Bamboo carving|bamboo craft|bamboo boards-Bamboo Handicraft

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.

Different from the western style paintbrush, bamboo brushes are made of wolf’s hair or sheep’s hair rather than horse hair or synthetic bristles. The dark brown bristles of the wolf’s hair bamboo brushes are stiff, creating clean lines. The sheep’s hair brushes are lighter in color, softer and more absorbent. These are better for shading and painting larger areas. Along with the difference in the actual brush, the technique for bamboo brushes is an ancient art form, different from western painting techniques. Does this Spark an idea?Other People Are ReadingHow to Paint Chinese BambooHow to Paint CalligraphyPrint this articleThings You’ll NeedChinese inkDishScrap paperRice paperShow MoreInstructions 1Pour Chinese ink into a dish and set it on your workspace.2Dip the bamboo brush into the ink and brush it onto a sheet of scrap paper.3Practice using the two-finger hold to add loose strokes to the page. Use your index finger and thumb to pinch the brush handle at about the center.4Practice strokes with a three-finger hold. To do this, place your index finger and middle finger on one side of the brush, with your thumb on the opposite side halfway between the other two fingers to balance it in your hand.5Explore the five-finger hold by placing your fingers the same way as the three-finger hold with your ring finger and pinkie pressed toward the brush to stabilize it.6Lay the brush bristles flat onto the paper and drag the brush sideways to create thick, shaded lines. Use the tip of the brush to add detail and thin lines.7Practice all three strokes until you find a comfortable way to hold the brush and are confident with your technique.8Paint the ink onto the rice paper using the strokes you practiced.

The kazoo was invented by Alabama Vest in the 1840s. According to Barbara Stewart in “The Complete How to Kazoo,” it appears to be a descendent of the mirliton, an instrument used by African high priests centuries ago in sacred ceremonies designed to instill fear in the villagers. The kazoo, however, is a musical instrument. Most kazoos are made out of plastic, but crafters with woodworking skills and the right tools can make one out of wood. Other People Are ReadingHow to Make a Homemade KazooHow to Make a Kazoo Step-by-StepPrint this articleThings You’ll NeedBamboo stalkWood raspHandsaw with fine, straight, teethPiece of plastic wrap or plastic bag, 3 inches squareElastic bandShow MoreInstructions 1Select a bamboo stalk with a diameter of at least ¼ inch.2Use a handsaw to cut a piece from the bamboo that is 5.5 inches long. Cut this piece between the nodes.3Look through one end of your bamboo to make sure that it is completely hollow. If there are any obstructions, dislodge and remove them with a long, thin object, such as a knitting needle.4Mark a point on the wood that is about ¾ inch away from one end of the wood. Use a wood rasp to make a hole at this mark.5Place the square plastic wrap over one end of the bamboo. Wrap the elastic band around the plastic to secure it to the wood. Make the plastic taut across the end of the bamboo yet loose enough to vibrate when you play it.

Making books with children can be very exciting for them and provide an enriching activity in which their imagination can run wild. Allowing children to make their very own books will make them feel accomplished and give them a sense of importance. Children can make a book of their own about dinosaurs, seasons, flowers or whatever they desire. Other People Are ReadingHow to Make a Cool Arts & Crafts Sandwich Book for KidsHow to Begin Kids Collage ArtPrint this articleThings You’ll NeedRecycled paper or newspaperHole punchElasticPopsicleMarkersStickersCrayonsPaintShow MoreInstructions 1Fold two sheets of paper in half the long way so that it is skinny. Line up the corners to create a neat fold. Fold the paper again the other way. And again, line up the corners as neatly as possible. You can choose to add more pages; however, it may be a bit harder to punch holes through a thick stack of papers. Use newspaper or recycled paper for the book, with the writing folded onto the insides of the paper.2Place one folded piece of paper into the other one. This will create the pages of the book. Use a hand held hole punch to punch holes about ¼ inch from the folded edge of the paper. You don’t want holes that far away from your edge or the book won’t open easily.3Put the elastic around the Popsicle stick and push it through the top hole. If you don’t want to use a Popsicle stick, use a tree branch stick or a bamboo stick for the binding. Turn the book around and push the elastic through to the front of the book. Wrap the remainder of the elastic around the Popsicle stick in the front of the book.4Decorate the inside and outside of the book with whatever story ideas you’d like. On the front of the book put a title and maybe a picture to represent what the story. For instance, if the children are learning about dinosaurs, the book can be dedicated to learning the different types of dinosaurs. Add a different dinosaur on each page and on the cover. Use markers, stickers, paint and crayons to decorate the book.

