DIY Life

I have never been able to master using chopsticks, even with Francesca's great post on springloaded chopsticks. I would much rather use a fork, and better yet, my fingers. Almost any food can be eaten with fingers, so I would rather put chopsticks to better use anyway, like using them to swirl soap like Debra McDuffee does.

According to Wikipedia, chopsticks originated in ancient China. There are many different styles used by different countries, and different etiquette rules apply for each country. Chopsticks are being taxed in China, due to an overabundance of them being thrown away. Chopsticks can be washed and reused for many things. Join me after the jump to find out what those uses are.

Our family loves going out for sushi. Our youngest usually eats with a fork, or more often than not, his hands. Our older one wants to eat with chopsticks but doesn't quite have the control yet. Typically, I tie an elastic around the ends so that he can easily pinch them together. This works well, but it doesn't really stay put, and you'll be readjusting every few bites.

Check out this cartoon which tells you how to make springloaded chopsticks. These chopsticks are perfect for tiny hands. All you need is a clothes pin and a pair of chopsticks. Attach the spring from the clothes pin to the chopsticks and your done. Basically, this turns your chopsticks into a pair of tweezers, making it much easier to pick up food. It's perfect for the child that is learning how to use chopsticks. Hopefully it makes the whole process a bit less frustrating, letting them enjoy the food and while mastering their chopstick skills.

While these modified chopsticks might be acceptable for the little ones, what about adults who are still learning proper way to eat with chopsticks? You're probably not going to bring these to a restaurant. If you're interested in learning chopstick usage, check out this post on How to Use Chopsticks in Seven Easy Steps.

If you love sushi and make soap, then keep reading, very closely. I'll tell you how the two connect.

Take-out chopsticks.

Chopsticks are the only tool I will use to make swirls in my soap. They are the perfect size, you can keep them attached and use them double-strength for thicker batches of soap, and they are free.

After pouring layers of non-colored soap and soap with added herbs or clays for color, I insert a chopstick and move it in small circles across the length of the mold until the top layer of soap looks swirly.

It honestly solves a problem in my household, too. It seems that for three people, we order an absurd amount of sushi, because we always are given at least six sets of chopsticks. Rather than waste them, or dedicate an entire storage unit for them, I swirl. It's a win-win situation.

If you need a swirling tutorial, try Teach Soap.