How to Make Decorative Flip Flops

Hi everyone, Steph Ackerman here today showing you how to create a set of decorative flip flops to  remind you that summer is still ongoing even if we are summering in place this year.

I drew the shapes on a sheet of plywood, then used the Scroll Saw to cut them out.  I found it easiest to cut the plywood panel first so I could work with a smaller panel.

The Scroll Saw makes easy work of cutting the flip fops.

Next, I sanded the edges with the Delta Sander.  This is my go to sander.  With it's shaped sanding surface, I can get into the smallest of areas.

The Bench Drill Press easily cut the holes in each flip flop.

I used Plaid's Folk Art Paint to paint the flip flops.  Once dry, I used a stencil with Plaid Folk Art Paint to create the design on the flip flops.

To finish, I inserted ribbons in the holes and added a flower.  Now, I just need to hang these on my wall to remember that summer comes every year.

Thanks for stopping by.

Steph

Make This Puzzle to Challenge Your Wits

Puzzles are fun for me. I've loved them since I was a kid. This easy-to-make puzzle will definitely challenge your wits!

Supplies and Tools You'll Need

• Proxxon Scroll Saw DS 115E
• Proxxon Professional Rotary Tool
• Proxxon Delta Sander OZI/E
• ½" MDF (medium density fiberboard) or wood
• ¼" MDF (medium density fiberboard) or wood
• Wood glue
• Acrylic paint
• Triangle puzzle pattern from Scrollsaw Workshop

I began by attaching the patterns for the base and top of the puzzle to the MDF using the instructions that I gave in the business card holder post.

Pattern for the puzzle frame and pieces applied to ¼" board

Pattern for the puzzle base applied to ½" board

Next, I took these pieces to the scroll saw to cut out. I first cut the outer perimeter of each piece.

After completing the exterior cuts on the top piece—the puzzle frame and pieces—I used the Proxxon Professional Rotary Tool to drill a pilot hole in the top grey triangle. When cutting interior spaces, the saw blade is passed through this pilot hole so cutting can be completed.

Continue cutting the interior pieces, following the pattern. The grey areas on the pattern will be discarded; the colored areas are the puzzle pieces. 

Align the base and the top frame, and glue together. When the glue is dry use the Proxxon Delta Sander to smooth any rough or uneven edges. MDF requires minimal sanding, so you might not even need to sand the puzzle pieces. Paint the base/frame and the puzzle pieces with acrylic paints.

Now, challenge your friends to see if they can put the pieces back into the frame.

Carole

Kid of All Ages Will Love This Adorable M&M Dispenser

Who doesn't like M&M's? Add a Mason jar dispenser, and you've got a winning combination. This is a big hit with my grand daughters, and made a terrific gift for my grand nieces and nephews.

You'll need these tools and supplies:

• One 12"x18" piece of ¾" MDF or wood (I used MDF)
• One 2" length of ¼" dowel
• One 4"x1½" piece of 1/8" MDF or craft wood (optional)
• Pattern for the dispenser (Scroll Saw Workshop, then search for gumball machine)
• Wood glue
• Standard one pint Mason jar with ring lid
• Drill and 5/16" bit
• FolkArt Ultra Dye by Plaid Enterprises
• Proxxon Scroll Saw DS 115/E
• Proxxon Delta Sander

Let's get started. Attach the pattern to the MDF. Cover the surface of the MDF with painter's tape. Then, spray the back of the pattern with spray adhesive, and put that on top of the painter's tape. The spray adhesive holds the pattern in place, and the painter's tape makes removing it a breeze. Follow the pattern to cut each piece using the Proxxon Scroll Saw.

Sand all the pieces with a fine grit sandpaper using the Proxxon Delta Sander.

Next, paint each piece. I used FolkArt Ultra Dyes for rich, vibrant colors.

I designed the sign for the front of the dispenser using Make-the-Cut software, and cut the pieces out of vinyl. This is an optional piece, and is not included in the original pattern. 

When all the pieces are dry, assemble according to the directions using wood glue. Fill the jar with M&M's and enjoy!!

Carole

Unique Fan Guard Sticks Made with Proxxon Tools

In addition to working with Proxxon Micro Tools, I am also a bobbin lace maker. I wanted something special for a half fan that I made, so I decided to make my own unique fan guard sticks.

Tools and supplies for making the fan guard sticks:

• Proxxon Table Saw  FET
• Proxxon Scroll Saw DS 115/E
• Proxxon Professional Rotary Tool with Proxxon Micromot Drill Stand
• Water soluble liquid adhesive
• Set of fan sticks

While I had a set of fan sticks, I wasn't thrilled with the guard sticks, so I decided to make my own using my Proxxon tools. I chose a length of bubinga wood for the fan guard sticks. The piece that I had was about 15"x4", so the first step was cutting a 1/8" thick strip from this length. I began by setting the blade height on the Proxxon Table Saw FET to be sure that the cut would go all the way through. You can see that the blade is set just a bit higher than the depth of the bubinga.

I used the longitudinal stop to guide the length of wood through the blade.

The result was a 15"x1/8" strip of wood, ready to be fashioned into fan guard sticks.

After cutting the 15" length in half, I measured and traced my desired shape onto the thin strips of wood.

Next, was shaping the guard sticks on the scroll saw.

Last step for the fan guard stick was to drill a pivot hole at the bottom end using the Proxxon Professional Rotary Tool mounted in the drill stand. This bubinga wood cut so smoothly that it didn't even need sanding!! Great wood to work with. I love bubinga.

Now to mount the lace onto the fan sticks. I used an archival, water soluble adhesive to glue each fan stick to the lace. Here the lace it ready to mount onto my newly made guard stick.

Here's picture of the finished fan—mounted on the fan sticks with my custom made guard sticks!! 

Carole