Simple Small Crossbow Style Bead Launcher

Crossbows are really cool, but expensive and dangerous. This tutorial will show you how to launch beads over 20 feet with a small crossbow.

popsicle sticks

a skewer

hot glue

rubber bands

Start by taking 3 popsicle sticks and gluing them in an I pattern. Take two more popsicle sticks and glue them vertical so you make a track for the beads. Take 2 more popsicle sticks and glue them horizontally next to the vertical ones. Flip it over, and glue two more vertical popsicle sticks in between the "I".

Flip it upright again, and glue two more popsicle sticks to create arms. Glue two more popsicle sticks on top of the arms leaving 1/2" at each end. Glue a tiny piece of popsicle stick to each of the ends leaving a groove about the same width as a rubber band. Put rubber bands in those grooves, and glue one last popsicle over each of the grooves trapping the rubber bands in.

Glue 3 popsicle sticks together in a row. Glue a 1 inch piece of popsicle stick to one of the ends. Try sliding it in the bead groove. If it slides easily, you've done it right. Add a few 1 inch pieces to the top to prevent the slide from coming out. Loop the rubber bands around the slide and you're done!

To Launch:

pull back on the slide

add a bead

release!