Popsicle Stick Bow and Arrow Craft

There is nothing more old-school in the craft world than popsicle stick crafts. Almost every one of us has a childhood memory, good AND bad, involving a popsicle stick and glue or paint. Popsicle stick crafts, however, get a bit of a bad rap. We tend to think of them as tacky, uncool, kitschy, and a host of other not-so-nice adjectives.

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Not this popsicle stick craft.

This is a craft kids of all ages will adore. Because everyone can appreciate a mini bow and arrow that shoots q-tip arrows, right!

Although this is a fun craft for kids to help with, it isn’t a kids’ craft. There needs to be adult supervision and help through much of this project.

Materials:

• popsicle stick (1 for each bow you want to make)
• fishing line (you could use floss, as well)
• q-tips

Directions:

1. Soak the popsicle sticks in water for at least an hour or two, until they become somewhat bendable.
2. At some point during their soaking (after about an hour) cut two small slits on each end of the stick. I find that scissors work just fine for this job. But, a craft knife IS easiest.
3. Now that the popsicle stick is nice and soft, gently bend it into the bow shape. I recommend that you start in the middle and work your way out, going slowly. If it doesn’t bend without breaking or cracking, soak the stick in the water longer. I usually soak the craft sticks longer than I need to guarantee I won’t have problems. But know that it is going to REALLY feel like you are breaking it. You have to push pretty hard!
4. When you have your bow in the shape you want quickly tie the fishing line to one end of the bow using the notches you cut to keep it from sliding off the stick. Wrap the line around a couple times then bring it back down to the other side of the bow and wrap it around that side a few times. Be sure to keep it nice and tight! Doing this quickly will help the bow keep it’s shape as it dries.
5. Cut the line and tuck it in to the wrapped line. Doing this allows the line to be unwrapped, tightened, and re-wrapped. If you like, you can simply tie it off.
6. For the arrows, use scissors to cut one end off of the q-tip so that there is only one soft end. Simple.

To work the mini bow and arrow, set the flat tip of the q-tip against the fishing line, pull back, and let it fly. Honestly, it’s best to give it to a child and let them figure it out. They have an instinctual knowledge of how to make these things work.

Believe it or not, these REALLY do work and your little ones will have a blast shooting their “arrows” in mini wars. Or, if you aren’t comfy with that…give them an itty target range at the table. Seriously, I can’t even handle the cuteness!

This is definitely not one of your old-school popsicle stick crafts, is it? This is a fun and easy craft that will help your kids pass a dreary, rainy afternoon!