• Model boats can be incorporated into a number of craft projects.Sailing race image by C Sprucefield from Fotolia.com
  
  Making or collecting model boats can be a satisfying hobby for both children and adults. These miniature vessels can be extremely detailed, looking just like their larger counterpart, or simply a basic toy designed for floating in the backyard pond. Whether you want to make your own boat from scratch or use an existing boat in a project, there are many types of crafts that involve model boats. Some of the projects are better for experienced crafters, while others can be done as a kids’ project.
  
  

Foam Boat

• Making a model boat from foam is a child-appropriate project. They will enjoy creating a model that they’ll actually get to play with. This project is also eco-friendly. Find a piece of foam that floats. Foam fruit and vegetable trays often work well. Trace the shape of a boat hull onto the foam and cut it out. On another piece, trace the shape of a sail and cut it out. Decorate the boat and sail with permanent marker. Glue the sail to the hull using fabric glue. It may be helpful to hold the sail in place with a pin until the glue dries. Sail the boat in the tub or pool when complete.
  
  

Living Room Lamp

• For a distinctive decoration for the avid ship-lover, make a lamp out of a model boat. Purchase a lamp kit from a craft or building supply store. These kits allow you to create a lamp from almost anything. Some only come with the top, so you’ll need to create a base. Cut, sand and finish a piece of wood for the boat to rest on. Install a metal rod in the center. Drill a hole through your model boat that’s big enough for the lamp cord and rod to fit through. Thread the cord through the hole and stick the ship on the metal rod. Attach to the base with wood glue or nails. Install the lamp kit to the metal rod and add a decorative shade.
  
  

Centerpiece

• Design a centerpiece perfect for the wedding of a water-loving couple, a yacht club dinner party, or other boating event. Buy or build a model boat hull. Paint the hull to look like the type of boat desired. Airbrushed spray paint works best for plastic hulls and acrylic paint works well for wooden hulls. In the opening of the hull, arrange some flowers. Another option would be to fill the hull with smooth stones and place candles on top.