- 1). Determine how large you would like your model raft to be. If you are making the raft for a child who will use it at playtime -- perhaps for a couple of teddy bears on summer vacation -- measure it against the child's dolls and stuffed animals. A good guideline size, no matter what your model raft will be used for, is 2-by-4-feet. This is large enough to add detail, but small enough that it can be stored or displayed anywhere.
- 2). Gather together 12 water bottles that have been emptied, stripped of their labels and cleaned thoroughly. You can find these in the recycling bins of your neighbors, or you can simply purchase a package of bottled water and use those bottles after the water is gone. Line the bottles up on the ground with four bottles stacked horizontally, four bottles stacked vertically in rows of two, and another four bottles stacked horizontally in the opposite direction of the original four.
- 3). Glue the bottles together with extremely strong glue. You can also thread them together and secure them with twine or a strong, waterproof string. Allow to dry away from extreme heat or cold.
- 4). Paint two pieces of wood any color you choose. Red, orange, brown or black are all good choices, or you can go wild with brighter hues or a unique design. Allow to dry. Place a piece of wood underneath the bottles, and glue, nail or tie the bottles to the wood. Repeat the process on top, so the bottles are laying between two panels of wood. You can also opt to place wood only on top of the bottles.
- 5). Test your raft in the water, or keep it on display or in a toy chest if it will be used by a child. Whatever you decide to do with your raft, the innovative design and fun assembly process will be cherished and remembered whenever the bottle raft is seen in the future.
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