When I was a child I knew I wanted to be a mom. I had no idea what lay in store for me, but let me tell you it is the BEST thing that ever happened to me next to marrying my husband, and foremost becoming a Christian. My gaggle of 6 have taught me things that I never knew. Like how to let go, giving my everything, and joy beyond belief. Even better is that I get to share with them what I know in about life in general, while also teaching them homeschool studies, and my trade. Today I want to touch on how kids learning and creating their own DIY projects benefits all.
It’s not a new topic to most of you that they all love to join me in my trade. We work as a team every day to make this blog possible, and the business what it is. However, if it wasn’t for my family, I couldn’t do what I do. This isn’t the first time I’ve mentioned how important it is to pass on trade skills or take time to teach. You can read about all of their work in these posts.
NEW KID ON THE BLOCK
My youngest son, Mr. O., is no newbie to the game either. He’s found pieces on the curb and tackled big projects for a little guy his age. I’ve shown what he can do before with his Clock Face Table and a French Stand. He rules the DIY!
Today is no different. I found this primitive chair at the thrift store and knew it would be a perfect mama-son project. He is ever asking for something to create or work on and this is it. Why is this a good piece? Because (1) it’s small (2) it doesn’t need much work (3) it has resale potential – since he’s trying to build a savings.
When I told him this would a great project piece for him, he lit up. My kids learning how to DIY is important to me for many reasons. They need to know how to take care of themselves in the most basic of forms (ie. save money and earn money). Likewise, they work on pieces all the time to build their savings. I want them to learn from our past trials and stay out of debt. You can read our story HERE. Plus, helping them to grow in their self-esteem is priceless.
DIY TIME
First, I told him to sand it all down because whoever painted it prior didn’t and all the grain was on end from the paint lifting it up. Let me tell ya, he had at it like a ninja!
Next, we wiped it all down to prep it for our next step – tape. This is the only part I stepped in to help. We wanted to create faux grain sack stripes using that black paint to our advantage. In this instance we did it to leave stripes, whereas in this tutorial we show you how to add them. You can also see all my other grain sack applications in these older posts too.
Using two different sizes of tape, we put our design on. (a 1 ½” tape strip, and a 1″ strip carefully cut in two). Also, I even cut out a No. 7 out of contact paper to add even more farmhouse flair. Fun!
PAINT
Next, the fun part for him…PAINT! He wanted to do white. Works for me! To make it even easier for him I set him up with my paint brushes.
Then, once the first coat cured, he did a second. Last, he took off the tape and let it cure a second time. He quickly asked, “Are we going to make it look old?” (aka. distressing) I giggled and said, “YES!!” He liked that idea. Good boy.
THE REVEAL
Here is his finished piece and I can proudly say he did so good!
The sweetness it has makes me smile, and we hope it does the same for you. In addition, he even staged it with the button-jointed bear I made him when he turned one year old. Boy, does time fly!! sniff…
My favorite part is the distressing he did. All I had to do was point him in the right direction and he had at it. Goes to show the kids learning and creating their own DIY projects really can be easy and fun for all.
Sometimes I fear that if I blink my kiddos will be all grown up and I’ll miss it. However, I cherish this time dearly and hope this encourages you to take time to build confidence in your children and grandchildren. I know not everyone has a way to sell items, but DIY can be just for the fun or it.
GROWING UP
Likewise, you can add a new piece to their bedroom that they work on themselves, build a bird house, or how about a treat for pets or a family member, or even a complete stranger that needs a “hug”? There are so many ways we can keep our kids from succumbing to the digital world of TV, tablets, computers, and phones. In addition, even better is that kids learning these lessons causes the knowledge to stay with them their entire life.
Also, Mr. O is offering his grain sack chair in my online store and can’t wait to see where it ends up. When my kids sell their items it’s a built-in geography lesson. The last piece went to Australia this week – how fun!
Both Mr. O and I hope you’ve been encouraged to try DIY yourself and that even see how kids learning to do for themselves is rewarding a thousand times over. Also, pin and share to inspire others too!
UP NEXT
Up next, this dresser has seen better days and will be getting a face-lift. eep! See the reveal HERE.
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Also, more DIY projects for kids learning a trade:
Your son done one Fantastic job.
So nice to see children involved in projects like this. Our grand daughter is the same way. My daughter learned from me and in turn her daughter is learning from mama. Going rom generation – to generation.
That is an awesome way to be. Great job, grandma Colleen!
Great job! I also know how important it is for children to learn skills that will last a life time. Especially from family. Kids who get in trouble have not been blessed with the attention and being taught by family . It is so sad for them to be so unprepared for life. God Bless.
Yes, it is a treat to be able to teach them. Thanks for the love!
Nicely done!!! He did a beautiful job updating this chair!!
I love your geography lessons. :))
They’re the best kind! Wish we could travel with each piece – wouldn’t that be cool?
He did an amazing job Larissa, your bringing these children up so well..xxx
I really try, Janette. Thank you for saying so. 🙂
Awesome job! Well done!
He says, “Thanks!”
He’s going to be just like his mama… so creative. Beautiful job!!
It’s all I can do to keep his creative mind going. Woot! I love it.
Mr. O did such a fantastic job! And his idea of the black strip was the perfect design choice. They’re both awesome!
He wanted to do one like his big brother. What fun!
I forsee a great future for him! He did a great job on the chair and had a seriously (at times) fun experience. Merry Christmas to you all
He couldn’t wait to get it done. Super fun to watch.
Words are powerful. I like that you say “earn” money and not “make” money. One of my long time mantras….
You and your husband are such incredible models for your children.
Yes, so true Janet. It makes me so proud to see them trying. Thank you!
This came out terrific Larissa. You should be very proud of Mr. O!!
I certainly am, Mary. He worked hard and it shows. So happy it sold fast too!
Wonderful job from your precious boy! Congratulations Mr O!
Thank you so very much! 🙂
Larissa you should be very proud of your children, he did a great job,Merry Christmas to you and your lovely family!??
Merry Christmas to you, Darlene. Thank you!
Mr. O you did a super job on that chair! I hope you sell it soon. Merry Christmas <3
Thanks, Susan! It sold very fast. He’s excited and so am I – Yay!
Mr. O did an amazing job! I agree… It is so important to teach your kids skills. Even if it turns out that it’s not their thing, you have to at least try because you never know! Love the concentration in his sweet face! And that clock table is also one of my favorite projects from your blog! XO
Yes, that’s it exactly. Kinda like trying doors until the right one opens. You just never know… 🙂 Thanks, Christy!
Larissa, it’s great to see the interest your kids have in doing these projects. I know you are very proud of them.
Thank you, Vickie. 🙂
You are an awesome mother. Great job Mr. O
Truer words could not be spoken, Larissa. Mr. O Did a fantastic job and so happy to hear it sold!
Hugs from us both, Marie! 😀
Larissa and Mr. O,
What a beautiful transformation on this piece! I love the grain sack design you chose! Well done!!!
Thanks so much for the love, Kaycee. We had fun!
Great job little man! I love everything about your chair, especially the distressing on the chair back.
Aww…thank you so much, Pamela. So fun to see him go.