The carousel is a perennial favourite at carnivals and amusement parks. Everyone enjoys the colourful animals and the memory of their very first carousel ride. Re-create those good feelings by making a carousel model of your own. Placed on a bookshelf, mantel or a table as a centrepiece it will add a bit of carnival atmosphere to the room.
You can make a model carousel with items found in your local big box retail or hobby and craft store. The project is simple enough that children can help build it and older children can design and make their own.
- Skill level:
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Things you need
- 2-tier 10-inch bamboo or wooden lazy Susan
- 5 small zoo animal figurines
- 6 large wooden safety matches
- Coloured construction paper (yellow, red and blue)
- Elmer's glue
- Hot glue gun
- Ruler or protractor
Use the pencil and ruler to draw 6 banner flags 1/2 inch tall and 2 inches long on each sheet of construction paper.
Use the scissors to cut out all the flags.
Use Elmer's glue to attach one of the cut out paper flags to the head of the safety match being sure to have the head of the match lower than the top of the flag.
Glue another paper flag the same colour on top of the first piece. The match head should be completely hidden by the paper flags.
Repeat the above process with all the paper flags you cut out and set them aside for the glue to dry.
Take up one of the miniature zoo animals and use the hot glue gun to attach it to the bottom tier of the lazy Susan.
Use the glue gun to attach the other zoo animals on the bottom tier of the lazy Susan about 2 inches apart from each other. You will only use five of the animals on the bottom. Try to save something taller like a giraffe or elephant for the next step.
Use the hot glue gun to attach the remaining zoo animal figure in the centre of the top tier of the lazy Susan.
Use the scissors to cut a strip of coloured construction paper 4 inches long and 1 inch wide from each piece of coloured construction paper.
Use the hot glue gun to attach each flag to the side of the top tier of the lazy Susan making sure the flags are straight and all pointed in the same direction. Keep the flags about 2 inches apart. Let the glue dry before going to the next step.
Use the Elmer's glue to glue the strips of coloured construction paper onto the side of the top tier of the lazy Susan. This will cover the places where the flags are glued on and provide an attractive curtain at the top of your carousel.
Tips and warnings
- For some added appeal you can attach a small strand of battery operated LED Christmas lights to your carousel.
- Always use tools with caution and follow safe craft practices.
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