Monday 14 March 2016

DIY Toys: Coconut husk mini basket


Here's a simple craft made using coconut husks. We actually prefer the taste of the larger green coconuts from Malaysia, but for the sake of art, we occasionally buy Botak coconuts from NTUC or Giant. This little hanging basket can be used as decoration, a plant pot, or in our case, a Bear Holder. We finished it in 15 minutes. It's quick and simple, but requires close adult supervision.

Materials
  1. Hand drill (hand-operated, not electric. Available from Spotlight. I got my Mini German-made Hand Drill from Garrett Wade)
  2. String / Yarn / Wool (We get our wool from Daiso)
  3. Botak Coconut husk ( I prefer uncut coconuts. To split the coconut, whack the fattest part with the back of a chopper till it cracks. Drink, eat, scrape, wash, and put it in the sun to dry)
Instructions
  1. Using one half of a coconut husk, drill 2 holes, 1 on each side, where you would like the handles to be. If you plan to use it as a plant pot, drill drainage holes at the bottom too. Be careful not to place your hands at the side of the husk, just in case the drill slips and hurts you. You may find it useful to secure the husk on a bench, using a clamp (We got ours from Daiso). A towel also helps to stop the host from slipping and sliding. 
  2. Braid / finger crochet / finger knit the wool to make thicker handles.
  3. Thread it through the holes and tie a knot.
  4. Find something cute to put inside your hanging basket!
If you want a basket that can stand unit's own, get the pre-cut botak coconuts!

1 comment:

  1. Oh thanks so much for this! I was wondering where I could get the hand drill! Will head to spotlight to check it out! And love your blog! Inspires me and encourages me to keep persevering in my homeschooling journey.

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