Snake Toy

This bright serpent will slither its way into your heart! Let older children color the detail onto the snake with paint pens.

You will need:

* Power drill with 3⁄16" bit

* 18 corks (or more if you want a longer snake)

* Coping saw

* Sandpaper

* Paintbrush

* White nontoxic primer paint

* Green nontoxic craft paint

* Paint pens in assorted colors

* Optional: Clear acrylic nontoxic sealer, brush-on or spray

*  3⁄8" wide ribbon, about 1 yard

* 2 small plastic pony beads

  1. Drill holes in all corks lengthwise. Clean out holes if necessary.
  2. Use a coping saw to carve the head and tail end of snake, as shown in the illustration. Sand until relatively smooth.
  3. Paint all corks with a coat of primer and let dry.
  4. Paint all corks the base color of your choice. Repeat with a second coat of base color if necessary.
  5. Add details to snake body and face, as shown in the photo, with paint pens.
  6. Optional: Spray or paint sealer on all corks. Let dry.
  7. Thread corks onto ribbon and use beads and knots to secure the front and back. Cut the ribbon, as shown, to create the snake tongue.

Rosé Wine

Rosé is French for “pink.” Rosés are made from red grapes, but the juice and skins are only in contact for a short time (anywhere from a few hours to several days) before the juice is separated. When the winemaker is happy with the color, the winemaking process continues.