Construction Paper Anchor

Today's craft, a construction paper anchor, is inspired by Rhode Island. Despite the fact that 30 of the 50 states have a coastline, Rhode Island is the only state whose flag features an anchor. (Slightly random, but read here to learn why it is impossible to measure the length of a coastline. It's fascinating.)

Anyway, the flag of Rhode Island is white with a gold anchor and the word HOPE on a blue ribbon. It was adopted in 1877 and based on the state seal. The seal was first adopted in 1664 for the colony, a good 120+ years before Rhode Island became a state. It is believed that the word HOPE was taken as the colony-then-state motto from Hebrews 6:19 - "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." Affiliate links below.

Construction Paper Anchor

Materials:

• grey construction paper (or gold, if you want to match the flag)
• pencil
• ruler
• microtip scissors
• glue

Steps:

Turn a piece of grey construction paper vertically. Use a ruler and a pencil to draw a cross, leaving a 2" gap at the top and extending all the way to the bottom. Approximately 1/2" from the bottom, draw a smile that intersects the cross. 

Use the ruler to draw lines 1/2" to the left, right, top, and bottom of the cross. Mark spots 1/2" above the smile, then connect them into a curve. Draw arrow points at the ends of the smile. Round off the ends of the anchor's cross piece, then add a point to the bottom. Round off the top of the anchor, then add an oval in the rounded portion. 

Use microtip scissors to cut out the anchor, saving the scraps. Cut the scraps into strips approximately 1/2" x 4". Make a chain by inserting one strip through the hole at the top of the anchor, then gluing the ends together. Insert a new strip through that hole and glue it together. Continue until the chain reaches the desired length. 

 

In addition to a study of Rhode Island, this would be a fun project for a pirate-themed party, to say bon voyage, or to count down to a cruise!