Lobster 3D Pivot Claws Ornament

This simple sea critter is composed of body, claws and tail 

that are built of stacked shapes glued together into 

thickened components. A .125” diam. wooden dowel threaded 

through body and claws provides the pivot point, 

with tail fan attached at a tail tip slot. 

Top hanging twine is integrated between layers, 

with optional assembly to omit if preferred. 

Measures approx. 2” tall x 5.25” long x .75” deep 

when assembled. 

ASSEMBLY: 1. Identify and cut the shapes:
A body middle layers (sample uses the hanger loop mod) (6)
B notch shape for hanger loop option (6)
C right body layer with eye circle recess
D eye circles (fit into eye recess) (2)
E right body outer layers with eye punch (2)
F left body layer with eye circle recess
G left body outer layers with eye punch (2)
H claws main layers (11 for each of 2 sets)
I claws opposite outer layer (1 for each of 2 sets)
J tail shape (8, or quantity determined by test)
K testing window with slots for body and tail thickness
L testing strips (12)

2. To determine the accurate number of layers for

lobster body/claws and tail, stack the test strips

cut from card stock selected, then . . .

. . . fit into the narrower "tail" window.
Repeat the process for the taller "body" window.
Use the resulting quantity to adjust the numbers
in the cutting list in step 1.
(Tail number is the more important of the two results.)

3. Layer the middle body shapes one by one into a stack,

taking GREAT care to line up all the edges as precisely

as possible, paying particular attention to the dowel

pivot opening.

Also stack and glue together the loop notch shapes.

NOTE is is essential for a liquid-glued up stack to

press the stack under a heavy flat weight such as

this fabric-covered re-purposed weight machine bar,

a wood plank, a heavy book or some other household

object that will not absorb any moisture from the drying glue

that might ruin the object. Leave the stack under the weight

for up to several hours, long enough for the glue to completely

dry. This will prevent warping and curling of the stack shape.

4. Position and attach the eye recess cut-out layer

onto the mid body stack, taking care HERE and

THROUGHOUT that all cut edges are precisely aligned.

5. Position and attach the eye punch in the recess.

6. Position and attach each of the 'front' or top layers
with the smaller eye cutout recess on top of the stack.
Press and allow glue to dry.

7. Reverse the stack so that the loop notch is up.

Cut a loop of perle cotton or soft twine approx. 10"

long, put ends together and tie a knot.

Position opposite center loop into the recess  . . .

. . . then position and glue the loop notch shapes
into the notch cutout, wedging the loop securely in place.

Here is the view from the top showing that the twine

is exiting from around the notch at top thickened edge

of body stack.

8. Repeat Steps 4-6 for the opposite lobster side . . .

. . . enclosing the notch and loop.

Press and allow glue to dry.

9. Layer the main claw shape into a stack of 11

with all edges and dowel hole precisely aligned

as described in Step 3 for body. Then . . .

. . . position and attach the reverse shape claw

on the backside.

Repeat for second claw.

Press and allow glue to dry.

10. Position and attach the tail shapes into a stack

with all edges precisely lined up.

Press and allow glue to dry.

12. Prepare the pivot dowel by hand cutting a 1" length from

 the .125" diam. wooden dowel. Sand the cut end smooth.

12. Insert the dowel first end into one claw and push through

to extend approx. 1/8th" on the other side.

Push the dowel 'long end' through the lobster body

and leave a space approx. 1/8" from claw.

Push final claw onto remaining end with approx.

1/8" between and beyond.

Here you can see the assembly profile from the top.

NOTE: the dowel should fit tightly to hold the components

into position, but once they are pivoted more than a little,

the hole will loosen up. If desired, select the final positioning

of the claws in relation to the body, and glue in place on dowel.

13. Add a dab of glue to the tail slot on body end,

then insert the tail narrow edge edge between

slot 'arms', centered, until fully pushed in.

Make minor adjustment if needed, then allow to dry.

Here is the completed lobster ornament.