Metal Working Toolkit Spotlight!
This month, we’re excited to highlight the 4-H Metal Working Toolkit and share a creative project that members can try at home or explore together as a club using the full toolkit.
Metalworking is a hands-on way for youth to build creativity, problem-solving skills, and confidence while learning about materials and design. This featured project blends art and STEM in a fun, accessible way for a wide range of ages.
What the Toolkit Includes:
- Metal Embossing
- Metal Wire Art
- Foil Art
Featured Project: Foil-Wrapped Heart Design
For this project, members will create a textured heart design using everyday materials and aluminum foil to explore shaping, aptern, and creative expression.
Project Steps:
- Cut a piece of cardboard into a heart shape.
- Cut small slits along the edges of the heart.
- Take a piece of yarn and wrap it around the heart, fitting it into the slits as you go.
- Tape the remaining yarn securely to the back of the cardboard heart.
- Cut a piece of aluminum foil large enough to cover the front of the heart.
- Wrap the foil over the cardboard and yarn, gently pressing and shaping it so the foil defines itself around the yarn pattern.
- Choose your colors and color inside the spaces of the heart to make your design pop.
- Optional: Add a piece of foil to the back of the project, or leave it as is.
Materials List:
- Cardboard
- Scissors or craft knife
- Yarn or string
- Tape
- Aluminum foil
- Markers
- Pencil (for tracing the heart shape)
- Glue (optional)
Once finished, this project can be turned into:
An ornament
A window hanging
A Valentine’s card decoration
A framed piece of art
Do it at Home or With Your Club
At-Home Option: You can try this project using basic household supplies.
Club Option: Clubs can rent the Metal Working Toolkit to explore metal work concepts together with additional tools, materials, and projects.
This makes it a great project for cub meetings, project days, or independent learning.
Send a photo of your finished project to Bianca Mullen to be featured.
Interested in the Metal Working Toolkit?
The 4-H Metal Working Toolkit is available for clubs to rent and includes tools, materials, and guides to support hands-on learning.
