The Magic Whimmydiddle

What's magical about this folk toy? Simply rub a stick or pencil along the backbone of the whimmydiddle, and its propeller spins like mad either clockwise or counterclockwise-- which lends itself to all kinds of soothsaying when you ask true/false or yes/no questions. Made of balsa wood that requires no dangerous carving, this "divine" toy is considerably cheaper than a crystal ball, and clever fortune-tellers will quickly master the secret to making it turn in the direction they command.

WHAT YOU NEED

Sandpaper
12-inch-square balsa wood stick, 10 inches long (available at craft stores)
Ruler
Butter knife
Small, thin nail
Mini wooden craft stick, 2 1/2 inches long
Small bead
Permanent marker (optional)
Hexagonal (rather than round) pencil

DIRECTIONS

1. Round the edges of the balsa stick with the sandpaper. We left about a third of the stick square for a handle.

2. Pressing and sawing gently with the butter knife, make nine notches, 1/2 inch apart, on the rounded section, starting 1 1/2 inches from the end. (If you like, mark the notches with a pencil before you cut.)

3. Use the nail to make a hole through the center of the craft stick. Wiggle the nail to widen the hole so that the craft stick slides easily on the nail. Thread the craft stick all the way onto the nail and test for balance. If one side of the propeller is heavier, sand it slightly until the propeller is balanced.

4.Thread the bead onto the nail after the craft stick (this is your propeller). Press the nail into the center of the balsa stick tip nearest the notches. Leave enough nail exposed for the propeller to rotate freely. Decorate with the marker, and you're ready to rub the pencil across the notches.

THE SECRET

To make the propeller turn right for a "yes" answer, place your thumb behind the pencil and let it touch the whimmydiddle as you rub back and forth. To turn the propeller left for a "no" answer, slide your thumb back off the whimmydiddle and subtly place your finger in front of the pencil (see photo).

COST: about $8

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