Clicker Clacker

This is something I posted on my blog last year but have been thinking about making some more as Christmas presents so thought why not share the instructions here too.

I don't know the proper name of these things and have always called them Clicker Clackers because of the noise they make. I've tried to insert a video but if it doesn't show please click here to see the Clicker Clacker in action so to speak :)

You need 8 blocks to start. These can be blocks made of paper, wood or whatever. I used wooden blocks.  It's worth checking charity shop toy buckets for cheap wooden blocks, I've picked up quite a few this way.

 

You then need to hinge together 2 blocks so that you end up with 4 pairs. I used scrap card like so:

You see how I've positioned them? This is how the set-up needs to be but the two middle horizontal pairs need to have the hinge on the back. I hope that makes sense ;)

Next you need to hinge the top of the first front block with the first middle block. and then the second middle block with the end block and then the same on the bottom as shown by the green lines here:

 

 

And that's the basis of the Clicker Clacker. Have a play to make the hinges nice and flexible and then just have fun choosing your images.

I used double sided tape on the hinges and pictures. With a bit of play the tape starts to come away a bit so I would suggest using the tape while you are positioning but then something a bit stronger to finish it all off.

You need to allow a couple of millimeters between the bricks when hinging. Once the pictures are on it gets a bit snug.

When choosing your pictures either have a really large image that wont matter being segmented or if you have a group of people try and position each face on a block so they aren't obscured by a cut or hinge.

I hope you have a play, if you do be sure to show us a linky I'd love to see.

Thanks so much for reading this - any questions just fire away :)

Carmen x

Comments

[Eleanor]

What a fun idea, and your instructions and pics are so clear. I can feel a little op-shop jaunt coming on, to find those blocks.
E
xx

[joy aitman]

Cool - I have always wondered how you made these. I have a set of block lurking somewhere - off to the garage to search them out.

[Mandy]

this would make a cool & unusual pressie...tfs!

[Debbie Roberts]

Now I just need to find some blocks. I can remember having one of these free with walkers crisps years ago, not seen one since, will have to make one now. Thanks for the fab instructions.

Debbie x

[jayne]

I made one years ago but i forgot how to do it. tfs i'll be making one soon x