Recycled items
-
MDF wood offcuts/extra wood that can be cut into strips
-
Ribbon/string
-
left over denim fabric
Also needed
-
workbench with a clamp
-
jigsaw fitted with a wood-cutting blade
-
pencil and ruler
-
2 clamps
-
safety goggles
-
dust mask
-
cardboard for template
-
drill with 5-mm bit for wood
-
sponge brush
-
acrylic paint (any colour)
-
fabric glue
Method
-
For these flags you need strips of wood cut into triangles. You can use any type of wood, but for the purpose of this project I used 6mm leftover MDF.
-
Secure the wood to the workbench with a clamp. To achieve a straight line with a jigsaw is tricky, but not impossible. Mark two straight cutting lines, 15cm apart, and place a guide batten (straight piece of wood) next to each straight line. Secure the battens to the workbench with clamps. Make the cuts by running the edge of the jigsaw’s base plate against the button.
-
Create a flag template from cardboard then trace it onto the long piece of wood. Click here to view template
-
Secure the piece of wood on the workbench with clamps. Use your jigsaw and make the cuts on the lines for the flags.
-
Drill two holes in each triangle, one in each corner of the base from which the flag will be suspended. Mark the position for the holes with a pencil, then drill a 5mm hole at each mark. To avoid the wood from splitting (or the MDF surface tearing), it is best to drill until the tip of the bit appears underneath, then turn the work over and complete the drilling from the other side.
-
Using a sponge brush, paint the flags on one side with fabric glue and press the flags glue face down on the backside of the fabric, then leave to dry. When it is completely dry, use the fabric scissors and cut around the edges. Use an awl and press through the drilled holes.
-
When the flags are complete, join them together by threading a length of ribbon or string through each hole. I left a 5cm gap between each triangle but you can adjust this to your requirements.
Caution The most important thing to remember when using power tools such as a jigsaw or a mitre saw is SAFETY. As the blades move very rapidly, a serious cut can happen quickly, which means that you must plan the job well. Before you use a jigsaw for the first time, practise on scrap wood. This will give you a feel for the way the tool cuts and moves. Always wear safety goggles and a dust mask, and work in a hazard-free area. The work surface must be solid and stable.