What do you need to make a ship model out of matchsticks?

Building a simple matchstick model is possible using only a knife, glue, sandpaper and matchsticks. More complex models may require the use of needle-nosed pliers for bending the matchsticks. Sheets of acrylic are useful for supporting large flat matchstick structures while the glue keeping the matches together dries.

Regular matchsticks are suitable for building models, but it is necessary to remove their inflammable tips first. Alternatives to this are tip-less sticks ordered from a matchstick manufacturer or craft sticks available at hobby stores.

It is also possible to purchase matchstick model kits, which contain complete assembly instructions, cardboard formers, glue and matchsticks.