Do your kids love swords? My boys do. So I am constantly saving wrapping paper rolls and other strong, sturdy pieces of cardboard to feed their sword-fighting appetites. Now that the two boys are getting older and play-fighting has become a daily occurrence, I have come under the constant assault of, "Mommy, can you make us some swords?"
Of course, there has not been a single sword that I have made or that has been bought that has survived beyond two or three play sessions. Inevitably, every sword (including, once, a little friend's plastic sword [heartfelt sorry!]) breaks or bends or somehow becomes irrecoverably damaged. There's always the possibility of wooden play swords, but I think I would have a hard time explaining to the ER doctor where my young sons got wooden swords to pummel each other to bits with.
So how do you make a "soft" sword more durable?
Felt. The answer to every cool toy question always leads to felt.
This is a sword that has the cool cuteness of felt food/toys, but the rugged duel-ability of a cardboard sword. Even when the cardboard starts to give, the felt actually helps to keep the cardboard rigid for a few more sessions of wall-bashing, swashbuckling, toy tumbling fun.
And the best part? When the cardboard does finally gets all worn and bent - just find another box, cut out a new insert and presto! a fresh, new sword. Stay tuned for the step-by-step.
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