I hope my son realizes how much I love him. You have to really love someone to sit and cut comic books into teeny tiny circles and then hot glue them to toothpicks for them. Not because it’s hard work, but it is time consuming! As I’ve mentioned before, my son is turning 4 this week. We are planning a big Super Hero-themed bash this weekend, and I got the bright idea to make a lot of the decor for the party. One of the little details I thought would be cute is if we had comic book toothpicks to stick in the little finger sandwiches we’ll be having. (By the way, I’m sure he couldn’t care less what kind of toothpicks will be holding the sandwiches together. I realize this.)
If you want to spend an afternoon of your life making these little things, I’ll tell you how. Are you sure you want to know? Really? You asked for it. Ok, I’m being dramatic. It’s not that bad. You could make these while you watch a movie or your favorite show. And you’ve got to admit, they are cute.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Comic books (Search the Internet, there are online stores that sell dollar boxes of old comics, which is what I used.); pinking shears; toothpicks; pen; and a hot glue gun.
First, find something round that happens to be the appropriate size to trace. A nickel would work great. I used the hole in the middle of a spool of ribbon. The easiest way to do this is to trace several circles on the front of the comic book, and then just use your pinking shears to cut them all out, cutting several pages at once. They don’t have to be perfect and it’s ok if some of them (or all of them) have totally random pictures on them.
After you’ve cut as many circles as you need, dab a tiny bit of hot glue on the back and stick them to your toothpicks. I laid mine face-down on a sheet of wax paper to dry. You want to keep them clean since they will be coming into contact with food. Keep your hands clean, and keep the toothpicks on a clean surface at all times.
Lay them face-down on a clean surface while the glue dries. |
After they dried, I put them all into a small Tupperware container to store until I am ready to use them.
I will be sharing party photos with you next week, so you can see these bad boys in action – sticking out of sandwiches as intended.
See my DIY Superhero Phone Booth here, and my Superhero Comic Book Pennant Banner here.
Leave me a comment, I love hearing from you!
Firecracker Kid says
LOL… those are so cool and clever for the kids! Be careful you don’t cut up a comic book that’s worth a lot of money.
Carol
Erin Spain says
Thanks! I bought these comics for $1.00/box so I’m assuming they are pretty worthless. Wouldn’t that be a shame if they turned out to be worth hundreds. LOL! I don’t think so though.
leanncox says
So cute!!!! Love love love!
Amanda Sparks says
This is so cool! Perfect for the next kid’s birthday party! Thanks!
Erin @ DIY on the Cheap says
Thanks Amanda! Glad you like the idea!
Mindi says
Very cute! Planning my son’s 5th birthday party and just came across this post. Trying to find your other posts but not having much luck. Can you direct me. Would love to see the finished phone booth and your other ideas! I’m thikning of doing a phone booth for a photo booth.
Erin @ DIY on the Cheap says
Thanks Mindi! I just linked the posts at the end of this one. Sorry I didn’t realize I hadn’t done that! Good luck with your son’s party! Please let me know if you have any questions.