Introduction: Cumin Centipede (Spice Dash Rack)

Ever need just a dash of cinnamon or a touch of paprika but your spices all over the kitchen and/or in non-shaker containers?  Cumin Centipede here can hang out on your counter with just the perfect amount of each spice ready to be dispensed instantly! 

Cumin Centipede holds way more than just cumin (that just happens to be the funniest spice to name it after).  It is made up of eight segments each holding a different, oft sprinkled, spice:
  • Cumin
  • Paprika
  • Cayenne Pepper
  • Garlic Salt
  • Nutmeg
  • Cocoa Powder
  • Cinnamon
  • Allspice

Step 1: Materials and Tools

Centipede
4 Sets 'Peas in a Pod' salt and pepper shakers (while you don't need them now, keep the little pea pod holders - they make super-cute soy sauce holders!)
1 packet green Sugru
1 packet blue Sugru
1 sheet of Avery labels. or fine point Sharpie

Centipede Stand
1 block wood (9 3/4" long, 1 1/4" high, 1 3/4" deep)
Butcher block wax
Plastic door bumpers
1/8" Aluminum tube
Sandpaper
Transparency paper
Clear drying glue

Tools
Dril with 1/8" bit
Small Saw
Clamp
Scissors
Funnel
Clean cotton cloth

Step 2: Lots of Legs


Roll out eight 1" pieces of green Sugru.  Cut in half and affix one end to each side of each segment. Allow to cure overnight.

Step 3: Antennea


Now the antennae...Using the blue Sugru, roll out two tiny pieces, curl over tops and affix to the top of one segment.

Step 4: Labels


Print out labels using Avery template...or write directly on the jars with a fine point Sharpie.

Step 5: Fill Bug


Remove cap from the bottom of the jars and fill using a small funnel.

Step 6: Base


Sand base
Sand down wooden block until all sides are smooth.  Since I used an exotic hardwood and only planned to apply a minimal finish, using increasingly high grit sandpaper can result in a nearly finished look.  For this piece (purple heartwood) I used 120, 220, and 400 grits.

Measure out segment placement
The head and tail are 1/4" in from each side
All other segments are places 1 1/8" apart
Find and mark center point along each line
Drill holes about 1/4" in depth

Step 7: Prepare Base


Apply a finish to the wooden base.  I'd recommend any non-toxic/food-safe option (shellac, oil, wax). I used a couple layers of butcher block wax.  Simply coat piece with wax and wipe off excess after 20 minutes.  Repeat at least once more the next day.

Step 8: Mushrooms


Print mushrooms out on transparency paper and them cut out.  Adhere to the sides of the wooden block with any clear glue.

Step 9: Cut and Glue Pegs


A small aluminum tube was used to create pegs on which to set each segment.  They do not affix the shakers to the piece by any means, but they do keep them from falling off from occasional movement.

Cut out eight 1/2" pieces and sand the edges until smooth.

Glue pegs into holes drilled in previous step.

Set filed shakers in place and spice away!

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