What I made

I’m very excited by this craft project – mainly because it’s my first contribution to feature in MAKE: magazine (part of a new regular series) but also because I think it’s quite a neat project!

I made it during a snowy spell, after taking pity on a Robin that had taken residence in our garden (it’s funny how craft ideas often come from an actual need). I didn’t feel like braving the cold, so I made do with materials I found lying around the house – namely a few Coke cans and some disposable chopsticks (salvaged from a meal out to a Chinese restaurant). I was quite pleased with the result, I thought it looked fairly elegant, which was my initial goal.

Download project files›

Includes:
1) Collectable instructions – they look great stuck on the fridge!

While on the topic of bird feeders here’s some very cool ones made from traffic light lenses. If you know of any others made from unusual materials let me know, I couldn’t find many.

1) Turn a bottle of Coke Light into a… light!

I recently came across some nice examples of jewellery made by melting recycled plastic in the oven – they really sparked my interest in using plastic as part of one of my craft projects. After a bit of trial and error I managed to create the lamp shown above from plastic party bowls, an empty bottle of Coke Light and a biscuit tin.

Although I was happy with the final result, I must confess, the plastic didn’t really behave like I was expecting. Instead of shrivelling and shrinking, the plastic bowls just went all limp and floppy – I think the plastic was too thick. In fact, I was so disappointed with the effect I nearly packed it in. However, after experimenting with the oven temperature I managed to get a bit of gentle twisting and warping, which I used to create a more subtle and elegant effect.

The biscuit tin was used to create the cover to the shade, and galvanised wire to create the light fitting support. Anyway, you’ll find fairly detailed instructions below – I had to gloss across some of the steps, but you should get the idea.

Please note: Because the light shade is made of plastic I’d advise using a low energy bulb – one that doesn’t get too hot. Also, be careful with the wiring – the stand is made of metal so everything needs to be well insulated (not one for the kids)!

Download project files›

Includes:
1) Collectable instructions – they are useful and they look good
43 downloads so far, thanks everyone! (updated weekly)

It took a while to find other nice examples of lights made from recycled plastic bottles, but I eventually came across Sarah Turners beautiful handmade lights. Go check them out.

1) An old bent fork, throw it away…

2) …but wait, it’s an egg cup holder.

3) It makes your eggs even sunnier!

So here’s my latest upcycling craft project, a simple, yet attractive egg cup made from a recycled fork. I got the idea after coming across a coat hanger made from a bent fork – I immediately wondered if something more intricate (but still useful) could be made from bending a fork, this was the result.

In many regards it’s a very simple thing to make, however, I really struggled with the fork I had chosen – it was like trying to bend an iron bar! I’d suggest choosing a fork that is not too thick.

I have provided a hand-drawn tutorial below, use it as a guide, if you have a well stocked workshop you may well find a better way to bend the fork. The most important thing is the shape of the base, you don’t want an egg holder prone to tipping over – if you follow the plan I have provided you should be all right.

If you like this post and would like to know when I have posted something new, please consider subscribing. Have fun.

Please note: The ideal fork will have long tines (able to cradle an egg) and a handle long enough to form a stable base.

Download project files›

Includes:
1) Collectable instructions – they are useful and they look good
206 downloads so far, thanks everyone! (updated weekly)

In an attempt to make it easier to find relevant content I have re-jigged the navigation. The categories are now familiar phrases, and I’ve added a drop-down box that lists every post by name. So with that in mind, why not browse my recycled craft category for more upcycled inspiration.

1) Emperor moth caterpillar – Saturnia pavonia

2) Common wasp – Vespula Vulgaris

3) Common house fly – Musca domestica

4) Earthworm – Ocypus olens

While working on last week’s rustic twig and wire bowl craft project, I had the idea of creating decorative ‘bugs’ to enhance your fruit bowl. Originally, I wanted to make them from the left-over twigs, but in the end opted for pencils (to be precise 2 pencils) and a handful of paper-clips. And although primarily designed for the fruit bowl, these bugs would also make great table decorations, especially for Halloween parties (although, I guess, I’m missing the spider).

I’ve included a detailed tutorial on how to make your own bugs below. Have fun and if you have any questions just leave me a comment.

Please note: I was asked about the glue I used. Well, I used a two-part epoxy adhesive called ‘Araldite’. It comes with two tubes, you mix equal amounts, and when it dries it is very strong – the other good thing, is that it’s ‘thick’ and it can be dabbed between the segments to create a thick seal/spacer.

Download project files›

Includes:
1) Collectable instructions – they are useful and they look good
155 downloads so far, thanks everyone! (updated weekly)

I thought I’d stick with the pencil theme and bring your attention to the amazing pencil tip sculptures of Dalton Ghetti.