Bamboo carving|bamboo craft|bamboo boards-Bamboo Handicraft

If your cabinets are outdated, scratched and generally in need of a facelift, you can give them new life with refacing techniques. Select plywood and wood veneers that complement your home to completely change the look of your old cabinets. Wood measuring and cutting skills are important for a professional look; practice cutting and trimming the materials before you reface the cabinets. The skills are well worth learning; refacing rather than replacing cabinets can save you thousands of dollars. Other People Are ReadingHow to Do Your Own Kitchen Cabinet RefacingHow to Reface Kitchen Cabinets in Ebony StainPrint this articleThings You’ll NeedScrew driverWood cleanerCleaning cloth150 grit sandpaperTack clothMeasuring tape1/4-inch thick plywoodSawWood glueFinishing nailsHammerNail-setWood fillerUtility knifeSelf-adhesive wood veneerWood blockStraight edgeStain/polyurethaneSpongeShow MoreInstructions 1Remove the screws from the hinges attaching the cabinet doors to the cabinets. Remove the doors. Clean both sides of the cabinet doors, the faces and the sides of the cabinet with wood cleaner. Lightly sand all of the same areas with 150 grit sandpaper. Wipe away the sanding debris with a tack cloth.2Measure the exposed sides of the cabinet. Measure and cut plywood panels to fit the exposed sides. Apply wood glue to the backside of the cut plywood. Attach the plywood panel to the side of the cabinet with finishing nails around the perimeter. Use a nail-set to sink the heads of the finishing nails. Fill the openings on top of the nail heads with wood filler. You can also reface the exposed sides of the cabinet with decorative metal tiles, colored acrylic strips and mosaic tiles.3Measure the cabinet stiles and rails. The stiles are the vertical wood strips that make up the frame; the rails are the horizontal wood strips that make up the frame. Cut self-adhesive wood veneer strips measuring 2 inches longer and 1/2 inch wider than the dimensions of the stiles and rails. Use a utility knife to cut the veneer; the wood grain should run lengthwise on the strips.4Peel the protective backing from the end of one veneer strip. Press the strip against the top of one cabinet stile so that the veneer strip overlaps all of the edges. Peel the backing along the strip while pressing the veneer into place over the stile. Press a wood block down the length of the stile to remove any air bubbles and to ensure adhesion. Trim the excess veneer with a utility knife.5Repeat Step 4 to reface all of the cabinet stiles. Use the same technique to reface all of the rails. When you place the rail veneers, overlap the ends onto the stiles. Use a straight edge to cut a clean line through the overlapped veneer. Lift up the rail veneer and remove the excess strip of stile veneer beneath the rail veneer.6Stain the veneer strips and the plywood on the cabinet using a stain/polyurethane combination and a sponge. Apply stain in the direction of the wood grain, then wipe off the excess. Allow the stain to dry according to the manufacturer’s directions before applying a second coat.7Stain the front and back of each cabinet door and let the finish dry. Reattach the doors.

Rainmakers, or rainsticks, are traditional musical instruments originally made and used in South America. Rainmakers simulate the sound of rainfall, and were originally used in native ceremonies during dry months to ask the gods for rain. In modern times, the instruments are a common novelty musical instrument used in the United States and throughout Mexico and Central and South America. Rainmakers, or rainsticks, are also a quick and easy craft project and a way to teach children about rhythm, percussion, and native cultures. Other People Are ReadingHow to Make a Rainmaker Musical InstrumentHow to Make a Rainmaker for Kids Out of a Carboard TubePrint this article DefinitionRainmakers are generally made of a hallowed tube or wooden stick, which is then filled with small rocks, thorns, beans or pins. The ends are then sealed to contain the pieces inside. The rainmaker may have been traditionally made of a hallow, dried out cactus. Many modern native variations of this instrument are still made of this material. Homemade rainmakers can be made with household items, such as a paper towel tube and toothpicks.Playing the RainstickTraditionally, the rainmaker is played by turning the tube so that the items inside fall up and down to either end. This falling motion simulates the sound of rain, as the items bounce off the sides of the tube interior. A rainmaker is turned repeatedly up and down to the rhythm of a song. Additionally, the rainmaker can be shaken or tapped to the beat to create a more percussive sound.History of the RainmakerThere are many theories about the origins of the rainmaker. The rainmaker may have evolved from wooden rattles filled with dried beans that have been found in archaeological digs in Peru. These rattles date back to the Incas. Similarly, the origin of the rainmaker has been linked to rattles used by the Huicho of Mexico and the Diaguita Indians of Chile. Both groups are alleged to have used the instrument to bring rain to the arid desert regions of their countries.Contemporary RainmakersContemporary rainmakers may not be used to bring rain, but are still used in a variety of different types of music as a percussion instrument. The use of rainmakers as a percussion instrument was popularized in 1960s Mexican music. Rainmakers made of reeds and painted with traditional imagery are a common souvenir items for visitors to South America and Mexico. Due to the ease with which rainmakers are crafted, they are also popular kids’ craft projects, which are then used to teach children about percussion and rhythm.

