Updated Small Bookshelf

I have continued to update some of the builds around my house. This past week, I updated the small bookshelf that holds most of my childrens books. It's nothin' fancy, but it works!

The Back

Diagonal

Front View

With all my books

And there ya have it. It's pretty easy to build, but it does take a lot of blue/purple connectors, yellow rods, and red rods.

New and Improved Paper Towel Dispenser

I've been considering redoing a few of my builds for better usability. One that came to mind was my paper towel holder, which had an annoying flaw: you had to hold the k'nex part in order for the paper towels to unravel properly. As such, I redesigned it to make the roll spin without being aided by my hand holding the holder. Because after all, doesn't that defeat the whole purpose of a paper towel holder? Nothing too fancy, but the spindle now turns on the rods in the very center of the white circle connectors.

Want to see something in particular made out of K'nex? Comment and let me know!

K'nex Bottle Yard

This build comes to you on the heels of feeding an infant and going through bottle after bottle, whether because of formula feeding or just supplementing with already pumped breast milk. I know most of you probably have no interest in a build of this sort, but I have found it to be a lifesaver during the first ten weeks of my little guy's life! I did boil the knex rods to make sure they were sanitized before using my bottle yard, and that is why you may notice some discoloration, particularly on the red rods. Turns out, k'nex rods do sometimes lose color! I was not aware of this because my k'nex have done really well around most elements (rain, sun, heat, cold, etc). I didn't build it around the bottles that I chose, but the Playtex Ventaire is the only bottle my little guy really likes. It just so happens that my bottle yard is perfect for all the little parts that come with that particular bottle! Without further ado, here is my bottle yard (which you may notice sits on top of a drying mat).

As you can see, it has become a permanent fixture on my counter as I do tend to go through a lot of bottles. I don't know how else I would've gotten my bottles to dry out aside from buying a bottle yard. But you know my motto! Why buy something when you can make it out of K'nex?! Thanks for reading my blog! If you have any suggestions for future builds (whether you think them mundane or not), please let me know! I am always looking for more ideas.

Knex Lazy Susan (or turntable)

Hello, cyberworld! If you've never been to my blog before, welcome! I try to take K'nex and make them into everyday, useful items. Sometimes, I just make things for fun, though, because let's face it... Knex are meant to be fun! Today, my build is more of a functional build: a lazy susan. Now, let me note that this is not for placing really small or skinny items on, as I did not cover the whole area with platforms. My main intent for this was that it be useful for cake decorating. However, it could be used for various other things. For instance, it can hold condiments or a pizza on the dinner table. You could also use it in your cupboard for storing spices (although, depending on the size of the spice bottles, you may want to lay down some cardstock or cardboard first). In that same vein, you could make a second tier and put larger bottles on the bottom and the short ones up top! Use your imagination!

The top on the lazy susan.

The lazy susan flipped upside down so you can see the base.

Side view.

View from the bottom.

Another side view.

If you would like more thorough details on how to build one of your own, just ask! Also, I am always grateful for more build ideas. If you'd like to be a guest builder on my blog, just let me know!

Kitchen Organizing with K'nex: Measuring Spoon/Cup Holder

I have been meaning to organize my kitchen a little bit better, and I think K'nex can help me achieve a functional, colorful, organized kitchen! This build is super simple. Anyone who has bought a knex set at any point should have the few key pieces I used to make this. I plan on hanging it on a Command hook in an accessible place above one of my counter tops! If you have smaller hanging holes on your kitchen tools, you can resort to using micro knex for the pegs!

Knex Drink Holder

The Knex build I bring to you today is one that can be used for multiple occasions. It could be put in a theater/entertainment room, a kitchen, or even at an event. Part of the build idea came from freefire137 on the Knex Reddit. He suggested building a sort of soda can dispenser. I coupled that idea with holders for packets of hot cocoa and cider, thereby creating a sort of drink holder. I meant to post it a few days ago, but the hubby and I usually don't have any soda in the house. So, I had to go out and snag some (generic, yes, but they are standard soda can size, so I figured they would do the trick!).

Front

Soda can side (credit for this idea goes to freefire137)

View from the back (I used green bendy K'nex to create the curvature in the soda can part, so that the sodas could easily slide out) 

The packet holders (I am considering adding a tea bag slot above these packets in the back)

I like that it doesn't take up a whole lot of counter space. It's only about 6" from front to back.

Have any more ideas for me to tackle? Please let me know! I will be more than happy to give you credit for the idea as well as link to your respective blog or website! 

Also, I have finally got my Twitter all sorted out if you want to follow me: Knextravagant's Twitter

Knex CD Holder

Hello my faithful readers (and new ones, too!)!

This afternoon, I bring you a somewhat retro-ish build. It doesn't necessarily look retro, but it's for CD's (which are becoming a thing of the past, I realize, as mp3's and video games are housed on computers). However, I enjoy buying used CD's at thrift stores because I can get a whole album for only about a dollar. Much better than paying 99 cents per song online. As such, my CD stack has gotten a little out of control on my desk. This CD holder has helped bring some organization to my desk. Also, if you are anything like me, you probably have loose CD's whose cases have disappeared to some place or another, which I decided to accommodate in this build as well. This particular holder can house 13-14 CD's in standard plastic cases. It can hold numerous loose CD's.

Knex Plant Hanger

The time of year is coming when green thumbs everywhere get to work planting their "starters." I am trying my hand at gardening this year, but I have three small problems. Their names are Sam, Kat, and Callie (our cats). I was trying to think of a way I can get my plants sun while keeping them out of the cold and away from our three cats when I had an idea. Why not make a hanging shelf that can house my little plants up out of reach of the cats? So I set to work on a K'nex hanging planter. Here is the result:

As you can see, I am using empty vessels here, so I will have to weight test it when the time comes. However, it does seem pretty sturdy! Also, it may need to hang a little lower in order to get proper sunlight, but the concept seems to be pretty useful!