Here’s to keeping my word! Last week, I shared a thrifted table I upcycled in this post. While I made use of most of it, I have these pieces left that are too good to add to my fireplace burn pile. So, let me ask you… what would you make with them? Above all, the kid in me wants to create reclaimed wooden toys. Let’s go!
What you see are two legs, and one tabletop board left. Those curves in the legs definitely keep me in thinking about an animal. When I first disassembled the table, I saw animal legs like when I did my antique Morris rocker turned game table. However, I only have two legs and another idea just itching to come out.
CREATIVE
If you’ve been around my blog before, you know I have a heart for kids, including my own brood of six. You can see all my toy projects HERE.
- Kids’ desk turned play sink (with running water!)
- Felt toys
- Upcycled sock dolls
- Handmade wooden toys
- Rocker chair rockers turned sheep stool
- Thrifted planter upcycled into a squirrel’s den
- Vintage tablecloth doll
- Wool suiting bears
- Reclaimed mud bar
- Chenille bedspread chicken
- Cigar box dollhouse
- Flatware chest turned dress-up set
- Upcycled quilt rack treehouse
- Handmade dolls
- Antique radio cabinet dollhouse
- Rocking horse makeover
- Repurposed antique sewing machine top into game board
- Upcycled sweater sloth
- Pretend play grill from bread box
- Kids’ play table from Winne the Pooh set
- Upcycled wine crate learning center
- Play tea cart from end table
- DIY sand table
- and two projects posted at the bottom of this post
whew! That’s a ton of toys, but what’s a few more? tee hee. Let’s create some more reclaimed toy fun!
LONG NECKER
First, I want to start with the table legs as they would be the most fun for me. I see giraffes in them. Yeah, call me crazy, but that’s what I see. In order to get them to my vision, I need to create a template so I can make a matched pair (and maybe future long-neckers). I trace the leg onto some cardboard from my recycling.
Then, I sketch a giraffe and cut it out to make a template. After that, I use the template to trace onto the legs.
Next, in order to get to toy status, I use my jigsaw to cut out the shape and sand to remove all roughness and harsh edges.
TIP: While I could break out my Dremel that I often use for things like this, I also can just grab a dowel and wrap it in sandpaper.
Last, but not least, I chop up that last tabletop board on my miter saw. Nevertheless, I got caught up with this and had to beat my deadline for posting today. That means you just need to read on to see what became of it.
LET’S PLAY!
Finally, here are my reclaimed wooden toys ready to play!
How adorable are they?!? However, they need names… one is Gertie and the other… ? That’s up to you.
They have a white stain to let that grain peek through, while I used thinned yellow to do a wash. Additionally, on top of that are hand-painted spots and details.
Next, for the grand finale, here is my wooden pounder toy. Everybody likes to pound something, right?
Incidentally, the base is all from that one board, while the dowels are from my stash which included sources from my remnants, a broom handle, and a thrifted large chunk. I’ve always said a good DIYer has a stash, y’all.
Likewise, if you’d like to make these your own or gift them to a loved one, you can find them and more in my online store.
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Let me hear it! Not only do I write for you and encourage you to comment here, but I also love when folks comment on social media, but that disappears into nothing. Meanwhile, here your words are evergreen and there to encourage and inspire. In addition, pin and share to inspire others.
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Dawn says
Those toys are adorable! Now that’s thinking outside the box. I love your creativity!
Larissa says
woot, woot! You’re a kindred spirit, Dawn. Thanks so much!
Stephanie Harris says
Love Giraffes! Love toys really. Great job
Larissa says
tee hee. You are certainly a kindred spirit, Stephanie. Thank you so much.
Darlene says
You are a master at seeing the potential in all things. Love the toys!
Larissa says
Can you tell I have a blast? 😀 Thank you for making what I do special.
Lazy Susan says
You are AMAZING!!!!!
Larissa says
aww… I don’t know about that, but I have an amazing time creating! 😀 Thank you for that sweet affirmation, Lazy Susan.
Fran says
I have been to Africa and seen giraffes up close. You captured the essence of the long necks perfectly! Well done.
Larissa says
How fun! I’ve seen them in zoos, but nothing beat in the wild. Thank you for the smile, Fran.
susan says
You really are so creative! Love the giraffes 💕
Larissa says
This was a challenging creative journey with fun sprinkled in. Once I saw those toys in my head, I couldn’t wait to get at it. Thanks so much, Susan!
Mary says
Larissa you truly do not let anything go to waste. The giraffes are adorable ❤️
Larissa says
I try! I honestly do! Thank you for the smile, Mary.
p says
OoooooH Those giraffes are Adorable.
Not sure how you ‘saw’ that, but it clearly was there all along – waiting for you. 🙂
I just love wooden critters.
Thanks for sharing.
Larissa says
Love the pun! tee hee. This was a fun break from my norm as I so adore creating for little folk. Thank you for the smile! 😀