Balancing Bird
You will make a paper bird that will balance on it’s “beak”, similar to the one pictured.
This project is rated: MODERATE
Materials needed:
- Card stock or computer paper
- Scissors or craft knife
- Crayons, paint, or colored markers
- Glue
- Straight pin
- Dowel rod, a stick, or a pencil
- Small piece of wood
- Drill
Project Instructions
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Print the pattern at right. Card stock is recommended, but you can use ordinary computer paper.
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Color the bird using colors of your choice.
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Cut around the outside edges of the pattern. Do not cut around the wing tips at this time. The tabs are provided to add weight to the wing tips. The instructions that follow are to be done for both wings.
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Fold tab A under tab B and glue them together.
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Next, fold tab B under the wing and glue it to the underside of the wing.
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Finally, fold tab C under the wing and glue it to the underside of the wing.
- Turn the bird so that the bottom is facing up. Glue a straight pin to the bird’s head so that the sharp point of the pin is aligned with the tip of the bird’s beak. (This step can be omitted, but the pin provides a stronger beak for the bird.)
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Wait for the glue to dry. When it is completely dry, cut around the wing tips and discard the excess tab material.
Your bird is now finished.
Instructions for Making the Stand
- Cut a piece of one-fourth inch dowel rod, or a similar stick such as a pencil, about 3.5 inches long.
- Using a piece of wood for a base, drill a hole in it the size needed for your dowel rod.
- Insert the dowel in the base.
- Make a small indentation in the top of the dowel with a nail or other sharp device.
- Bend the bird’s wings downward slightly where they join the body.
- Place the bird’s beak in the indentation and it should balance at an angle to the vertical.
Congratulations! You have just made a balancing bird!
You can make additional birds using different colors and use them as gifts for friends and relatives.