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So many fond memories involve badminton, and I recently took a trip down memory lane, when my daughter came home from playing a unit of the game in gym class. Weren’t those the good ol’ days? I loved when my parents hosted backyard cookouts, and Dad set up the net for some friendly matches. The other day, I saw my neighbors playing, and almost pulled over to challenge them. Ha!
Now that it’s warming up around here, I cannot wait to have friends and neighbors over for some barbecues, and badminton tournaments. I have always wanted to attempt crafting birdies (or shuttlecocks), and figured they would be adorable cupcake toppers for any outdoor gathering. They would also make a really fun garland! It could be a unique birthday theme for any badminton lover as well. I heard that some high schools offer it as a team sport, so be sure to share these toppers with your favorite player!
what you need:
- Toothpicks
- Acrylic paint (white and various colors)
- Sponge brush
- White streamers
- Scissors
- Fringe scissors
- Glue
- 0.8 inch Styrofoam balls (cut in half)
how-to:
Step 1
Paint eight toothpicks per birdie, using a sponge brush and white acrylic paint. Allow to dry.
Paint eight toothpicks per birdie, using a sponge brush and white acrylic paint. Allow to dry.
Step 2
Fold white streamers in half to make them skinny, and cut eight 1 5/8” pieces per birdie. Place a strip of glue in the center of each streamer piece, and fold the pieces over the tops of white toothpicks. Squeeze together, and allow to dry.
Fold white streamers in half to make them skinny, and cut eight 1 5/8” pieces per birdie. Place a strip of glue in the center of each streamer piece, and fold the pieces over the tops of white toothpicks. Squeeze together, and allow to dry.
Step 3
Cut the tip of each streamer piece into a point, cut a tiny bit off each side to make the piece skinnier, and use fringe scissors to fringe each side.
Cut the tip of each streamer piece into a point, cut a tiny bit off each side to make the piece skinnier, and use fringe scissors to fringe each side.
Step 4
Use a toothpick to poke eight evenly spaced holes around the edge of the flat side of your Styrofoam ball half, angling the toothpick outward. Use a sponge brush to paint your Styrofoam ball halves in the color(s) of your choice. Allow to dry.
Use a toothpick to poke eight evenly spaced holes around the edge of the flat side of your Styrofoam ball half, angling the toothpick outward. Use a sponge brush to paint your Styrofoam ball halves in the color(s) of your choice. Allow to dry.
Step 5
Place a dot of glue in each hole on the Styrofoam ball, and place the plain end of your fringed toothpicks into the holes. Allow to dry.
Place a dot of glue in each hole on the Styrofoam ball, and place the plain end of your fringed toothpicks into the holes. Allow to dry.
Step 6
Place a plain toothpick somewhere on the side or bottom of your Styrofoam ball half on your birdie, and place it in a cupcake.
Place a plain toothpick somewhere on the side or bottom of your Styrofoam ball half on your birdie, and place it in a cupcake.
Your badminton themed cookout, birthday, or tournament is ready for some darling cupcakes! Happy crafting, and may the best team win!!
