2. Draw a picture on a small piece of white paper of an animal or object that is found in the water, such as a duck or boat. Draw a 1/2-inch wide by 1/4-inch long tab at the bottom of your picture.

3. Cover picture and tab with tape on both sides of the paper.

4. Cut out the picture and tab.

5. Stick the tab into the slit in the cork.

6. Stick a thumbtack on each side toward the bottom of the cork to secure the picture. Place the toy in the water and watch it float.

Tips & Warnings

• If the toy is not floating in an upright position, adjust the thumbtacks on the bottom of the cork until it does.

• Cutting the cork with a knife can be dangerous. Make sure you place the cork on a solid surface when cutting.

References

• "Crafts to Make in the Summer"; Kathy Ross; 1999