Things You'll Need
Toothpicks
Craft glue
Thread
Toothpicks can be used as a cheap and easy-to-find building material for a variety of small projects. A toothpick bridge is a common assignment in physics classes. Science fair students may choose to build other items from toothpicks. A creative toothpick construction can even make for a fun weekend project for kids. The biggest concern for anyone building with toothpicks is how best to stick these tiny sticks together. Toothpicks can be glued together very simply and will be sturdy and secure.
Step 1
Place a large dab of tacky craft glue on the end of a toothpick. Set the tip of the connecting toothpick in the dab of glue, and hold together until the glue begins to dry.
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Step 2
Wrap the toothpick joint in thread to keep the toothpicks together. Knot the thread and trim off loose ends.
Step 3
Place a second dab of glue over the wrapped joint and spread to cover the thread with a thin layer of glue. Let this dry completely before adding additional joints to this piece.
Step 4
Run a thin line of glue along the length of a toothpick to glue the entire piece to another toothpick. A stick made of four or more toothpicks glued together provides a sturdy sidebar for a toothpick bridge or other large construction.
Step 5
Stagger the joints of toothpicks laid end to end. The gap between toothpicks should fall around the center point of the adjacent toothpick. This creates a sturdier structure than one where the joints fall side by side.
Tip
Draw a diagram of your project before you begin so you have a clear idea of where each toothpick needs to be placed.
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