Sushi and Chinese take-out utensils have invaded your kitchen drawers. Hmmm… what to do with that ever growing pile of bamboo sticks?
Chopsticks are great for DIY, and this nifty trivet, inspired by Danny Seo’s book, Upcycling, is easy to make and will be a great centerpiece for your holiday table.
Time: 1-2 hours
Skill Level: Easy
What You’ll Need
Lots of chopsticks – I used about 40 sets**
Painting tape
Multipurpose or wood glue
Big heavy books
Optional: glitter, paint
** Tip: If you don’t have enough at home, you can buy them in Chinatown. Use bamboo chopsticks for sturdier trivets.
Instructions
On my first try, I didn’t use anything to position the chopsticks. Then my cat jumped on the table, scattering them everywhere. After much cursing, I started again with the tape.
Step 1: Preparation
Using your tape, make a sticky-side-up cross on your work surface. Tuck the ends of the tape underneath and adhere them to the table. The arms of the cross should measure about 20” from end to end. Take more tape and join the ends of the cross at 45-degree angles (like a square kite). This will be used to secure the chopsticks.
Step 2: Placement
Put twenty chopsticks aside. Then begin by making a cross, with the tips of the first four chopsticks touching. Place the next chopsticks directly between the first to make a starburst pattern. You can pay attention to the distance you place the chopsticks from the centre so that they make a circle, or if you prefer a more haphazard look, place the chopsticks at random until the spaces are filled up, and look like the spokes on a bicycle.
Step 3: Reinforcement
Take one of the chopsticks you put aside and run a line of glue along its length. Place the chopstick glue-side-down on your starburst. Repeat.
I started by making a square in the middle and then added more to the edges. Make sure that every chopstick in the starburst is touching at least one, if not two or three of the reinforcers. When you have finished, put some heavy books on top and leave it to dry (according to my glue “the longer you leave it, the stronger the bond”)
Step 4: Finish
When you are certain the glue is dry, detach the tape from the table and carefully lift the trivet. If there are any loose chopsticks, add more reinforcers, or apply more glue. If it is ready, then flip the trivet over and carefully remove the tape.
That’s it! You have a unique trivet in time for the holidays. If you’re feeling extra festive, you can paint your trivet white and sprinkle silver glitter on it for a snowflake look.
