
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
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 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 seashell bank has a simple sand dollar on the top.
I hope these ideas for fill will jump-start your imagination:
Have fun tucking your valuables away in plain sight.