How to Make Play Weapons
Play weapons are super fun for both boys and girls. They promote imagination and make believe. Critics say they condone violence, but when done in a fun way, playing pretend with weapons is completely innocent. Part of the fun is making the weapons. By making your own play toys you enable the child to understand it is pretend.
- Gather materials. You will need sharp craft scissors, cardboard and makers or paint. You may want glue, glitter, or other design materials to personalize.
- Choose your play weapon type. You can choose a gun, a sword and shield, a knife or anything else your imagination can find.
- Draw the weapon on cardboard. You can find a template online, in craft stores, or you can draw one by hand. Remember it is for play so it does not have to be perfect. As a matter of fact, it is better for it to not look exactly like the real thing.
- Cut the sword or gun out with the scissors. Be careful when cutting cardboard, it can be difficult. Make sure your scissors are really sharp. If allowing children to cut be sure an adult is supervising at all times.
- Add color to your play weapon. The idea of a play weapon is that it should not necessarily look like the real thing. You should paint or color your sword or gun with odd tones. Colors that are not normally the color of a gun of sword are suggested. Glitter, letters, stencils and even beads can add character.