Lighthouse Cutout Kits®: Paper Crafting for GrownUps
While each pdf Lighthouse Cutout Kit lists specific supplies needed to complete that model, here is a general list.
Printer: Modelers must have access to a color printer to print the pdf files. You may use a home printer placed on the “Actual Size” setting (rather than “Fit” or “Shrink Oversized Pages” setting) or take the files to an office supply store such as Office Max or Kinkos and pay to have them printed.
Sheets of 8½ X 11” white 65-67 lb cardstock: Thicker cardstock will be difficult to fold and thinner cardstock may not stand properly. Only the actual lighthouse model pieces must be printed on cardstock. The construction steps of the kits may be printed on copy paper, cardstock, or followed on the screen without printing.
Sheets of 8½ X 11” colored 65-67 lb cardstock: Some kits use a sheet of red cardstock to save printer toner.
Fast drying craft glue such as Aleene’s Tacky® Glue: “School Glue” such as Elmer’s Glue® is too thin and is apt to cause considerable frustration!
Scissors: Any type will do, but a pair with a sharp, fine point such as Bee® scissors perform very nicely for precision cutting.
X-Acto® knife: Actually, any sharp cutting tool such as a box cutter or single edge razor will do. Use what you have available.
Cutting mat or cutting board: Again, use what is available, even if it’s a bread board from the kitchen.
Tools to score: Some kit pieces require scoring dotted lines before folding, which gives a sharp, crisp, perfect fold. To score a straight line, you will need to line up a ruler then run a dull butter knife or spoon handle over the dotted line. (OK, I tend to use scissor tips but if you do that be extra careful not to rip the cardstock.)
Black marker: The Sharpie® pens are nice but any marker will suffice.
Bulletin board pins with round ball heads: These will represent the lighthouses’ ventilator balls. If you don’t have the color specified in the kit, color the ball with a Sharpie pen, nail polish or similar. Be creative.
Red and black craft string: Some more advanced kits use string, which may be found in craft stores such as Michael’s or Hobby Lobby, or your favorite online vendor. Red or black yarn may be substituted.
White household string: Some more advanced kits use white string or kitchen twine. White yarn may also be used.
Drinking straw about ¼” diameter: Some more advanced kits use drinking straws. Any color straw will do. Also, either a paper or a plastic straw will do. Use what you have from the back of the kitchen cupboard or bottom of the junk drawer.
Optional Supplies:
Copy paper to print the kit instructions. The construction steps of the kits may be printed on copy paper, cardstock, or followed on the screen without printing (see above).
Various paper clips to use as small clamps
Pencil
Tape