Antonio demonstrates how to create easy, fun and budget-friendly DIY projects for your children.
Height Measuring Stick
Materials & Tools:
- Wood plank or old barn board (minimum 6.5 feet, width can vary)
- Sand paper
- Paint and painting tools
- Measuring tape
Method:
Sand and smooth finish of plank or board (remember to sand edges).
Prime and paint board.
Using measuring tool, mark 3 inch increments along one edge of plank/board.
Paint dashes for each increment and numbers at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6 foot increments.
Option 1: Using a cutting tool, cut board into pencil shape and paint to resemble a pencil.
Option 2: Leave barn board unfinished without paint to resemble a ruler.
Approximate Cost $20 – $30
Pillowcase “Catch-All”
Materials & Tools:
- Pillowcase
- Scissors
- Iron
- Iron-on patch
- Curved hanger
- Interfacing
Method:
Cut one ¼ inch diameter hole in one side of pillow case – 10 inches down from the opening of the pillowcase in the centre (lengthwise).
Cut two ring-like shapes from iron-on patch with centre cut out being ¼ inches in diameter (exterior diameter 1 inch).
Iron both rings on both sides of pillowcase hole – sandwiching hole with ironed rings for reinforcement.
Fold over pillowcase opening – creating a fold over/cuff of 10 inches – fold back 5 inches of cuff inside initial cuff.
Position hanger hook through pin hole and adjust pillowcase and hanger so curved part of hanger supports fold over / cuff.
Hang on door handle / hook.
Option 1: Secure one half of a door knob to wall to hang hanger on.
Option 2: Iron interfacing on inside of cuff to add structure and form to folded cuff.
Approximate Cost $15 – $20
Duck “Pop Art”
Materials & Tools:
- Birch painters board
- Rubber ducks (check your local dollar store)
- Hand saw
- Craft glue
- Caulking / Dap
- Paint & painting tools
Method:
Cut each rubber duck in half (lengthwise).
Paint duck halves – traditionally yellow body, orange beak and black / white eyes.
Paint birch board.
Glue ducks to board in grid like pattern.
Fill any gaps from uneven cuts with caulking/dap.
Conceal / touch up caulked seams if necessary with paint.
Approximate Cost $20 – $75 (pending size of artwork)
Courtesy Antonio Bellusci