A table runner is an easy way of decorating your table. You can bring together the colors of your home as well as the theme behind any dinner party or holiday event. While purchasing a different runner for every occasion can be an expensive proposition, it is possible to create your own unique table runners with a little ingenuity and imagination. Does this Spark an idea?Other People Are ReadingDirections for a Christmas Table RunnerTable Runner Craft IdeasPrint this article Natural DecorationUse bamboo mats placed next to one another as a table runner.For a simple and natural decoration, consider using bamboo or burlap for your table runner. Bamboo placemats can be laid out in a row down the center of the table, and accessorized with natural elements like wood or rocks. Add votive candles in groups of three and your table decoration is complete.Cut a piece of burlap wide enough to run down the center of your table. Include any printing that it might have on it for a rustic look. Decorate the center using jelly jars filled with flowers and a vine garland.HandpaintedCreate your own table runners using cotton or canvas material and some fabric paint. No matter the age, everyone will enjoy creating something special for any occasion. Cut a piece of material the length of your table and about 24 inches wide, depending upon your table dimensions. Using fabric paint, either freehand designs and swirls or use stencils and items to create geometric patterns. For example, empty cans in many sizes can be used to create circles while rulers can make lines or rectangles. Use dimensional fabric paint to highlight items and glitter paint to add sparkle. Allow to dry completely before using.Colorful TablesScarves come in many colors and patterns and can make unique table runners.Create a colorful and unique table runner using scarves that can be found in your closet. Multiple patterns with complementary colors can create an interesting look for an table decoration. Lay the scarves you choose out across the table until you are happy with the design. Stitch the edges together so that they lay flat. Place the runner on the table and decorate each section with small glasses filled with flowers or candles.A colorful runner can also be created by weaving wide lengths of ribbon together. Keep tones and hues complimentary and start with ribbon that is 1 to 2 inches wide. Cut strips in the length you need. Place the strips side-by-side and weave the complementary ribbon in and out of the lengths, allowing at least 1 inch to rest on each side of the runner. Vary the width of the ribbons for a more interesting look and continue to weave opposite pieces until the entire length is finished.Embellished RunnerIt is easy to create something rich and elegant to use as a table runner for the holidays or a special occasion. Visit a fabric store and choose a solid or tapestry design material. Purchase the size and length you need, leaving a small amount so that you can hem the edges to prevent fraying. Lightly draw a design along the edge of the runner or look at the fabric design itself. Using embroidery techniques with thread and matching beads, embellish and decorate the runner with a classic and simple design. Keep the embellishment to the edges and ends of the runner so items will rest flat in the center of the table.

