FORGE of FINERY: Tiny Swords

Prepare for war! It's important to have a (legal) concealed weapon on you, not just to help protect from the bad guys, but ALSO to protect from utter boredom! ...Here's a creative pocket-size weapon both safe for children and dangerous in the hands of skilled fighters! It's fun to build, fun to wield, and the best part? All you need is 2 pipe cleaners to build it with.

Step 1: The Blade.

Take your first pipe cleaner and fold it either in half or in thirds, depending on how long or short you want your sword.

...If you're having trouble folding your fuzzy noodle and part of it hangs off at the end, don't panic! You can improvise by twisting your blade together and folding that leftover fuzzy end back up in place. (This can be your placeholder for your sword handle.)

Step 2: the Hilt (aka sword handle)

Take your second pipe cleaner and twist it around your blade near the bottom. This is your handle. Keep around 2 inches sticking out and wrap your pipe cleaner downwards.

When you've hit the bottom, wind your pipe cleaner back up the handle 2-3 times to reach the top (where the other end of your pipe cleaner is sticking out). Fold both ends together into a crossguard (the stick between your blade and handle) and your sword is complete!

...Now you have your very own travel-sized sword! (Made of metal, no less!) Keep it in your pocket in case you come across a robber you gotta poke in the eye, or do a "little" sword practice and challenge a friend to a teeny-tiny sword fight. Unguard!