Secret Storage Bank

jalex

Description

Grandma used to keep her savings in the cookie jar. Now you can store your valuables in plain sight because they are hidden away in a secret place you create with a paper tube. Making this bank is fun for kids and grownups alike
Materials

Glass container
Paper core from gift-wrap, paper towels or teepee.
Small square of card board or card stock
White glue
Filler of your choice (buttons, beads, beans, shells, etc)
Scissors


Age Group

8 and up. Younger than 8 require supervision.

How to Make Secret Storage Bank

Starting with a clean container, spread a thin layer of glue over the bottom and pour in a single layer of your fill. This will keep your secret hidden from view through the bottom of the jar. Allow this layer to dry thoroughly. While the first layer is drying, set your paper core into the container and mark a measurement ¼ over the top of the jar, cutting the core off at that mark.

Using the scissors, cut several 3/8-inch slits around one end of the core and fold to the outside. Trace around that end of the core onto the square of cardboard and cut the circle out. Glue the core to the circle. This simply gives a bottom to the storage area.

Once the layer of fill is dry, cover the bottom of your core with white glue and set it into the jar. Holding it in place, begin to fill in around the sides. Take your time to make sure everything settles down and covers your core. Use a knitting needle or skewer to poke and nudge pieces in place.

When your fill is at the top of the core, tap your container gently on the counter to make sure everything is settled. Now you have to seal the top layer so when you turn your container over it is only your valuables that falls out. I just squeezed white glue over the top, allowing it to adhere the fill to both the container and the core. A little glue goes a long way here. Let it dry and check for loose pieces. Spot glue where needed.

If your container has a see through top you will need to cut a circle of cardboard to cover the core in the middle. Cover the cardboard with your fill, making sure the edges are not showing. Just place it on top and close your lid.

If you have a solid lid, you could embellish it to match the contents of your jar. Our sample ******** bank has a simple sand dollar on the top.

I hope these ideas for fill will jump-start your imagination:

Dried beans in the kitchen.
Cotton balls in the bath.
Buttons in the sewing room.
Candy on your desk.
Hobbies and Collections anywhere.

Have fun tucking your valuables away in plain sight.

Programming by JRM Studios
Graphics and Design by Ron Hull
All images and craft instructions Copyright © FrugalCrafts 2001, 2002 except guest submissions which are the Copyright of the author.

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allyoop42

Thank jalex, cool idea.