Toy Index
Play Helps
A Slither Box
Long-lasting

Here is a rattle that makes an unusual sound. Tilt it slowly and it will sound like waves breaking on a gravel beach. Rock it from side to side and you are reminded of footsteps on gravel. Children find this strange box intriguing and soon find their own ways of playing with it.

You Need

  • A shallow chocolate box - or similar. The longer the better. (If you don't eat chocolates a soap powder box will do.)
  • A small amount of gravel or fish grit.
  • Masking tape. Optional.
  • Plenty of newspaper.
  • Plain unglazed paper for the final layer. The margins of the newspaper will do.
  • Flour and water paste or diluted PVA adhesive - for economy.
  • Paint, to decorate the finished toy.
  • Polyurethane varnish. Two coats suggested, to protect the cover design and make the toy spongeable.

Now

  1. Put the gravel or fish grit in the box. Test it for sound. If you are satisfied, close the box. This is where some masking tape can come in handy.
  2. Cover the box with many layers of newspaper. Tear it in strips and apply it evenly all over. You will probably need about six layers. (It depends upon the sturdiness of the box.) It is better to apply half the layers at first, then leave the box to dry out over night. Add more layers later until the box is really strong,
  3. Add a final layer of white paper to cover the newsprint.
  4. Leave until thoroughly dry, then paint a design on the box. Acrylic paint is best but poster or powder paint will do.
  5. Cover with two coats of polyurethane varnish.

Recipe for Flour and Water Paste

You Need

  • 1 heaped tablespoon of plain flour.
  • A little cold water.
  • About 400ml of boiling water (adults only).
  • A Pyrex jug (heat-resistant glass).

Now

  1. Put the flour in the jug, and add the cold water gradually. Stir and squash out the lumps until the mixture looks like thick cream.
  2. Stir continuously and gradually add the boiling water. NOT A JOB FOR CHILDREN. The flour will partly cook. The mixture becomes thicker and more translucent. Once it has cooled it is ready for use.
Toy Index | Home Page
A Slither Box