What I made

days ago

Four pencil and paper-clip ‘bugs’

Posted in Radical recycling

Pencil and paper clip caterpillar

1) Emperor moth caterpillar – Saturnia pavonia

Pencil and paper clip wasp

2) Common wasp – Vespula Vulgaris

Pencil and paper clip fly

3) Common house fly – Musca domestica

Pencil and paper clip worm

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.

How to make one

Pencil and paper clip bugs - how to diagram

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
344 downloads so far, thanks everyone!

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

What I made

979

days ago

Rustic twig and wire bowl

Posted in Radical recycling

Twig bowl - side view

Step 1: Walk the dog, but don’t throw him/her sticks, keep them.

Twig bowl - empty view

Step 2: Cut to length, drill and add some wire, easy!

Twig bowl - base

Step 3: Finally, empty the biscuit tin (yummy) and fashion a base.

Last week I used an empty baked beans tin, this week I thought I’d be even thriftier and use twigs! Okay, I also used some wire and an old biscuit tin, but the main material is good ‘ol twigs, as found on the ground under trees. Actually that’s the best thing about this project, not that it’s made from a free resource, but that the first step involves getting off your sofa and into the countryside.

On top of this, my bowl has an added claim to fame – the twigs were gathered from Burnham Beeches, an ancient English woodland that has been featured in many movies including ‘Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves’, ‘Princess Bride’ and ‘Harry Potter’! And no, I didn’t make a special pilgrimage, I happen to live nearby – it’s where I walk the dog and kids.

So why not give it a go? You’ll find details on how to make your own bowl below – if you have any questions, just leave me a comment.

How to make one

Twig bowl - how to diagram

Please note: You will also, most likely, need to sand the ‘biscuit tin’ base to remove the printed surface. I’d also suggest spending some time, after steps 8 and 9, shaping the bowl by bending the twigs and tweaking the wire with pliers.

Download project files›

Includes:
1) Measuring guide – print out at 100%
2) Collectable instructions – they are useful and they look good
259 downloads so far, thanks everyone!

Have a look at Robin Wood’s blog, he’s a wood turner that uses a foot-powered lathe to make traditional bowls and plates from local timber. He’s also passionate about preserving heritage crafts.

What I made

983

days ago

Cardboard fort with escape chute

Posted in Krafty kids

Cardboard fort

This cardboard fort was a bit impromptu. I started off working on next week’s craft project – next minute I was rescuing toilet rolls and old boxes and creating my son an ‘underwater’ fort to accompany his new Lego ‘Atlantis’ set!

The fort is quite simple, but it does have an escape chute – this is important, it means when the Lego Shark attacks, the little Lego diver can escape by jumping down the tower and sliding out of the secret side exit.

Update: Fiona from Neverending Lists had a crack at this project (which according to her four year old is a “farmhouse not a fort”) she added some nice modifications, have a look.

If you are using recycled cardboard boxes why not cut down one side and reverse fold them so the unprinted cardboard is on the outside. It’s a much easier surface to decorate or paint, you can even use felt-tip pens. One last thing, for more cardboard inspiration check out these beautiful castles created by Anne Wood.