I've mentioned this on my blog before ... there is one aspect of my job that I do not like ... packing and shipping. It's tedious, and it makes me feel anxious about the trip the pots are about to take. And there's my burning hatred of packing peanuts. Those annoying little turds. I hate that I need so many of them. They're hard to buy, they're hard to store. How can something so unsubstantial take up so much space? In the winter months, they get charged with static electricity. They will be stuck to my shirt and flying all over the place. Ugh! Most of the time, I buy peanuts in 12 cubic foot plastic bags. The best way to get the peanuts from the bag into a shipping carton is to dredge them with a bucket. It's tiring, slow, and messy. So many peanuts ended up on the floor. And once, the entire bag tipped over while it was open. On days like that, you just need to quit working and open a beer.
I wanted one of those ceiling-mounted peanut dispensers, but the ceilings in my basement studio are too low. What would be the closest solution that would fit in my studio? My wonderful students often give me peanuts for free, and I realized that I really liked when someone gave them to me in a large box. I could pick up the whole box and pour them.
So I built myself a box that is designed for pouring peanuts. It is two feet cubed, which equals eight cubic feet. It holds half of the 12 cubic foot bag of peanuts, plus a little head room. I cut off the four top flaps of the box, and saved one. I cut a V-shaped pouring hole into one of the top corners. I taped the saved top flap across the top edge of the pouring hole to complete the spout. Finally, I cut two handles into the side of the box, one near the spout, and one on the next adjacent side.
I wanted one of those ceiling-mounted peanut dispensers, but the ceilings in my basement studio are too low. What would be the closest solution that would fit in my studio? My wonderful students often give me peanuts for free, and I realized that I really liked when someone gave them to me in a large box. I could pick up the whole box and pour them.
So I built myself a box that is designed for pouring peanuts. It is two feet cubed, which equals eight cubic feet. It holds half of the 12 cubic foot bag of peanuts, plus a little head room. I cut off the four top flaps of the box, and saved one. I cut a V-shaped pouring hole into one of the top corners. I taped the saved top flap across the top edge of the pouring hole to complete the spout. Finally, I cut two handles into the side of the box, one near the spout, and one on the next adjacent side.
The Giant Cardboard Teapot dispenses peanuts at exactly the right rate. Not too slow, not too fast. I can pour a little or a lot. They all land inside the box. When I put the GCT down, it cannot tip over. I am typically working on two wholesale orders at a time, which usually takes four boxes. Six cubic feet of peanuts is just about right for four boxes. I still do not enjoy packing but at least I have the peanuts under control now.
To everyone who has been voting for me in the Martha Stewart "American Made" Awards ... THANK YOU! As I am writing this, I have over 750 votes. I can't believe it. Regardless of how I finish in this contest, I am proud and grateful for all the support. The voting for the first round has been extended until Sunday, September 22. I almost feel bad asking you to continue voting, I know you have been clicking for weeks. Maybe it's an endurance contest. If you can, please continue voting until September 22.
http://www.marthastewart.com/americanmade/nominee/81034
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