Simple Weighing Scale - DIY School Project

I wanted my daughter to experience the joy of weighing things and see the wonder of the scales tilting up and down. Now-a-days we only see those electronic scales with numbers on the display and it's no fun. So, I took up this task of creating a simple balance for my little angel.

Things we used for this little project -

1. Two circular cardboard pieces (Same size)
2. Coloured craft paper
3. Glue
4. Ruler / measuring scale
5. Pencil
6. A Pair of scissors
7. Craft thread

Let's start by wrapping the two circular cardboard pieces by coloured paper. You can paint them as well, if you don't want to wrap a paper. The diameter of the circles is 17.5cm. Measurements are upto you but the scales need to be of the same size.

Take a rough paper and measure and cut a circle of the same size. We need to make a hexagon to mark the holes for the threads. For that draw 9cm lines as shown in the pic above. I have drawn an equilateral triangle for refrence below to show that the strings will be tied at an equal distance from each other.

 Cut the holes and put this paper on top of the cardboard circles and mark the point on it with the help of a marker pen/ sketch pen.

Make holes on the marked spot using the scissors or a screw driver.

Now let's make a paper stick using an A4 size craft paper. Just roll the paper and stick the edge. Follow this link to know how to make a paper stick - paper-stick.html

Here I have made a 30.5 cms long paper stick.

Cut 50cms of the craft thread. We need 6 such pieces, three for each scale.

Tie three stings together on one side of the paper stick and three on the other side, like this -

Mark the center of the stick.

Now take the strings separately and insert into the holes on the scales and tie a knot.

Tie a string in the center of the paper stick. Pull the string to check whether the scales are at the same level and the stick is horizontal. Secure the strings in place with glue. I have used the hot glue gun for this purpose and also some craft wire.

Make some dummy weights using cardboard or some pebbles. Or simple use small button cells.

And the Simple balance is ready to be experimented with!

The kids will definitely enjoy comparing weights with this one!

Here you go - weighing 100gms each :) enjoy yours too!

Mini Paper Bag - Origami

Here's another interesting way of giving away candies without the bother of packing and even distribution! Small items like an eraser or a sharpner or temporary tattoos etc can be put in this mini paper bag and presented. It's hassle free to create and requires minimal items.

Requirements :

1. Craft paper - Square
2. A pair of scissors
3. Glue (optional)
4. Some stickers (optional)

We need a square paper. If you have printed gift wrapping paper, cut a square piece - 5 inches x 5 inches

 Fold it diagonally to form a triangle.

Keep the open end of the triangle upwards and fold the paper as shown in the pic.

Fold the other side as well.

This looks like a pentagon! Let's fold it in the center like this,

To make the handles, cut the slanting edge from the folded side, leaving a margin of about 1cm, towards the open ends. Don't cut through and through, leave some gap. Refer the pic below.

Open the center fold. Below the cut, fold the open ends of the paper on either sides. Insert one edge in the pocket.

Fold the second open edge on the other side.

Add some stickers or embellishments if you wish.

And the cute little paper bag is ready!

 

DIY Season's Greetings

Holiday season is here with Christmas and New Years eve at the doorstep.
A season of gifts and greetings. So, let's also make a sweet little gift card for the occasion.

Requirements to make this charming card, are -

1. White Craft Paper - for the base of the card
2. Crepe paper - assorted colours
3. Pencil - ✏
4. A pair of scissors - ✂
5. Craft Glue 
6. Glitter pen
7. Few glittery stars stickers

Step 1, is to take the white craft paper and fold it in the middle to make a card. 
Width of the paper here is 15cm and length is 30cms. After folding the card's dimensions are 15cm X 15cm.

Draw a circle on the face of the card, in the center, using anything round.

Write the desired greeting in the center and colour it with the glitter pens/brush pens. Use calligraphy ideas to make it more attractive :)

We don't need to outline the circle.

Now, let's make some flowers. Cut approx 4 inch long crepe paper strips, half inch in width. Take a strip and join the ends using the craft glue.

After forming the paper ring, apply glue on one of the running edges, like this,

Gather that edge together and pinch to secure it and give it a floral shape. Let it dry. 

Let's take the green crepe paper and cut thin leaf like shapes. Also, make some more flowers with the assorted coloured crepe paper.

Now, apply glue on the circle we had drawn earlier on the face of the card. Paste the green leaves on it one by one. Let it dry for a couple of minutes.

 

Now we can paste the flowers on the leaves one by one, forming a wreath.

 

Add some more flowers.

Decorate with the glittery star stickers.

 

We can also use some glitter to add more glam to our card.

 The card is now complete with it's starry look.

Add a personal message inside. You can also paste an envelope with some gift money inside, in case you aren't sure what to gift :)

Thank you for going through the post and wish you happy holidays!