Week 25 {tiny paintings project}
This Week: FIRECRACKER PEASHOOTER
No explosives necessary for this week’s craft. These cute little firecrackers are just pretend. They're kind of like blow-darts without the pointy end, so they would be great for a 4th of July party with kids.
Or get the artwork in the "artwork downloads" column to the right. Print it out on 4" x 6" photo paper, and make sure the print size is 100%. You might need to save the file and print using a photo application.
This art is only for your personal use, and may not be reproduced. And please, if you use my artwork, send me a picture of what you made, so I can pin it to my pinterest board.
FIG. 1 Supplies: Have you noticed that at Starbucks or Peet’s they have two sizes of straws? Grab both the big and the regular size. One of the wide straws makes four firecrackers. You'll also need, about 32” of ribbon, rubber bands, scissors, tacky glue (kids might have an easier time with a glue stick), thin cord for pretend wicks, tissue paper (I used gold, but red or yellow is fine), and printouts. Each printout makes four firecrackers and a shooter. You’ll also need a stapler that is not wider than your ribbon. (See fig. 17)
FIG. 2 Cut the wide straw into 2” segments.
FIG. 3 Cut out the artwork. Curl the edges of one of the shorter rectangles. Look at fig. 3 to see in which direction to roll. Apply a small amount of glue (or glue stick).
FIG. 4 Wrap the art around the straw. If any glue squeezes out the seam, quickly wipe it off with a damp paper towel. Keep the seam closed with rubber bands.
FIG. 5 Repeat with the rest of the firecrackers, and let dry.
FIG. 6 Wrap and glue the long rectangle art on the regular size straw, starting 1” from the end.
FIG. 7 Cut the tissue paper into 2” x 2” squares. You’ll need two for each firecracker. Fold a piece of tissue paper in half. Cut fringe without cutting through the fold. Add a small line of glue and a 2” wick.
FIG. 8 Start rolling from one side.
FIG. 9 Roll it all the way up.
FIG. 10 Twist the top.
FIG. 11 Fold a 2” square of tissue paper in half. Add a dot of glue and the other end of the wick.
FIG. 12 crumple the paper up into a little ball.
FIG. 13 Line the inside rim of the firecracker straw with glue.
FIG. 14 Shove the paper ball into the straw. This should be airtight. If you have gaps, fill them with glue. Let dry.
FIG. 15 Cut a 14” piece of ribbon. Fold it in half and tie a knot just below the fold, but keep it loose.
FIG. 16 Put a little glue on the seam of the blow tube straw and the end of the art. Slip the ribbon loop over the seam and tighten the knot.
FIG. 17 Use the remaining ribbon to make the firecracker ammo belt. Fold and tie the ribbon as in fig. 15. Pinch a firecracker between the two ribbon ends and staple through both pieces of ribbon.
FIG. 18 Repeat with remaining firecrackers.