| If you are going to make your own stick, you will | | | | this. |
| require the following materials: | | | | The curtain ring is then squeezed very tightly |
| 1. Wood dowel of 7mm diameter, cut to length | | | | shut, so that the swivel cannot come off. Once |
| between 45cm and 55cm for youngsters and | | | | this is done, the curtain hook is screwed and glued |
| beginners. | | | | into the end of the wood dowel. Very strong glue |
| 2. Curtain hook, such as screw in open ended | | | | must be used so that the hook will not pull out |
| eyelet for net curtains | | | | during use. |
| 3. Swivel, such as fishing tackle safety pin swivel | | | | The amount of stress placed upon the |
| 4. Glue, such as Araldite or similar | | | | attachment during the work with the ribbon is |
| The dowel is usually available in lengths of 6 or 10 | | | | very great and if the hook is not firmly in place, it |
| feet from your local DIY shop and once you have | | | | will come adrift within minutes. Let the glue set |
| sawn it to the required length, the ends can be | | | | quite thoroughly and the stick will be ready for |
| lightly sandpapered to smooth them down and | | | | use. |
| remove any rough edges. | | | | The ribbon should have a loop at the top end |
| The handle end may be covered if desired with | | | | which will slip into the safety pin attachment on |
| plastic or Elastoplasts tape, or any other suitable | | | | the end of the swivel. The wooden stick is |
| covering, but this is not an essential requirement. | | | | perfectly adequate for the beginner, and because |
| The swivel is acquired from a fishing tackle shop, | | | | it is inexpensive, particularly when made in bulk, it |
| and it is recommended that the safety pin type is | | | | is especially suitable for use in schools. |
| purchased. | | | | The more experienced handyman may try to |
| Others are available, notably the key ring type, | | | | make a stick from fiberglass, though this will be |
| but they have been found to be problematic since | | | | more expensive, and required a particular |
| the ribbon catches on the sharp ends. The ring | | | | expertise in whipping the swivel attachment on to |
| end of the swivel is slipped on to the curtain hook | | | | the end of the fiberglass. |
| which has been prised open sufficiently to allow | | | | |