With all of the bug stories this week we realized there was one key component missing from our tool kit... a great bug net.
So, we set out with a few bits and pieces from our junk drawer and our closet to make one that would be easy to handle and gentle on the butterflies we’d like to catch....
... and release of course!
Using two wire hangers a dowel, some string, a triangular piece of inexpensive muslin and a little tape, we got right to work.
First we took the two wire hangers and bent the triangular part into circular shape and straightened the hook end. Then with a little string we bound the them together to make one hoop with two wires protruding from one end which we used to attach it to the handle. To do this we placed one wire on either side of the dowel and bound it all together with more string.
Once the handle and hoop were attached we took our triangular piece of fabric and tied one side around the circumference of the hoop so that it rested on the outside rim. Folding it around the rim towards the inside of the hoop we sewed the fabric to the frame by hand.
After the fabric was secured, we sewed the other side of the triangle together to complete the “net”...
... then to finish everything off we tied the dangling ends of fabric - left from attaching it to the frame - around the handle.
Sturdy...
... simple...
... perfect for hours of fun discovery and exploration.
Happy bug chasing!
P.S. This weekend is a free weekend at many National Parks.... great places to explore and use your new butterfly net!
... and release of course!
Using two wire hangers a dowel, some string, a triangular piece of inexpensive muslin and a little tape, we got right to work.
First we took the two wire hangers and bent the triangular part into circular shape and straightened the hook end. Then with a little string we bound the them together to make one hoop with two wires protruding from one end which we used to attach it to the handle. To do this we placed one wire on either side of the dowel and bound it all together with more string.
Once the handle and hoop were attached we took our triangular piece of fabric and tied one side around the circumference of the hoop so that it rested on the outside rim. Folding it around the rim towards the inside of the hoop we sewed the fabric to the frame by hand.
After the fabric was secured, we sewed the other side of the triangle together to complete the “net”...
... then to finish everything off we tied the dangling ends of fabric - left from attaching it to the frame - around the handle.
Sturdy...
... simple...
... perfect for hours of fun discovery and exploration.
Happy bug chasing!
P.S. This weekend is a free weekend at many National Parks.... great places to explore and use your new butterfly net!