If you’re looking for a fun do-it-yourself project to tackle this summer with the kids, then give this one a try, coconut bowls. For this you need: a coconut, a hammer, fine grain sandpaper and a sealant such as Mod Podge.
You can find a coconut at your local supermarket. One coconut will make one bowl. Some of them are pre-scored to make it easier to crack the shell.
My girls were fascinated as they watched my husband carefully chisel the top off the coconut. They were also eager to catch any of the milk that poured out, but of course made a face when they tried it. I am not a fan, myself. It is pretty bitter. Must be an acquired taste. Oh, and the shirt my husband is wearing might have been the result of a subtle suggestion. So cheesy, I know, but hey, that’s me.
Scoring the shells with the knife and scraping with a spoon worked best.
The girls tried to help scrape the coconut flesh out the shell. This part takes some muscle and patience. I used a knife and a spoon to scoop out the coconut. (The girls just stuck with a spoon.) Then I let them dry overnight.
The next day you can sand them both on the outside and inside until it is smooth.
Lastly, add 3-4 coats of sealant on the inside of the shell. If you plan to serve food such as nuts or other food, you can use a food-safe sealant. I just used Mod Podge with a glossy finish. It is water-based and non-toxic so the girls had fun painting a few coats themselves.
Aren’t they cute? It’s an inexpensive way to add a tropical touch to your decor when you’re entertaining this summer. You could even transform your bowl into a homemade candle. That would make a great hostess gift.
Or organize your bathroom by adding cotton balls, Q-tips, hair ties, whatever you want.
Credit goes to Sugar And Charm for this creative idea!
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