Ring Toss

An aquatic form of an historically popular game can be made almost waterproof when doughnut-shaped rings, of 7 in. diameter having holes 3 in. across, are cut from plastic material. The two circumferences are then top-stitched with 1/4-in. seams, using a rather fine needle and mercerized thread in a medium stitch. An opening is left in the outer circle for the stuffing, which consists of rubber sponge cut up into small pieces. Because the sponge will expand when wet, toys stuffed with this material should not be filled too full. After filling, the opening is stitched shut, and the extra material snipped off close to the seam.

Fig. 2.10. Tub toys.

As indicated in A of Figure 2.10, the base of the peg is a rounded 4-in. square of 1/2-in. wood (not plywood, which when even of the waterproof variety, is apt to separate after repeated immersions), with a length of 1/4-in. dowel inserted in the center. Since waterproof glue may loosen after repeated dunkings in warm water, the dowel peg is blind wedged into its hole by cutting across its lower end and inserting a small wedge which will spread the cut as the peg is pounded home. A pair of good-sized corks are then threaded through holes over the dowel, which should be short enough so that its end will be buried in the top cork.

Miscellaneous Rubber Sponge Toys

Using the same technique of filling a plastic "skin" with small pieces of rubber sponge all manner of favorite toys can become aquatic companions. A starfish about 9 in. in diameter is an easy project, with the seams overcast or bound with plastic strips. A laughing mouth and eyes can be added with a few drops of enamel of almost any color. A more elaborate frog was shown in Figure 2.3.

Blocks can remain available in the bathtub if they are cut into large cubes of rubber sponge and then covered with plastic cloth. The ABC's can be added in enamel.

Even simpler to make are large-sized letters cut from rubber sponge and left uncovered. These may form the bather's name or nickname, but will float apart at the faintest ripple.

Tugboat

For transportation-minded bathers, a small tugboat like the one shown in B of the drawing is easy to assemble. The deckhouse can be nailed in place from the underside, and the spool funnel held in place by a large-headed nail or screw driven down from the top. The barge is a piece of solid stock with small strips bradded to form a rectangle to hold the soap. It is attached to the tug by a short string "hawser" knotted through small holes.

Wharf

Between trips the tug and its tow may warp into its berth on a small island protected by a sturdy lighthouse. As indicated in C of Figure 2.10, the island is compass or jigsawed from 1/2-in. stock and painted green, except for the wharf which may be gray. The lighthouse is a fairly long spool with its lower flange cut off, or a length of dowel sanded to a smaller diameter at the top, which is surmounted by a wooden button mold. The lighthouse is enameled white, with a red or black roof and spiraling windows.