Terrific Twig Trivet
If you want to make a special gift, a terrific twig trivet is a great choice. It's a functional gift -- it helps to protect the table from hot pans or dishes -- and it will be especially appreciated because you made it yourself.
 ©2007 Publications International, Ltd. A twig trivet is a unique gift that you can make yourself. |
You'll need an adult's help to use the pruning shears or craft knife, but the rest of the project is easily accomplished by most kids. Get started by gathering a lot of sticks and twigs.
What You'll Need:
- Lots of sticks, about 1/4 inch in diameter
- Corrugated cardboard
- Natural jute, 4-ply, #72 (optional)
- Pruning shears or sharp craft knife
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Waxed paper
- Craft stick
- Tacky glue
Step 1: Ask an adult to help you use pruning shears (or a sharp craft knife) to cut the sticks into three-inch lengths. Use sticks that are as straight as possible. You will need about 25 to 30 pieces.
 ©2007 Publications International, Ltd. You'll need lots of twigs and a pair of pruning shears. |
Step 2: Measure and cut a piece of cardboard into a 6-inch square.
 ©2007 Publications International, Ltd. Cut a piece of cardboard into a 6-inch square |
Step 3: Place the cardboard square onto waxed paper. Scoop glue from bottle with the craft stick and spread glue in a thick layer over entire cardboard surface.
Step 4: Lay the sticks in a parquet pattern (see photograph, below). Place the sticks as close to each other as possible. Let glue dry completely.
 ©2007 Publications International, Ltd. Lay the sticks in a parquet pattern. |
Step 5: Squeeze a thick line of glue around the outside edge of the trivet. Starting in the center of a side, place the jute in the glue and press firmly to the edge of the trivet.
 ©2007 Publications International, Ltd. Glue the jute around the edges. |
When you reach the beginning of the jute, overlap the ends slightly. Let the glue dry.
Ready for a walk in the woods? Gather some leaves while you're there. Keep reading to learn a fun craft that uses leaves.
For more fun nature activities, check out:
