Why does it seem that your children grow right before your very eyes? I mean, precious are the days we have with them. One day their toddling, then the next they’re driving away. sniff, sniff. In order to preserve some of that time, I tend to live vicariously through my children by creating all sorts of toys, especially dolls and wooden toys.
So, for this Trash to Treasure Tuesday (where my blogger friends and I share our thrifty makeovers the second Tuesday of each month) I am showing you how I made some special gifts for my littlest girl.
This is my pile of junky goodness of crib spindles and scrap wood that I’ll be turning into some wooden toys.
First, I’d like to show you a few of the things I’ve made in the past…(mind you I do go overboard, but I don’t care!) hee hee hee
TOY FUN
Ever have a Topsy Turvy doll? I talk all about my dolls in this post. But if they’re new to you, they’re two dolls in one.
Where you flip the skirt to get another doll?
My kids, both boys and girls, have been the recipient of endless dolls and creatures, and hand-sewing is very therapeutic.
Or how about a wooden toy tree fort, complete with handmade dolls, animals, and cars? I had so much fun creating this! My girls get a dollhouse with dolls, in case you’re wondering.
This kitchen was another favorite that my husband and I created, and I mentioned in my Handmade Holidays post. I have oodles of other wooden toys examples over there.
Then there’s our outdoor mud bar made from reclaimed wood…
…and our sand table – perfect for summertime fun.
And I’ll share one more of my favorites. My snack stand made from cardboard, thrifted sheet, and a whole lotta felt fun.
Oh, and don’t forget the garden where the farmer grows the food for the market. Isn’t this fun?!
In all fairness, I made most of this felt food stuff while pregnant with our little girl that didn’t make it. This was my mental therapy while on bed rest during that pregnancy and grieving after she came too early at 21 weeks.
MORE LOVE
Then came our next little girl who has had one busy mama trying to make ends meet and I have yet to make her some toys of her own. So, she is the recipient of today’s project.
To make my new creation, I took those crib spindles I showed you and cut them off. Next, I cut two rounds from the scrap wood with my jigsaw.
Then my sweetie helped me sand the spindles and get to work. See her hands flying?!
Then I use my drill and forstner bit to make holes in the wood rounds.
NEXT STEPS
I’ll show the end result in a bit. In the meantime, the next toy was one I’ve made in the past as well as gifts for others and couldn’t wait to surprise her. I take these materials…
and with a little DIY, you get fun!
With that in mind, I hope you’ve enjoyed my trip down memory lane and enjoyed my latest wooden toys. My little girl is livin’ it up.
My wish is for life to slow down so I can enjoy it more, but whatcha gonna do when bills need paid, and you have to feed and clothe those loved ones? However, I am blessed to be able to work at home, homeschool my children, and share with you.
Likewise, you help me keep the dream alive by visiting, sharing, and showing love. Thank you!
Before you go, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Until next time!
WAIT! Don’t head off yet…you have to see what my awesome blogging buds created for you today too!
 Girl in the Garage |
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While you’re at it, here are more fun projects for you to enjoy like these wooden toys:
What Great looking toys you have made and you are so very creative.
Your daughter is adorable
You got my vote. Best of luck to you.
I certainly had fun, especially because it’s been so long since I’ve made one. Thank you for the support, Colleen!
Voted for you too- love the dresser- it is one of my favorite pieces ever! Good luck!
Thank you so much!
Wow!! You are the most creative ever, Larissa! I love all of your handmade toys…when can I come over and play?!! I know your kids love it all…especially digging the tree fort! XOXO
Come on over, girl! That tree fort is one of my favorites because I did it all myself and it was something I would have loved to have as a kid. 😀
I voted for you because it IS the BEST project and also because I love you! YOU are the best! You are amazing and I wish I lived beside you to see your children grow and watch you in action with all your creative ideas! Very inspiring.
{{hugs}} Thank you for being so supportive and for lovin’ on me! 😀
You are amazing!!! So creative, just love it all!!! 🙂
xo
Nancy
You are too sweet, Nancy – thank you!
So glad I followed Christy’s link to your site. When I saw you asking for votes I checked out your dresser project in the Bob Vila competition. Was delighted to see that yours was BY FAR the best project out there and you’re ahead in the vote count! Sometimes creativity is its own reward and sometimes you actually get rewarded. I hope you win!
hahaha…thanks so much, Lauri! I’m so happy you came over and supported me in the contest. 🙂
Larissa those are so adorable! No wonder your daughter loves them. I’m sure your kids love your creativity and woodworking skills! 🙂 (And I voted for you again – #993!)
Thanks on both accounts, Jen! I certainly love on them to no end, but that’s what mom’s are for, right?
How lucky are your kids! I love the mud table with all the pots and pans and that garden is amazing!
I’m the one who’s totally blessed. 🙂 Thank you for showing me some love, Susan!
You’re amazing! Your kids are blessed to have you as a Mom.
Much respect my friend???
Or plain crazy! Seriously though, they are my life and wish I could create more hours just to spend with them. Thank you, Marie. 🙂
Wow, fantastic ideas. I’m going to try some of these. My favourite is the gnome treehouse – just gorgeous.
Thank you!