Along the lines with Duck Tape and WD-40, paracord is a simple yet effective powerhouse of a rope. Most uses of paracord revolve around shoelaces, tying knots, making grips etc. And while that's cool, I started thinking: "What can I make using paracord that is out of the ordinary, and would even be interesting enough to give as a gift?" Well, everybody loves magnets. What if magnets were to be combined with the all-famous paracord into some unique item... like an action figure?

Make way for Magnetic Paracord People!

Step 1: The Bare Necessities (Jungle Book, Anyone?)

To make these tiny figures, you'll need

Paracord (obviously!)
A lighter
A ruler/measure
Scissors
Tiny neodymium magnets smaller than the circumference of the paracord

Step 2: Time for a Trim

Often when paracord is used the ends are melted slightly to prevent the strong inner ropes from sliding out. When melted, it will shrink a little. So the measurements below for the body and legs are the length you want them to be after they're melted, not before. Measure twice, cut once. Make sure to cut a little extra to leave room for shrinking!

Torso: 1 1/4 inches long
Arms and legs: 7/8 inch long

I'll talk about the head in a later step. The measurements above can be as long or short as you want, but those are the measurements I used.

Step 3: It's a Singe

This part can be unsafe if not done correctly, please use caution during this step.

This step is about inserting the magnets into the ends of the hands and feet (that sounds funny, since it's a stick figure.)

Place your magnet on a surface that cannot catch on fire. Take the end of one of the limbs, and melt it to the point that you see it bubbling. Quickly after, press the top of the limb down on top of the magnet, and it will encase the magnet in molten rope.

Step 4: "We Can Rebuild Him"

Now that you have 4 magnetic hands and feet, prepare the torso. Re-melt the inside of the hands and feet one at a time, and press it into the body. It should stick very nicely.

Step 5: Time to Get Ahead

I figured the head would weigh a lot of a sophistic knot was to be used, so to minimize the amount of cord I simply tied 3 knots on top of each other and squished it into a round shape. By now you'll have two different ends sticking out of the head, trim one up very close, and melt that into the head. Trim the other one with a little excess.

Step 6: IT'S ALIVE!

Melt the little excess you left on the head to a boil, then attach it where the head goes. Allow about 30 seconds for cooling, and that's a wrap!

Step 7: Stick Em' Up!

These little guys will stick just about anywhere, but I find I like them best on the fridge. Express your creativity and position them in creative ways! Maybe make a small army, hanging off of the magnetic cliff. Have fun, it's enjoyable to use your imagination with these!

Rock on, little paracord dude.