HOW TO PREP WHOLE FRESH COCONUTS FOR USE IN CRAFTS

COCONUTS HAVE SUCH A UNIQUE SHAPE AND ARE SUSTAINABLE! WHY NOT CRAFT WITH THEM. Once they are drained and cleaned out, not only will you have a cool object to make something awesome with… you also have a delicious beverage and a tasty snack. BONUS!! The possibilities are endless. I have used coconut shells to make birds and ornaments.

YOU’LL NEED:

DRAIN THE COCONUT

Open one of the three coconut holes and place on top of a cup
Drill a hole into the top seam
The coconut should now start to drain the water

CUT THE COCONUT

Once the coconut is drained out, make a vertical cuts for using a mitre saw
I use cinder blocks to hold it in place
Be careful not to crush or drop the coconut, because it will crack

For finer cuts, use a mini hack saw

CLEAN OUT THE COCONUT

Using a flathead screwdriver or a spoon, gently separate the coconut flesh from the shell while securely holding it in place
“PRO” TIP –  The prying motion should to in towards the center of the coconut NOT outwards against the shell
If you pry outwards using the shell as leverage, it will most likely crack 🙁

If the material is not coming away, place the coconut in a pot of boiling water for a few minutes
Once it is cool, resume removing the flesh from the shell
Hold the shell firmly, but not so tight that the shell will crack

Let the shell dry out for a couple of days.

Now you are ready to go nuts and make a tropical themed creation of your very own! Check out my other coconut themed crafts for inspiration!