Unicorn Wood Burned Kitchen Utensils

Oh, I totally DID make wooden unicorn spoons.  Today’s project isn’t anything earth-shattering – after all, I didn’t invent wood burned kitchen utensils, and I didn’t invent the dot-art that’s everywhere right now.  I didn’t even invent unicorns (although that would have been AWESOME if I had) but I DID put them all together in this fun and sassy kitchen set.  Unicorns in the kitchen?  Sounds magical, right?

I’ll give you a quick rundown of how to make wood burned kitchen spoons, in case you’re curious how I made mine.  They’re so easy, and they make up quickly too!  All you need is some scrap vinyl to create your stencil, a shape or monogram that you love, and a wood burning tool.  I cut my unicorns with my Sizzix machine (because I use that machine for… well just about everything, haha).  I’ll leave affiliate links below in case you’ve had your eye on any of these supplies, which means if you decide to click through and make a purchase with these links, it supports my blog at no extra cost to you.  (And thanks!)  If you buy anything on the Sizzix.com website, be sure to enter SZB2015 at checkout and score an extra 15% off your order for being an awesome reader here at Happy Hour Projects.

• Sizzix Big Shot (with standard cutting pads)
• Sizzix Unicorn die
• Wood burning tool
• Bamboo utensils
• Scrap vinyl

First, I cut my scrap vinyl (as you can see, the color makes no difference, I just happened to have small scraps of green that I used) with my Sizzix.  You can cut several layers at once – just place the vinyl on the foam side of the die, sandwich it between your cutting pads, and roll it through your Big Shot.  Then, place it where you like it on your utensils.  It won’t be super sticky – and that’s fine!  It’s just a temporary guide for the next step.  You can also use another brand cutting machine, or even just freehand a shape.  I just like using my Sizzix because HELLO UNICORN DIE, haha, and also, it doesn’t need to be plugged in or connected to software to whip out a few super quick die-cuts.

Heat up your wood burning tool (I used the calligraphy attachment) for a few minutes, then make small dots all around the vinyl shape or monogram.  A note here… be very careful not to melt the vinyl.  You don’t want to go creating fumes from melting it, you don’t want to get gunk on your heat tool, and you don’t want to melt plastic onto food preparation tools.  That said, you  still want to do your wood burning in a well-ventilated area anyway, just to be safe.  It won’t smoke much, not with these tiny dots, but hey – ALWAYS better safe than sorry.

Group the dots very close together next to the stencil, and as you move outward, space them further apart.  Then, when you’ve finished, peel off the temporary decals, making one completely awesome gift set for the unicorn lover in your life.

Or, you know, for yourself.  Because I’m totally keeping these.  I was able to burn each utensil in about 5 minutes each, after only about 5 minutes of prep, so this is a really quick project that goes a long way to being personal, and handmade without looking totally homemade.  Wooden utensils are also really economical, so once you have your tools, this is a great go-to project for hostess gifts, housewarming parties, or even bridal showers.

Happy crafting!