Create an “X” on one of the cardboard pieces by using a ruler to create a diagonal line from one corner of the square to the other. » Make a second diagonal line to make the “X”. » Stack this square on top of your other square.

Using an awl (or another pointy object), punch a hole in the center of the “X”. » Make 4 more holes along the “X” lines about 1/2″ inch from each of the corners. » Using a 25/64″ drill bit and a vise, drill holes in each cardboard square where you marked the holes.

Cut 4 dowel rods that are 2.5″ each. » Stick a rod into each corner of a cardboard square. » Place the second cardboard square on the free ends of the rods so that you create a cube. » Use hot glue to secure each dowel-cardboard joint. » Feed the 9″ rod through the center holes of the cube. » Secure it to the cube with hot glue, making sure you leave 1″ of length above the cube on one side.

Glue two craft sticks between 2 small blocks of wood (approximately 1″x2″x3″ each).

Drill a hole about an inch and a half in from the edge of each of the longer wood pieces using a 13/32 inch drill bit and a vise. » Slide the longer wooden pieces onto the dowel on either ends of dowel-cardboard cube. » Glue the block with the craft sticks onto the longer wooden blocks opposite to the cardboarddowel cube (make sure to glue it in a position so that the craft sticks don’t block the dowels too much).

Drill about 1.5″ inches into the center of your remaining small block on the smaller face (1″x2″) with a 25/64″ drill bit. » Add glue into the hole you just made then slide the dowel in there, use a hammer to help you if necessary. » Wrap sandpaper around a scrap piece of wood to help you sand the edges off the handle.

Wrap some masking tape around the end of the matraca where the craft sticks are glued.