Collect and recycle popsicle sticks, or purchase them in bundles at craft stores.
A hot pot placed on a counter top, table or tablecloth can damage the surface, but there is a basic kitchen tool that can help prevent such costly accidents. A trivet is a small, flat, heat-resistant object that you can use to lay your pots on so that it keeps the heat from directly touching the surface of your furniture. You can make your own trivets, or let your kids make them as gifts for family and friends.
Instructions
1. Cover your work surface with newspaper or an old plastic tablecloth. Go through your popsicle sticks and discard any that are warped, broken or splintered.
2. Put three sticks on a protected work surface. Put a thin line of glue along each one from tip to tip. Put a second popsicle stick on top of each one, lining up the edges, so you have three double sticks.
3. Cover them with a sheet of scrap paper and put a book on top to weigh them down so they will dry securely. Allow the three doubled sticks to dry according to the glue manufacturer's recommendations.
4. Measure the length of your popsicle sticks. Place your ruler on your work space and line up popsicle sticks, side by side, with the rounded tips against the edge of the ruler. Make sure they are lined up completely straight.
5. Make a row of popsicle sticks equal to the length of one stick. For example, if your popsicle sticks are 5 inches long, line up enough of them vertically, side by side, so you have a 5-inch-wide row.
6. Put a thin line of glue on one side of each double stick you made ahead of time. Place one doubled stick, glue-side down, across the top edge of the row of sticks. Glue one doubled stick along the bottom edge of the row, and glue one along the center of the row. The doubled sticks should span across the entire row of single sticks.
7. Place a piece of paper on top and carefully set a book on top to weigh it down. Don't wiggle the sticks as you do this or your trivet may end up crooked. Allow the glue to dry.
8. Remove the book and the scrap paper. Turn over your trivet. It is now ready to hold hot pots and beverages.
Tags: popsicle sticks, your popsicle, your popsicle sticks, book weigh, doubled stick, doubled sticks