How to Make Paper Cruise Ship Models
- 1). Measure and cut the two 4-by-12-inch cardboard rectangles to act as the bottom sides of the ship. Trace and cut the 4-inch square to act as the lower rear portion of the ship. Lay one of the 4-by-12-inch pieces onto a flat surface. Stand the 4-inch square on one of its ends. Fit and bond the pieces together like an L with permanent epoxy. Flip the two conjoined pieces so they are standing on their short edges. Bond the second 4-by-12-inch piece to the opposite side to form a U shape.
- 2). Trace and cut two 4-by-5-inch cardboard right triangles to act as the pointed tip. Fit the 4-inch end of one triangle to the left front edge of the U shape with the flat side facing up. Bond the triangle into position with permanent epoxy. Repeat with the second triangle for the right side.
- 3). Evenly position the three 4-inch straws in between the two 4-by-12-inch sides in perpendicular fashion. Glue the straws into place 1 inch below the top edge of the 4-by-12-inch pieces.
- 4). Turn the ship upside down. Carefully pull the 45-degree angle edges of the triangles together and bond with permanent epoxy. The straws provide stability to the ship as you complete this step. Flip the ship back over so it is right side up. Cut and glue the 4-by-4-inch cardboard isosceles triangle into horizontal position in between the two right triangles, 1 inch below the top edges of the ship. The bottom half of the ship is now complete.
- 5). Measure and cut the three 3 3/4-by-12-inch cardboard rectangles. Fit and bond the short edges of the pieces lengthwise into U formation with permanent epoxy. Cut and glue the 3 3/4-inch rectangle cardboard pieces to each end of the U. Flip the piece over so the top opening is facing down. Fit and bond the piece atop the straws on the bottom half of the ship. The top half of the ship is now complete.
- 6). Combine 5 cups water and 1 cup flour in a pot to make papier-mache paste. Boil the mix for three minutes and allow it to cool for five minutes. Pour the mix into a medium-size bowl.
- 7). Soak one newspaper strip into the mix. Press the strip onto the body of the ship. Continue until you have covered the ship with a layer of newspaper. Repeat this step with a layer of white paper towel strips, which provide an ideal surface for acrylic paint. Allow four hours for the ship to dry.
- 8). Paint the ship with multiple colors of acrylic. Paint life rafts, windows, railings, a swimming pool and floorboards. Allow two hours for the ship to dry before handling or displaying it.
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