Wind chimes bring whimsy and music to any outdoor space. You can make wind chimes from many different materials, including ceramic tiles. Select small 2-inch ceramic tiles in a variety of colors to create vibrant wind chimes for your yard or garden. Add a few ceramic bells or crystal beads to customize your wind chimes and hang them where you can enjoy their soft, breezy music. Other People Are ReadingHow to Construct WindchimesHow to Make a Ceramic WindchimePrint this articleThings You’ll NeedMeasuring tapeMonofilament lineScissors5 ceramic bells30 2-inch square ceramic tilesWaterproof adhesiveCrystal beads8-inch metal craft ringS hookShow MoreInstructions 1Cut five 30-inch lengths of monofilament line.2Thread one ceramic bell over one of the strands. Fold the strand in half so that the bell hangs from the fold. Glue two ceramic tiles, back to back, centered on the monofilament strand directly above the fold. Waterproof adhesive will work to glue the tiles together. Arrange the tiles in a diamond formation on the strand or keep them as a square.3Thread 2 inches of crystal beads over both strands of monofilament line. Select any size or style of crystal bead as long as the colors complement the ceramic tiles.4Glue two more ceramic tiles, back to back and centered over the strand, just above the beads. Thread another 2 inches of beads over both of the strands.5Continue to add ceramic tiles and beads until you have three sets of ceramic tiles and three sets of beads, ending with the crystal beads. You will have close to 3 inches of empty monofilament line left at the top of the strand. Let the adhesive dry.6Repeat Steps 2 through 5 four more times for a total of five ceramic tile and crystal bead strands for your wind chimes.7Cut two 12-inch sections of monofilament line. Tie each end of one on the lines onto opposite sides of the craft ring. A triple overhand knot will secure the line. Do not pull the line taut; it should be loose in the center. Tie the remaining line perpendicular to the first line. You will have knots at the east, west, north and south points on the craft ring. Cover the knots with a drop of waterproof adhesive. The adhesive will further secure the knots as well as hold your wind chime hanger in place.8Separate the two sections of monofilament line at the top of each ceramic tile and bead strand. Tie the lines to the craft ring securely with a triple overhand knot. Evenly space the strands around the ring. Add a drop of waterproof adhesive on top of the knots to hold the strands in place.9Hang your ceramic tile and crystal bead wind chimes with an S hook.

Placemats are featured in various craft projects, from purses to curtains. Wooden placemats, available in many styles, can be made into durable curtains in no time at all. It is important to obtain accurate measurements of the window and the placemats to make sure the curtain fits the window. Other People Are ReadingHow to Recycle Placemats Into Window CoveringsHow to Make Placemats Look NewPrint this articleThings You’ll NeedMeasuring tapeDrillDrill bit8 craft rings, 1 1/2 inches5 drapery rings, 1 1/2 inchesShow MoreInstructions 1Measure the length and width of the window you wish to cover.2Measure the length and width of a wooden placemat. This will help determine how many will be needed for the window covering. For instance, a window that measures 3 by 3 feet will need at least four wooden placemats if they measure 13 by 15 inches.3Mark spots for holes on the placemats. Two holes are on one short edge of the four placemats and two holes are on one long edge.4Drill the holes. Select a drill bit appropriate for the thickness of the mat and the rings.5Place two mats side-by-side, with short edges together. Slip a craft ring into a hole on the short edge of one mat, then slip the same ring into a corresponding hole on the next mat. Repeat this for the second set of holes on the placemats. Place the second pair of mats next to each other and repeat this process.6Place the first pair of placemats next to the second pair of placemats, long edges together. Slip a craft ring through a hole in the first pair of mats and then through the corresponding hole in the second pair of mats. Repeat this step for the remaining three holes.7Make marks at the top of the curtain panel for the drapery rings. In “The Complete Photo Guide to Curtains and Draperies: Do-It-Yourself Window Treatments,” author Linda Neubauer suggests placing the end marks about 3/4 inch from the sides and placing the remaining marks evenly about 6 to 10 inches apart. Adjust the marks until you arrive at a spacing that is appropriate for the wood curtain.8Clip the drapery rings to the curtain panel at the marks. Hang the wooden placemat curtain on the window.

Bamboo slats are processed from bamboo shoots and prepared into beautiful accent pieces for furniture and countertops. Bamboo slats trim picture frames and mirrors. They are used for chair rails and wall dividers. Entire Tiki bars are made from bamboo slats. Bamboo slats are sold in their natural honey color or stained mahogany. They are usually sold in a standard size of 1.75-inches by 6-feet long, but can be cut to size. Bamboo slats are installed using screws inserted into pre-drilled holes or are nailed through the nodes using pneumatic nail guns. Does this Spark an idea?Other People Are ReadingHow Is Bamboo Plywood Made?How to Use Bamboo Screening for TrellisPrint this articleThings You’ll NeedTape measureChalkTable sawGlovesGogglesShow MoreInstructions 1Measure the area you wish to use the bamboo slat for. If it is to trim a countertop edge, mark the measurement for cutting. If the slat will be used the full length of a ceiling, you might need to leave the full size. The nice thing about bamboo slats is they are easy to cut.2Set up a table saw in a roomy area–you will need room on both sides of the saw to accommodate the 6-foot slats.3Plug in and turn on the table saw. Hold both sides of the bamboo slats securely with your hands.4Push the bamboo slat into the saw blade at the mark on your slat. Keep your fingers out of the way of the blade.5Keep the bamboo slat straight to ensure that your cut is straight. Cut slowly to avoid making a mistake.