Working in a cubicle can be tedious and annoying. Cubicles are designed to look industrial and boring—your cubicle looks exactly like the other 49 on your floor. Offering no doors and little privacy, many people work in cubicles for their entire careers. Since you’re going to be spending so much time in your cubicle, decorating it can add warmth to your workspace and promote a better attitude. When decorating your cubicle, remember to not make permanent changes and to keep in mind your office standards and guidelines—never decorate with something inappropriate or over the top. Your beer can collection might be your pride and joy, but it should remain in your basement—not at the office. Other People Are ReadingHow to Decorate a Cubicle for Office Fun DayWays to Decorate Your CubiclePrint this article Hawaiian Tiki CubiclePurchase several yards of bamboo window shade material. Staple the bamboo along your cubicle walls to simulate the inside of a tiki hut. (If stapling is not allowed, attach the material with hook-and-loop fasteners such as Velcro.) Take the blooms off several silk orchids and other tropical flowers and attach the flowers to the bamboo material. Hull a coconut and set out to dry. Shellac the inside of the coconut and use as a pencil holder.Hollywood CubiclePurchase a red runner to use as a “red carpet.” Purchase black or red velvet and tack it to the walls of your cubicle. Take 8-by-10 glossy photos of your favorite old Hollywood stars and personally “autograph” them to you with a black marker (for example: “To Sally, I really had a great time last night. Love, Marilyn Monroe”). “Frame” the pictures with silver and gold scrapbook paper and place on your cubicle walls.Garden CubiclePurchase several inexpensive, clay flower pots and paint them in bright colors. Plant herbs in several of these pots. Herbs grow well in artificial light and will make your cubicle smell fresh and clean. (As a bonus, you can snip off some herbs to add to your lunch salads.) Use one of the pots as a pencil holder. Paint your mouse red and add black spots to make a “ladybug mouse.”Beach Villa CubicleBuy a poster of an ocean or beach scene and frame it in a thick, white frame. Add two white wood pieces in a “cross” in the center of the poster to simulate window panels. Cover your cubicle walls in a solid yellow or blue wallpaper. (Note: Do not use self-adhesive wallpaper, as it may destroy company property. Instead, staple or Velcro the paper to the cubicle). Hang the picture window and add a window curtain above it. Fill a glass vase with seashells as an accent piece.

Acrylic paint is a water-based paint that is often used instead of oil paint. Because of its water base, you can add other materials to customize the paint to suit your particular needs, such as for a mixed-media project. For example, you can add a product into an acrylic paint base to make the paint appear pearly. Once finished, you can store the pearl acrylic paint in a glass jar for future use. Other People Are ReadingHow to Make White Paint Creamy White PearlHow to Add Pearl to Rustoleum PaintPrint this articleThings You’ll NeedAcrylic paintBaby food jarClear micro glitterBamboo skewerShow MoreInstructions 1Clean and dry an empty 2-oz. baby food jar.2Fill the jar 3/4 full with acrylic paint.3Add 2 tsp. of clear micro glitter to the paint. Micro glitter is extra fine and will make the paint appear pearlized.4Stir the paint with a bamboo skewer until it is well combined. You can now use the pearl acrylic paint for your project.