CasaSugar

DIY: Eco Chopstick Birdhouse

CasaSugar — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 06:15:12 -0700

I came across this YouTube video by eco-architect Michelle Kaufmann about how to make a birdhouse by reusing chopsticks from all those Friday night orders of vegetable lo mein. I'm actually quite impressed with the design; contrary to what you might expect, it doesn't look a thing like a kindergarten craft project. I summarized the steps for you below, but some of you may find the video helpful as well.

Supplies

Chopsticks
Non-toxic exterior glue
String or wire

To learn the steps, read more.

Here are the steps:

Put some glue in a small container or dish.
Take three chopsticks. Lay them down in a triangle, having the outer corners all connect.
Dip another chopstick in the glue, and use it to dab the glue on the corners of the triangle to adhere the sticks to one another.
Keep layering chopsticks on top, and on the two sides you're actually going to taper in just the thickness of the wood. That way, the end will be the size of the opening for the birds.
Continue layering and tapering in, but on the bottom side of the triangle, don't taper. Just stack the chopsticks on top of one another, because that will end up being the floor for the birdhouse.
Continue until the tapered opening is about one inch and a half by one inch and a half.
What you've made so far will be one half of the birdhouse. Repeat the above to make the other half.
Match up the two units. Connect them by weaving string or wire up at the top, which you can also use to hang your birdhouse from a tree.
If you like, you can also put a pinecone inside the birdhouse laced with peanut butter and birdseeds, so it can be used as a bird feeder. Fini!

Source

How to Make a Chopstick Rest

YumSugar — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 05:30:45 -0700

When my cousin and I went for sushi, we were seated at a tiny table with a wobbly leg that left my chopsticks rolling around. That is, until he showed me how to make a rest for my chopsticks out of the wrapper. Now I'm passing along my knowledge of what might just be the world's most functional origami piece. Read on to make your own.

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Restless Chopsticks: Love It or Hate It?

YumSugar — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 03:11:33 -0700

Better Living Through Design recently posted about these Restless Chopsticks. They're uniquely shaped with a thinner tip that doesn't touch the table. Designed by Mikiya Kobayashi, they're really quite clever. This way, the part that goes in your mouth doesn't have to touch the table. I like them, but what about you? What do you think of these Restless Chopsticks? Available in mustard, red, black, or off-white for $12 each.

The How-To Lounge: Using Chopsticks

DearSugar — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 10:00:00 -0700

Are you a sushi fan like me? Or do you eat a lot of Chinese food? If so, it's important to know how to use chopsticks like a pro, so here are some easy tips to refresh your memory.

Click here to read more

Some restaurants set the table with plastic chopsticks, which I find much more difficult to eat with, so if you agree, ask your waiter for a set of wooden ones that are much easier to maneuver
Hold one of the chopsticks in-between your thumb and middle finger. This stick will act as the anchor if you will
Place the second chopstick in-between your thumb and forefinger. This is the chopstick that will be doing most of the work and all of the movement
Be sure to keep your chopsticks straight ahead rather than pointing downward similarly to how you would naturally dangle a pen in your hand
When you go to pick up your food, grab with the top chopstick and hold your food tightly against the base chopstick. Your forefinger will be doing most of the work when using chopsticks
If you are having trouble keeping the two sticks together, try folding up the paper envelope they are served in, place it at the base of the chopsticks, and rubber band the two sticks together. This is a great way to practice your chopstick skills
No matter how frustrated you get, never stab your food with a single chopstick - it's considered very tacky and rude
In many cultures, it's considered disrespectful to file away at loose splinters on your wooden chopsticks, so if you see something that might cut your mouth, simply remove it with your hands

If you have any other helpful tips to perfecting the skill of eating with chopsticks, please share them below!

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Would You Wear An Eco-Friendly Chopstick Bra?

GiggleSugar — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 08:00:00 -0800

This just in from Japan: Yummy-looking, chopstick-friendly lingerie. The cups of this bra serve up Japanese rice and soup bowls, while the sides of the bra store chopsticks for eco-friendly eating on the go. Why be wasteful and use disposable wood chopsticks, when you can reuse the plastic pair tucked safely away in your bra? It makes (some) sense, but could you actually equip your chest with chopsticks?

Crave Worthy: Fong Recycled Chopsticks Lamp

CasaSugar — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 05:15:45 -0700

Just the other day, I was struck by how wasteful it is to use chopsticks; for some reason, I had never thought about it before. So it's serendipitous that I just stumbled upon these Recycled Chopsticks Lamps ($42 to $46) on Apartment Therapy Green.

The line of nine lamps, including the dark-stained Fong Lamp (left), use post-consumer bamboo chopsticks to cast a unique glow. These lamps would look great not only in Asian-inspired decor but also in modern rooms. To see all nine lamps, read more

Yummy Link: Three Pronged Chopsticks

YumSugar — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 05:57:19 -0700

If you're still trying to master the art of the chopstick, perhaps these three prong chopsticks might help you out. - Eternally Cool via Tastespotting

Yummy Links: From Ratatouille Wine to Travel Chopsticks

YumSugar — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 11:28:39 -0700

Looks like Disney's cashing in on Ratatouille by launching their own branded wines and cheese platters. - Serious Eats

Cooking hot dogs just got a little bit cuter thanks to the barking hot dog cooker. - Baking Bites
PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) has given the title of "sexiest vegetarian" to Carrie Underwood and Kevin Eubanks. - Slashfood
I love sushi, but even I might think twice about horse meat sushi. - Chow
If you're interested, here's a list of restaurants where this season's Top Chef contestants worked. - Zagat
Harold McGee's amazing On Food and Cooking is now fully indexed online. - Apartment Therapy Kitchen
Three new Chinese cookbooks will let you bring authentic recipes home. - Culinate
If you're planning a trip and want to take your own chopsticks, here are six sets of travel chopsticks to choose from. - NotCot

Do You Know How to Use Chopsticks?

partysugar — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 10:15:13 -0700

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Do You Use Chopsticks To Eat Sushi?

partysugar — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 05:47:31 -0700