Sky Lanterns, also known as Chinese Flying Lanterns, are airborne paper lanterns constructed from rice paper, a bamboo frame and a flame. The flame heats the air in the lantern, which lowers the air density and causes the lantern to float up into the sky. Releasing multiple sky lanterns at nighttime parties or celebrations adds an exciting new element and creates a truly unforgettable moment for your guests. According to folklore, the lanterns carry away bad spirits and misfortune and leave behind good luck and fortune. Other People Are ReadingHow to Make a Newspaper Sky LanternHow to Make a Chinese Sky LanternPrint this articleThings You’ll NeedBamboo knifeBamboo stripsGlueCopper wiresScissorsHeavy file paperRice paper10 grams cotton fabricEthanolShow MoreInstructions 1Use the bamboo knife to scrape the bamboo down to a 1 cm (0.4 inch) wide and 0.1 cm (0.04 inch) thick strip. Bend the bamboo strip to form a circle and use glue to bond.2Tie the copper wires in the shape of a cross onto the bamboo circle.3Cut the heavy file paper into the shape of a hot air balloon to create a template. The template should be curved on three sides (not round) with a straight bottom edge. Use this template to cut four sides out of the rice paper to form the balloon. Glue each side together to create a tube or column with a basal area the same as the bamboo circle.4Cut out a round piece of rice paper and paste it on top of the column. Attach the bamboo circle to the bottom of the column.5Use the bamboo knife to cut a bamboo strip 10 cm (4 inches) long and bend it.6Soak the piece of cotton fabric, cut from an old rag or T-shirt, in ethanol and wrap it around the small bamboo strip. Hang it at the copper wires’ crossing point.

Folding fans are a simple and attractive way to keep cool during the summer. They are made out of accordion folded paper attached to movable sticks, traditionally made out of bamboo. When the fan is unfolded, it shows a beautiful picture and provides enough surface area to efficiently move air. When it is folded, the oriental paper fan is compact enough to easily fit in a pocket. Other People Are ReadingHow to Make a Fan Fold in a NapkinHow to Make a Standing Fan with a NapkinPrint this articleThings You’ll NeedPaintsPensBrushesPaper fastenerRubber bandGlueScissorsShow MoreInstructions 1Cut a page of standard 8.5 by 11 paper in half so that it is a 4 1/4 by 11 rectangle.2Decorate both sides of the paper. Use simple drawings or abstract designs, since folding the fan will distort the image.3Fold the paper back and forth in an accordion fold parallel to the short side. Each fold should be about 1/2 to 1 inch wide. The actual size of the folds doesn’t matter that much, but they should all be the same size.4Glue a craft stick onto each end fold. The paper should be all the way at the end of the craft sticks. Make sure that the craft sticks are longer than the width of the paper.5Cut or drill a hole in one end of the sticks. Fold the fan up. Push a paper fastener through the holes to hold them together.6Unfold the fan to use it. Fold it up again and put a rubber band around the sticks to hold it closed.

