For this week’s Unplugged Challenge theme hard we made primitive folk art style Barnyard Animal Toys. When we first found out the theme last week, I asked the kids what was ‘hard’ and all of their answers all stemmed around wood. Wood blocks, wood toys, tree branches, etc. I spent several days trying to come up with an idea. Then I remembered a post my SIL, Tina had on her blog last week linking to directions on making wood toys. It seemed like a bit of a stretch to have the kids do it but they thought it was a great idea and were in on it every step of the way.
First I drew up some farm animal outlines based on some toys I saw online (I’ve included my drawings as a pdf if you would like Pig/Horse/Cow & Sheep/Goat), printed them and cut them out. I had each child pick their favorite and then we traced the animals onto a scrap piece of 1" thick pine. Using a coping saw, we cut out the basic shapes. Bug really likes to use a saw (he was lots of help to Daddy when fixing some rotten boards on the deck this spring) and enjoyed getting a chance to cut out his animal. The Fairy girl gave it a try too. In the end Daddy did do most of the cutting as the kids decided it was too hard (does that count as a second theme tie in?).
The step that they thought was the most fun was getting to use the Dremel to smooth the edges. Adorned with safety goggles and mommy’s steady hand they sanded their own animals. You could just use normal sand paper if you would prefer. I finished cleaning them up.
Once they were all smooth we used a light coat of Non-toxic children’s watercolor paints to give a color wash. I used the water colors because it is light enough to still see the grain (which is cool) and most importantly, it is what I had on hand. I still need to get a clear coat sealer or wax to apply over the color, but they are done enough for the kids to start playing with them.
All in all, I would guess this was about a 2 hour project. The kids are very proud of the toys that they made and are really enjoying them because of the process.
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How wonderful that you allowed your children to participate from the very beginning. I hope I can be as open minded as E gets older. I’m much more of a “hovering” worried mom than I thought I’d be…but I’d love for her to think that she could use a SAW!
Those look fantastic. What a great job!
these are really great. I am going to have to download your templates. I’m always looking for a reason to bring out the dremel. Nice job 🙂
Awesome project! They turned out great.
Meg- the coping saw isn’t as scary as you would think. Sure they could get a little cut but they aren’t going to take a finger off or anything. The dremel was a bit more of a worry… hence MY hovering ;).
Dayna, I also have a sheep and goat template that I will try an upload at some point today. I just had each kid pick one so we didn’t end up doing them all. BTW – when printing you may need to click “fit to page.” My printer needs almost no margins so I tend to design right to the edge.
Looks awesome!
Erika
these are awesome.. I so want to make some.. I havent seen a saw like that.. I must go to the hardware store and check one out
adorable project you brave mom.. and I thought I was doing good when I let my kids saw wood in half for the “rough” project
Wow, I have been searching all morning for animal patterns to go with the knitted farmyard I’m making for my boys- these are great! Thanks so much! I’m saving your patterns and can’t wait to try making them with my 5 year old.
Vanessa – good luck with animals (and the knitted farmyard – my kids LOVE the one I made). I’m glad my templates were helpful. Let me know how your animals turn out.
Awesome toys! It’s great that the kids were involved in some way for each step.
Great project! I am going to download those PDF’s. Their Dad LOVES his dremel tool and would probably enjoy leading any project that involved using it. They turned out great!
Hi Michelle,
We’re in the process of creating these animals now. We’re attempting them all, and after my first run with the coping saw, we’ve decided to bust out my husband’s skill saw to help with the straight lines. These are a bit of work! But so worth it.
Vanessa, It is so fun to share projects when you know other appreciate them! Thanks for sharing about your progress. They do take a bit of time. I was happy to hand it off to my hubby to finish the cutting out process. I hope you enjoy them when they are done! 🙂 Please feel free to post a link to photos of yours if you put them online.
Michelle,
I did it! They turned out exactly how I had hoped. Thank you!! Ok, any chance you know how to make a wooden bridge to go with them? I’m not sure how to do it.
That’s wonderful Vanessa.
I don’t have a bridge pattern made up but what I would probably do is cut out two identical, elongated C shapes/arches, space them about 3″ apart parallel to each other and then lay 1″ wide wood planks across. You could glue or nail the planks in place. Does that make sense?
Wow, yes, that makes sense. I’m going to try it…thanks so much for responding! I never would have thought of that.