Happy half term! I thought I’d bring you a little photo post today about a classic German autumn pastime: making conker models. If you like getting crafty yourself, or if you need to entertain the kids, this is a fast, relatively un-messy, and intensely satisfying activity. Be sure to help the kids with making the holes, and if you want your models to last while the conkers begin to dry out, you might want to apply a little glue to the sticks.
You need: a pile of conkers; a pair of scissors or a little screwdriver for making holes; toothpicks or matchsticks for making limbs
Carefully pierce the conker with your scissors or screwdriver. You might want to swivel your implement around for a nice round hole. Be sure to supervise or help young kids because those conkers are slippery, and you don’t want any holes in fingers or tables! 🙂
Here’s a body with four legs…
…now add feet…
…a neck, and a head…
…a nose and ears. You can paint on eyes and a mouth if you like… Nice doggie!
If your model doesn’t balance properly, just wiggle the sticks until you get everything even. Easy!
Model gallery: a dog, a snake, a giraffe and a hedgehog. Child’s play!
If you happen to really enjoy yourself, there’s no limit to your imagination here! You can also incorporate acorns and their little acorn hats, leaves, or any other autumnal delight that captures your interest. Happy modelling!
Nicky Wells: Love & Thrills 