Explore the world of blowguns made from bamboo, plastic, or metal, but what if you need one in a pinch? Making a quick blowgun is a breeze with just a sheet of paper and some tape.
Steps to Follow
Creating the Blowgun
Start with a piece of printer paper. Aim for dimensions around 8½ by 11 inches (21.59 by 27.94 centimeters), but any rectangular paper will suffice.
- For added flair, opt for a vibrant color.
- For a stealthy approach, stick to neutral shades like white, black, grey, tan, or army green.
Create a thin tube by rolling the paper lengthwise. Aim for a width similar to your finger's. Alternatively, wrap the paper around a pen, pencil, or dowel, ensuring to remove it afterward.
Secure the paper tube's middle and ends with tape. Opt for plain scotch tape or colored washi tape for added visual appeal.
Apply additional tape between the existing pieces. Place short strips between the middle and end tapes without wrapping around the tube. This helps keep the flaps secure.
Protect the end you'll put your mouth on with extra tape. This prevents damage to the paper. Wrap a piece around the end, allowing it to slightly protrude. Press it against the tube's walls, tucking any excess tape inside. For smaller tubes, use a pen or pencil to assist.
Creating the Ammo
Cut plain paper into several rectangles. Each rectangle should be approximately 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) wide and 2 to 3 inches (5.08 to 7.62 centimeters) long, with each piece making one dart. You can create as many darts as desired.
Roll the rectangle into a tight cone, starting from the upper left corner. Use a sharpened pencil to help shape the paper. Don't worry if the cone appears too wide at the end; this will be corrected shortly.
Secure the cone with a piece of clear tape. Transparent tape is preferable for visibility. This completes your dart.
Insert the dart tip into the blowgun's end. Avoid forcing it; if it easily falls through, you're set to use it. If it doesn't fit entirely, mark the dart where it touches the blowgun using a pen or pencil.
Remove the dart from the blowgun and trim it if necessary. If the dart falls through easily, skip this step. If it's too large and required marking, cut it in half along the marked line. If the dart begins to unravel after cutting, add more tape to secure it.
- If the dart starts to unravel after cutting, simply add more tape to secure it.
Consider adding a toothpick, but only if you're responsible. Paper darts can cause pain if shot at someone; toothpick darts can be even more painful. Never shoot toothpick darts at people or animals. However, they can be used for targets like balloons. Here's what to do:
- Trim the dart's tip to create a hole large enough for a toothpick.
- Insert a toothpick into the hole, leaving about ½ inch (1.27 centimeters) exposed.
- Secure the toothpick with tape around the dart's tip.
- Trim any excess toothpick protruding from the dart's wider end.
Utilize the blowgun. Insert the dart, pointy end first, into the blowgun's mouthpiece. Hold the blowgun to your lips and aim at your target. Deliver a quick, forceful blow into the blowgun.
Helpful Tips
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Magazine paper creates particularly sharp darts.
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Crumpled paper serves as effective ammo if you prefer not to fashion a dart.
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Targets like balloons, paper cups, and Styrofoam disks are ideal for dart practice.
Warnings
- Avoid aiming your darts at people or animals, especially if they're tipped with toothpicks. While it might seem harmless, it can cause real harm.
Essentials
- Paper
- Ruler
- Scissors
- Pen or pencil
- Tape
- Toothpick (optional)