popsicle sticks and embroidery floss: 3 ways

When I was a child, I frequently pulled out the popsicle sticks (craft sticks if you want to be proper) and started assembling what I could. Usually it ended up a mess, but I have fond memories of that craftiness. Then, the other day I was prepping some of these wooden pieces for a few Sunday school projects, and got to thinking that it would be fun to make something now. Something more grown up.




So I pulled out the popsicle sticks, embroidery floss, a few tools, and I was good to go. Within a few minutes you can make all three of these projects: a coaster, a keychain, and a necklace!



To make the coaster, you'll need 6 craft sticks, glue, and embroidery floss.

Lay out the sticks in a sort of tic-tac-toe pattern.



Leave the sticks in place and remove one at a time from the top layer. Add glue at the three points where the stick will lay. I used hot glue, which dries quickly, so you need to work fast.

You can also use craft glue, but the kid in me wanted it to stick and be stuck instantly. My biggest childhood frustration with popsicle stick projects was when they would slide around as I tried to glue them!



After it's all glued securely, wrap each intersection with embroidery floss and tie it off, trimming the ends.





I wrapped mine going all in one direction, but you could crisscross them too. Either way, you'll have a simple coaster with a pop of color!



For this next project, you'll need 3 craft sticks, embroidery floss, craft glue, a key ring and a Crop-a-Dile (or a drill press).

You probably think that I get a kickback on Crop-a-Diles, but I really just love this tool so much! It's worth every penny! I mean, it punches through wood like it's nothing!

Start by punching a hole in one end of each stick. They should all line up as closely as possible. Run a thin line of craft glue along each stick to hold them together in a stack.



Wrap the stacked sticks with embroidery floss. You can make as many little sections as you want, but it seems to work best when the wrapped area is no more than 3/4" wide so you can tie it off.



When you've finished wrapping, slide a key ring through the hole in the stacked sticks.





Add some keys and you've got a ring that shows off your favorite colors!



For the necklace, you'll need one craft stick, embroidery floss, two large jump rings, a plain chain, and a Crop-a-Dile. Jewelry pliers are helpful too.

Punch three holes in the stick as shown.




Thread one color of embroidery floss and wrap it through one end and the center hole. When you've wrapped it enough times to have it looking full (I used about 18 inches), tie off the thread and trim the ends.



Repeat the wrapping process at the other end. Or don't. It's up to you. But two colors are better than one, right?



Use the jump rings to attach the necklace to each end of the craft stick.




While this is a little larger than what I would normally wear, my sister told me I HAD to make this because it's exactly the kind of thing she likes. She won out, but since it's jewelry with embroidery floss involved, I think I'll be trying to wear this crafty statement!

There's something comforting about using materials from childhood to craft something as an adult. Part of what gives them their charm is their simplicity and versatility. What crafts did you most enjoy as a kid?