My kids are into so many things these days.

They love comic book heroes like Batman, Spider-Man, Iron Man and the rest of the Avengers. They’re into Harry Potter, Lego and, most recently, pirates. Even though they’ve not seen the movie, my oldest son, Sam, sometimes requests we listen to “He’s a Pirate,” the theme song from “Pirates of the Caribbean.”

After coming across an adorable wine cork boat craft, I decided to give them a try. I also decided to turn them into mini pirate ships that the boys can use with their Lego figures. Killing two birds with one stone, right? Plus, I got to finally use some of the corks in the half-full wine cork keeper I got as a wedding gift almost eight years ago. (I’m not a big wine enthusiast.)

The boats were super easy to make. I tackled four in less than 20 minutes, and that included gathering my supplies. So even if you don’t feel like you’re a crafty person, I promise you can make these. There’s no glue or crazy assembly required.

The boats kept my kids busy for an entire afternoon after I first made them. They continue to make regular appearances outside and even in the bathtub. Just don’t leave the boats in water overnight, or they will fall apart. R.I.P., red-sailed cork boat.

Wine Cork Boats

WHAT YOU NEED Wine corks (three per ship)

Rubber bands

Pointed craft sticks

Craft foam (I had red and black on hand)

Permanent marker

WHAT YOU DO 1. Start by laying three wine corks side-by-side. Secure in place with rubber bands at “bow” and “stern.” I used two medium-sized rubber bands and wrapped them around the cork three times so it was good and tight.

2. Cut sails out of your craft foam. I free-handed mine by basically drawing a giant leaf shape and cutting it out. Eyeball the dimension of your sail against the pointy craft stick to keep everything in proportion. You can make flags to put at the top of the craft stick, too.

3. If you wish, draw on a pirate symbol or any other design on the sail. Per my kids’ request, we had a pirate symbol on one and the Triforce symbol from “The Legend of Zelda” on the other. But you could add a sticker or even use a temporary tattoo on the sails if you’re not a fan of drawing.

4. Add the sails to the craft stick. I poked the pointed end of the stick through the foam, and it went through fairly easily. Next, stick the craft stick into the cork in the center of the boat.

5. That’s it! You can add any small toy figure to the boat (we hooked the Lego guys’ feet under the rubber bands), or just play with the boat on its own. These are fun in the pool, a water table or even the bath tub.

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