Home >> Toys >> Childrens Toys

How to Make a Gum Machine

A gumball machine is a children's toy, or a commercial machine which dispenses gum. The standard price of obtaining a few pieces of gum from a commercial machine is 25 cents, but toy gum machines generally do not contain a money slot. This easy-to-construct gumball machine is a perfect craft activity to create with your children on a rainy weekend.

Things You'll Need

Circle terra-cotta plant pot 4 inches in diameter at the opening
Circle terra-cotta saucer 4 inches diameter across
Glass Ivy bowl with no fluted edge that measures 2-1/2 inches across the top
Paint brush
Paint primer
Red craft paint
Spray gloss sealer
Clear silicon caulking
Paper gum machine front
Scissors
Paper
White glue
Gum

Instructions

- 1
  Apply paint primer to the terra-cotta pot and saucer with your paint brush. Make sure to cover all surfaces and then allow to air dry. Rinse the paint brush with water to prepare for the next painting session.
- 2
  Use your paint brush to apply red craft paint to all surfaces. Next, spray the gloss sealer on all surfaces. Let the paint and the gloss sealer air dry.
- 3
  Turn the pot over so that it is upside down. Add a bead of silicon caulking around the bottom of the ivy bowl. Center the ivy bowl on top of the bottom of the pot. and center it on top of the pot. Ensure the caulking spreads evenly by pressing down on the top of the ivy bowl applying even pressure with your hand. Let the caulking dry completely.
- 4
  See Resources to print out the front of the gum machine. Use scissors to precisely cut out the picture. Glue the picture to the front of your gum machine with white glue. Allow to air dry.
- 5
  Add gum by dropping it into the opening of the ivy bowl.
- 6
  Place the terra-cotta saucer on top of the ivy bowl ensuring the saucer is upside down.

Childrens Toys