When it comes to building models in the craft world, there are very few things that can stand up to the infamous popsicle sticks. These are strong and durable and can easily be crafted.

In this Instructable, I'll show you how to build a simple automatic paddle boat with some popsicle sticks.This boat can easily float and move on water. This is one of the coolest popsicle crafts to build with kids.

So let's get started !!

Step 1: The Inventory

To build this simple cool toy, you'll need the following items in your inventory:

Popsicle Sticks
Glue Gun
Crafting Knife
Elastic Band
Sanding Paper

Step 2: The Frame

The first step is to build a frame which will be to build a frame over which we can build the top part and the bottom part.

First, cut a few popsicle sticks exactly at the center and arrange it as shown in the above pics. Now stick a few pieces of popsicle sticks horozontally, joining the frame using some hot glue.

Notice that a small grove is left in between. This is for the elastic band to pass through.

Step 3: Finish the Bottom Part

After you have the frame, it's time to quickly finish up the bottom part of the boat.

To do this, take a couple of popsicle sticks and give one of the ends a clean straight cut. Using some more hot glue, firmly attach these sticks on the two sides above the groves left out for the rubber bands.

Now you're done with the bottom part of the boat.

Step 4: The Top Side

The boat is almost built now. Complete the top side by filling in the remaining groves left on the top side of the boat. Again, use hot glue to do the job.

You can use normal crafting glue if you'd like, but when it comes in contact with water, they tend to wear off. So choose wisely on which glue to use.

Step 5: Smooth Out Edges

So by now you can see that there are a lot of rough edges on the boat and even some pieces protruding outwards. This is quite common, after all we're all humans and by nature, the things we do need not necessarily be perfect.

So to give it a nice look, finish it up by filing all the edges using some sanding paper. Also use the crafting knife to smooth out the front part of the boat. Try and carve out the body to make it streamlined as much as possible. This will help in smooth movement of the boat on water.

Step 6: The Paddle

Now you must notice that there's a hole in the boat. This hole is where the automatic paddle fits in.

Measure the length of the hole and cut out two pieces of popsicle sticks just a little bit smaller than that hole.

Now mark the center of these pieces and cut down a grove half way to the middle. Fix the two pieces along the grove which will form the paddle for the boat.

Step 7: Assembling the Boat

Now that you have all the parts that make up the boat, it's time to put it together and give it a test run.

Slide the elastic band through the grove left for it in the middle with the help of a toothpick or something. Secure the ends of the elastic band on the back of the boat.

Slide in two adjacent arms of the paddle into the elastic band. Now you have your boat ready to sail.

Rotate the paddle in the reverse direction as much as possible and let it on to some water. You will see that it races away till the tension in the elastic band fades away.

Make this simple toy and let me know how it turned out. Ciao !!