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Kids Learning and Creating DIY Projects

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.

Primitive Chair Before Makeover | prodigalpieces.com

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!

Boy Sanding Chair to Show Kids Learning DIY Skills | prodigalpieces.com

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!

Taping off Grain Sack Chair with Frog Tape | prodigalpieces.com

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.

Zibra Triangle Brush for Kids Learning DIY | prodigalpieces.com

Boy Painting Farmhouse Grain Sack Chair to Learn DIY Skills by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

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!

Farmhouse Style Grain Sack Chair by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Rustic Grain Sack Chair by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

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…

Primitive Farmhouse Chair with Grain Sack Stripe by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Child-Size Farmhouse Grain Sack Chair by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

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.

Boy in chair he refinished to show kids can learn DIY skills too. | prodigalpieces.com

Also, Mr. O is offering his grain sack chair in my online shop (SOLD) 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!

  • Magic Linen Beige Waffle Blanket available at Prodigal Pieces | shop.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #bedding
    Magic Linen Waffle Blanket ~ $130

Grain Sack Farmhouse Style Chair for Home Decor or Kids by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

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!

Kids can DIY! It only takes a bit of time to get kids off their devices and creating their own projects. Come over to see how easy it can be. By Prodigal Pieces | prodiglapieces.com

UP NEXT

Up next, this dresser has seen better days and will be getting a face-lift. eep! See the reveal HERE.

Vintage Chest Dresser Before Makeover by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. PLUS, you will get your FREE Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to my shop. Until next time!

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Also, more DIY projects for kids learning a trade:

Teaching my kids a trade - a long-lasting lesson in life skills by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.comClock Face Table from Trashure Finds by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Comments

  1. ColleenB.~ Tx. says

    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.

    • Larissa says

      That is an awesome way to be. Great job, grandma Colleen!

  2. Frances Batson says

    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.

    • Larissa says

      Yes, it is a treat to be able to teach them. Thanks for the love!

  3. Christina in SW FL says

    Nicely done!!! He did a beautiful job updating this chair!!
    I love your geography lessons. :))

    • Larissa says

      They’re the best kind! Wish we could travel with each piece – wouldn’t that be cool?

  4. Sandi Jones says

    Awesome job! Well done!

  5. Debra Wise says

    He’s going to be just like his mama… so creative. Beautiful job!!

    • Larissa says

      It’s all I can do to keep his creative mind going. Woot! I love it.

  6. Barb B says

    Mr. O did such a fantastic job! And his idea of the black strip was the perfect design choice. They’re both awesome!

  7. Susan says

    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

  8. Janet says

    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.

    • Larissa says

      Yes, so true Janet. It makes me so proud to see them trying. Thank you!

  9. Mary says

    This came out terrific Larissa. You should be very proud of Mr. O!!

    • Larissa says

      I certainly am, Mary. He worked hard and it shows. So happy it sold fast too!

  10. Wilma says

    Wonderful job from your precious boy! Congratulations Mr O!

  11. Darlene says

    Larissa you should be very proud of your children, he did a great job,Merry Christmas to you and your lovely family!??

  12. Susan says

    Mr. O you did a super job on that chair! I hope you sell it soon. Merry Christmas <3

    • Larissa says

      Thanks, Susan! It sold very fast. He’s excited and so am I – Yay!

  13. Christy says

    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

    • Larissa says

      Yes, that’s it exactly. Kinda like trying doors until the right one opens. You just never know… 🙂 Thanks, Christy!

  14. Vickie says

    Larissa, it’s great to see the interest your kids have in doing these projects. I know you are very proud of them.

  15. Sandy says

    You are an awesome mother. Great job Mr. O

  16. Marie says

    Truer words could not be spoken, Larissa. Mr. O Did a fantastic job and so happy to hear it sold!

  17. Kaycee says

    Larissa and Mr. O,
    What a beautiful transformation on this piece! I love the grain sack design you chose! Well done!!!

  18. Pamela Bolton says

    Great job little man! I love everything about your chair, especially the distressing on the chair back.

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