How to make a Solar System threading game (with video!)

DIY Solar System Threading Game

Hi everyone! I’ve teamed up with 5 YouTubers to bring you a YouTube Handmade Holiday Gift Series.  Handmade gifts often cost little in materials but the value to the person on the receiving end is exponential.  This week my friends and I are sharing a new gift idea each day.

YouTube Handmade Holiday Gift Series

Here’s the schedule:

• Sunday 12/11/2016 ToolBox Divas  www.youtube.com/ToolBoxDivasNation
• Monday 12/12/2016 DoityourselfDanielle https://www.youtube.com/user/doityourselfdanielle
• Tuesday 12/13/2016 Woodgrain Girls https://goo.gl/25x8FI
• Wednesday 12/14/2016 Handmade with Ashley   https://goo.gl/qGO171
• Thursday 12/15/2016 Cowlick Studios https://goo.gl/3iqccJ
• Friday 12/16/2016  Mother Daughter Projects https://www.youtube.com/MotherDaughterProjects

How to make a Solar System Threading Game

This is my YouTube project video debut. 🙂  I’m sharing how to make a Solar System threading game. Threading games are great for developing fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination,  concentration, and patience.  Inspiration for this project comes from my son.  He is learning about planets and adores space. Watch the tutorial below and continue reading for the written version.

Quick safety warning: The project involves small pieces and a cord. This is a potential choking hazard for young children.

Tools and Supplies

Disclosure:  This post contains affiliate links.

The following items are the tools and supplies you’ll need to make the solar system threading game.

Tools

• Saw (hand or power)
• Scroll saw (or jigsaw or coping saw)
• Drill (with a drill guide or preferably a drill press)
• 3/8″ Spade drill bit
• 1/16″ drill bit
• Vise (I used my JawHorse)
•  Sander

Tools used for the project

Supplies

• Scrap lumber
• 1/4″ dowel
• Acrylic paints
• Sealer (I used Mod Podge)
• String (I used leather cord)
• Sand paper
• Strong adhesive (I used DAP Rapid Fuse)

Step 1: Sketch shapes of the sun and planets onto the scrap lumber

I wanted a very cartoony look for my solar system.  I sketched lumpy circles for each planet and the sun.  While the planets aren’t drawn to scale, I did try to size them such that Jupiter was the largest circle (after the sun) and Mercury was the smallest circle.

Step 2: Cut out each shape

Shapes cut out with a scroll saw

Use a scroll saw, jigsaw or a coping saw to cut out each planet and the sun.

I used my scroll equipped with a Flying Dutchman Ultra Reverse blade.

Step 3: Drill holes through each planet

Drill 3/8″ holes through each planet.  I used a spade bit.

Step 4: Drill holes for the string

Drill a 1/16″ hole approximately a 1/4″ – 1/2″ deep in one end of the dowel and on one side of the sun.

Step 5: Prep planets for painting

Sand the surface of the planets and sun.  Apply primer if necessary.

Step 6: Paint a base coat

Paint each planet and sun with a solid layer of the most predominate color.

Step 7: Paint details

Painting planet details

Follow up with a new layer of paint capture details and features of each planet and the sun.  Look at pictures of the solar system as a reference.  I wanted a cartoony look for my solar system.  Once I painted the details I went back and painted happy faces on each planet and the sun.

Step 8: Seal the paint

Protect the paint with a coat of sealer.

Step 9: Secure the string

Securing string to dowel and sun

Apply adhesive to each 1/16″ hole and insert the cord.  I used a piece of leather cord that I had on hand.

Step 10: Enjoy!

If you build the solar system threading game, please leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @handmadewithashley or Twitter @handmadewithash.   I’d love to see your pictures!

DIY Threading Solar System Game

DIY Threading Solar System Game

DIY Solar System Threading Game