One reason for finishing all these craft projects is to get more organized. Of course, it’s hard for me to work when my supplies are in disarray. I’ve had these ribbon spools stuffed in a drawer that’s so full I have to rearrange everything each time I open it.
I picked up two plain wooden bases and a dowel pin from Michael’s, and took them to my basement workshop. Okay, I put some newspaper down on the basement floor to work on. I don’t have anything in the way of a work table. I figured it would be easy: drill a hole the same size as the dowel through the center of each base, cut two ten-inch lengths from the dowel, add a little wood glue, and hey-presto, done.
Why is nothing ever as easy as you think it will be? Turns out my drill bit set didn’t include a size that matched my dowel. I spent about five minutes debating heading to the hardware store, either for a drill bit that matched my dowel, or a dowel that matched one of my drill bits, but I really didn’t want the project to take all afternoon. So, I improvised with what I had already – using a drill sized a tad bigger than the dowel.
My secret weapon was Gorilla glue. Have you ever tried this stuff? It’s crazy. You get one piece that you are gluing a little wet, then put glue on both sides and connect. For some reason, the stuff gets a little foamy, which is great when you’re trying to fill in a gap. I used a cuff of tinfoil around the base to hold the dowel up straight while the glue dried (being careful not to let the foil touch the glue).
The glue foamed up a LOT, I wound up having to sand it down, but it took paint beautifully.
Now I just need to figure out what project is next.
Those are really cute! Well done!
Thanks so much for posting this! I blogged about it on my site this morning, and of course linked back to ya. I have been dying to make some of these and had no real clue where to start, you inspired me so much. =0)
Forgot to put in my link, sorry…MessyMama