How to Assemble a Large Trophy
Receiving a trophy from a coach for a job-well-done is a memorable event in a child's life. If the trophy was homemade it can be even more meaningful than a store-bought one. This eco-friendly choice can be a fun and easy DIY weekend project.
Items you will need:
- Wooden block or foam board
- Nail and screws
- Drill (if using wood block)
- Large screw
- Sports figurines, large cup or metal pieces
- Solder gun (optional)
- Varnish or paint, spray paint if you choose
- Rag or sponge
- Wood glue and hot glue gun
- Wood burning tool and/or black permanent marker
Instructions
- Choose a block of wood in the size you want; if you want a large trophy, choose a larger piece of wood. Be sure to use soft wood so when you place the trophy in, the wood will not crack. The occasional knot is fine, this can even add character.
- Use a foam board if you do not have a large piece of wood available. To create your own trophy base with the foam, cut out the size block you desire and then cut out five more pieces of foam in this order: one that is 2 inches larger than the original piece, one that is 4 inches larger and three that are 2 inches larger. You will then stack all these in the order you cut them and glue them together (hot glue gun works great). This can be your large trophy base. Once they are glued you can cover them with foil or paint them any color you desire to achieve the look you want.
- Apply varnish or paint over the wood. Choose any varnish you want, or even paint with a color. Choose your team color for increased team spirit.
- Drill a hole into the bottom of the wood.
- Insert a large screw into the hole if you want to use metal pieces. This is what you will solder them to. If you prefer a cup or sports figurine, skip this step.
- Decide what you want on the top of your trophy. Choose a metal piece that signifies what your sport is all about. Get creative. For example, choose a "tack" for the person with most "tackles" for football, or choose a stick shift for a gymnast that “stuck” the most landings. Solder the tool or metal part or figurine of choice to the tip of the screw or rod. If you do not have a soldering iron you can also glue down the piece of metal. You can also find a fancy cup or wine glass at a garage sale or in the clearance section and cover with aluminum foil or spray with gold or silver spray paint and glue that on top. A sports figurine emulating the sport you are celebrating could also be glued on top; these can also be spray painted.
- Title the trophy. Use the wood burning tool if you have used one and you have the tool available. Otherwise, just write on the wood or foam what the trophy is for, the player’s name, year, etc.