By studying Chinese artifacts, students can learn the history, social structure and culture of China. Creating artifacts such as Chinese coins, kites, and paper lanterns is a fun and easy way to introduce Chinese culture to students. Students will be able to demonstrate their knowledge of China’s history through the recreation of historical artifacts. This is a particularly good project for introducing the Chinese New Year, Chinese currency, and/or Chinese traditions to students. The results are beautifully crafted artifacts that are functional as well as educational. Other People Are ReadingHow to Do an Artifact BoxProjects for Social Studies on ArtifactsPrint this articleThings You’ll NeedPolymer claySquare-hole punch or crafting knifeChinese character stampsStamp inkAcrylic paintPaint brushesRibbonsBamboo sticksButcher paperWhite or colored computer paperCraft glueTapeScissorsShow MoreInstructions Chinese Coins1Shape Chinese coins out of polymer clay. The coins will be easier to decorate if they are at least 2 inches in size. Use a square-hole punch or cut a square out of the center of the coin with a crafting knife.2Bake the clay in the oven at 130 degrees for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the coin. Let the coin cool before handling or painting.3Stamp or paint Chinese characters on the coin with ink or acrylic paint. To authenticate the coins, link the coins with a ribbon or place them on a stick.Chinese Kites4Print pictures of Chinese kites to use as a reference. Chinese kites come in all shapes and sizes. Traditional Chinese kites were made from bamboo and silk.5Choose straight bamboo sticks to create the frame of the kites. The bamboo should be thick and strong for larger kites and small, thin strips for tiny decorative kites. Bamboo can usually be found at wood working craft stores.6Cut a piece of butcher paper to match the size of the kite frame and decorate with markers. Goldfish, dragons, swallows, insects and clouds were popular designs for traditional Chinese kites. Once you decorate the butcher paper, glue it to the frame.Paper Lantern7Decorate a piece of paper to use as the lantern. An example would be to choose the animal of the year, for example, a dragon, monkey or rabbit.8Fold the decorated piece of paper in half width-wise so that it leaves a deep crease. Cut strips 1 inch apart from one of the folded edges to the other. When cutting, leave at least 1 inch uncut at the top.9Unfold the paper. Take the paper length-wise and glue or tape the ends together.10Cut two thin strips of colored paper about 1 inch in length and 8 1/2 inches long. Glue or tape to the strips of paper around the top and bottom of the lantern.

Perhaps you’ve gone to every home accents store available and still can’t find the right color of place mats for your dining room. If you’re ready to embark on a new craft that you can do sitting in a quiet, relaxing environment, weaving might be for you. When choosing yarn, worsted or sport-weight yarn works best for this craft. Other People Are ReadingHow to Make Woven Paper PlacematsHow to Weave a PlacematPrint this articleThings You’ll NeedCardboard or mailing envelope (9 inches long and 11 inches wide)Skein of worsted or sport-weight yarn, any colorTapestry needleFabric or craft scissorsShow MoreInstructions 1Mark ¼-inch increments along the wide side of the cardboard. Repeat on the opposite end.2Mark a straight line ½-inch from the top edge of your cardboard. This line will guide you when cutting your notches. Repeat with the bottom side of the cardboard.3Cut along the first marks you made, stopping at the ½-inch line on each one. Work your way across the top. Repeat with the bottom side of the cardboard. You should now have a piece of cardboard with ½-inch slits across the top and bottom.4Wedge your piece of yarn (still attached to its skein) into the first slit on the top. Leave a 3- to 4-inch tail. Draw the yarn across the cardboard, and wedge it into the first slit on the bottom or opposite side.5Pull the yarn down behind this slit and pull it up through the second slit so the yarn is held in place by the section of cardboard. Pull the yarn across the cardboard and insert it into the second slit down (right below the first slit you weaved). Pull the yarn down behind the slit and up through the third slit down. Continue the process until all slits are woven.6Thread a tapestry needle with your yarn (single threaded, not double). Use the needle to weave the “vertical” yarn (called the “worst”) through the yarn already woven on the cardboard. Alternate going under and over the yarn.7Weave the opposite way, weaving over and under but the OPPOSITE of the pattern you used in the first row. If your last weave on the first row went over the yarn, your first weave on this second row must go under the yarn. This stands for every single row you weave. Continue the process until you’ve filled the cardboard.8Weave in your loose ends you created during the first steps. Use the needle to guide them over and under the nearest edge of your place mat. Cut the remaining tail very close to the place mat.9Remove the place mat from the loom carefully. Remove the loops on the edge of the place mat securing it to the loom. Be careful not to pull or stretch them too much, because they aren’t knotted in place yet. When finished, cut the loops so they’re two cut pieces. Tie each pair in a double knot. Keep it as is or sew it to the edge of the place mat.