Equipment and Materials
Equipment
- Scissors
- Markers
Materials
- 3 corks
- Tape
- Thin twine
- Sturdy toothpick
- Construction paper
- Large mason jar with lid
- Decorative stones
- Water
Instructions
- Line up the three corks side by side. Place a piece of tape across them to hold them together.
- Cut a piece of twine and tie it tightly around the corks.
- Tie two more pieces of twine in the spaces between the corks, forming an “X” pattern to secure the first piece of twine.
- Use the toothpick to make a small hole in the center cork. This will be for the mast.
- Cut a small triangle from the construction paper to make the sail.
- Decorate the sail with markers. Add Christian symbols, a Bible verse, or other designs.
- Punch two small holes in the sail using the toothpick. Slide the toothpick through these holes to attach the sail.
- Insert the toothpick mast into the hole in the center cork.
- Place some decorative stones at the bottom of the mason jar.
- Fill the jar with water, leaving enough room for the ship to float.
- Gently place the ship in the jar.
- Screw the lid onto the jar to seal it.
Notes and Variations
- Safety: Be careful when using scissors and the toothpick, especially with younger children. Provide supervision as needed.
- Decorations: Instead of stones, you can use sand or small shells in the jar for a different look.
- Themed Crafts: Tie the craft to your lesson by writing words like “Faith,” “Hope,” or “Trust” on the sail.
- No Water Option: If you don’t want to use water, the ship can simply sit on the decorative stones inside the jar.
For more information, see https://young-catholics.com/1426/cork-ship-in-a-bottle-craft/
