Hexagon Project

When popsicle stick crafts come to mind do you think of middle school crafts? Well, think again because I found a way that they can be used as decoration. This craft will be making a hexagon honeycomb shelf that can hang up anywhere to be used as decoration.

Step 1: Step 1: Start

To start this project off get out all the supplies that are needed which would be: over 100 popsicle sticks, hot glue gun, wood stain, paint brush, pencil and a blank piece of paper. Making a template would make this project a lot easier to accomplish.

Step 2: Step 2

Take the piece of paper and six of the popsicle sticks. Lay the sticks down on the paper to make a hexagon. Trace the sticks and then take them off the paper to see the template. Take a pencil and color in every other side of the hexagon. After that, there should be 3 colored in and 3 that are still white

Step 3: Step 3

Set down the three sticks on the colored in sides. Now half of the foundation is laid down for the hexagon. To make sure the foundation of the hexagon is perfectly shaped, tape the first three sticks to the template so they don't move around.

Step 4: Step 4

Put just a little dot of hot glue near the edge of each end of a popsicle stick, then join the sticks where the ends overlap at each corner.

Step 5: Step 5

Glue down the other two remaining sides of the hexagon to complete the foundation. Remove the tape and the template from the hexagon.

Step 6: Step 6

Now lay down the second hexagon in the same pattern as the first. Remember to make sure that each stick that is glued down in aligned to the one below. Continue this process until the shelf reaches the desired depth.

Step 7: Step 7

To make it approximately three inches deep, it equates to 17 popsicle sticks per side for the total of 102 sticks.

Step 8: Step 8

Finally stain the shelf according to the manufacturer's directions for the specific product that is being used. I would recommend using a craft gel wood stain. If this is used, apply with a paint brush and wipe away any excess gel.

Paint the top three sides of the hexagon then let dry.

Step 9: Step 9

Once the first three sides are dry, continue the same process on the other three.

Step 10: TIP

Staining the hard-to-reach areas between the popsicle stick layers can be tricky. Might have to use a small flat brush to get in between those tight sports. If desired to make the hexagon a weathered appearance, don't try to attempt to paint each and every single area between the layers nor stain the entire surface evenly. If desired to have a more polished appearance, I recommend using spray stain or consider coloring with spray paint to ensure that the areas in between the sticks are thoroughly and evenly coated.

Step 11: Step 11

Once the staining is to the liking, allow the product to dry completely. When it is all dry the shelf is now ready to mount. This project can hang anyway you would like.