How to Make a Jack-In-The-Box
Hand crafting toys for children is one of the most enjoyable things to do. Creating a toy for a child helps provide him/her with nonstop entertainment, and it is also something that can keep you busy for a while. A jack in the box is one of the most basic and easiest toy to make. The process is a combination of some simple steps, all of which have been detailed in this article.
Things Required:
– Box
– Spring
– Building tools
– Paint and accessories
– Soft toy
Instructions
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1
The first step is the selection of the box which will hold the jack.
This box can be of any size, however, it is preferable to use a small box, since it is comparitively much easier to work on. Boxes of different sizes can be found in a hardware store or can be ordered online with ease.
Keep in mind that you should opt for a box that is hinged. If there is no hinge, then you will have to make one yourself. -
2
Drill a hole in the side of the box. After this hole is drilled in, install a music box which is operated via a crank. This music box can be easily found in craft stores. This kit will come with some basic installation instructions, which you should follow religiously.
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3
Now install a latch on the inside of the lid and fix an arm to catch the latch. The opposite end of the arm should be attached to the crank, so that when it is released, the latch will be released as well.
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4
After doing this, get a spring and attach a jack in the box onto it. It can be a hand puppet, a soft toy, an action figure, or just about anything that you wish to have pop out of your box. The other end of the spring needs to be attached to the base of the box.
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5
Now that everything is in place, you have the option of aesthetically fixing up the outside of the box. You may add colours and stickers to it, or can draw something on it. This is entirely your choice; you may choose to leave it blank as well.
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6
After this is done, close the lid and your jack in the box is ready to surprise an unsuspecting victim.
