Introduction: Buckeye Box (or Necklace)
So you're walking along and you find this pretty buckeye, but what can you do with it? not much actually, but hopefully this will change that :)
Things you will need:
Buckeyes (as many as you wish)
A big knife
A butter knife or small spoon
Needle or thin file
sandpaper if desired
(Closure method 1)
Tiny hinges
Tiny clasp
(Closure method 2)
Wire
thread
*just warning you now, the buckeye will warp as it hardens, comment if you have a solution, although it doesn't bother me.
Things you will need:
Buckeyes (as many as you wish)
A big knife
A butter knife or small spoon
Needle or thin file
sandpaper if desired
(Closure method 1)
Tiny hinges
Tiny clasp
(Closure method 2)
Wire
thread
*just warning you now, the buckeye will warp as it hardens, comment if you have a solution, although it doesn't bother me.
Step 1: Picking Out a Buckeye
You want a buckeye that's smooth and free of bugs or any other imperfections, some buckeyes have this beautiful wood pattern on them, which makes them preferable to me.
You'll want to clean them thoroughly but be careful not to scratch them.
Step 2: Cutting It Open and Taking Out the Insides
sounds bad doesn't it? But anyway, the way that I found to be best was getting a big knife (preferably not serrated) and just push down until it slices through. be VERY CAREFUL!!! then use a butter knife to scoop out the white nut type stuff out and you can throw that away. be very careful not to strain the edges too much or they will rip
Step 3: Making It Into a Box (method 1)
This is the first way I tried, and I was very pleased with it.
Attach the small hinge to the back with either glue or screws
Attach the clasp to the front with either glue or screws
Clip screws (or they'll stick out inside the box and that's not good)
Attach the small hinge to the back with either glue or screws
Attach the clasp to the front with either glue or screws
Clip screws (or they'll stick out inside the box and that's not good)
Step 4: Making It Into a Box (method 2)
this way is a bit trickier, but I think it looks nice.
to make the buckeye able to open and close, punch about 4-6 holes through both the top and bottom halves, then thread a needle and sew through as seen in picture 2
and for the clasps
Punch 2 holes in the top and bottom pieces of the buckeye
bend 2 small pieces of wire into a small U shapes and poke them through with the loops on the outside.
bend a small hook out of wire and attach it around the top loop of wire, so that it can clasp into the bottom loop
bend the wires flat inside the shell
and tada!! you're done!!!
to make the buckeye able to open and close, punch about 4-6 holes through both the top and bottom halves, then thread a needle and sew through as seen in picture 2
and for the clasps
Punch 2 holes in the top and bottom pieces of the buckeye
bend 2 small pieces of wire into a small U shapes and poke them through with the loops on the outside.
bend a small hook out of wire and attach it around the top loop of wire, so that it can clasp into the bottom loop
bend the wires flat inside the shell
and tada!! you're done!!!
Step 5: Making It Wearable or Able to Stand on Its Own
For the necklace, you'll want to punch 2 holes in the top half and thread a large jump ring or bent wire through them.
and for the box, you'll probably want to make little wire legs to make them stand, and ta da!! you have your own little buckeye box or necklace to either keep or give to someone!!!!
and for the box, you'll probably want to make little wire legs to make them stand, and ta da!! you have your own little buckeye box or necklace to either keep or give to someone!!!!