toys for small friends

I try to make easy and inexpensive toys for our small friends every year for the holidays.Last year it was silk scarves, which I bought in white and dyed (this was so much fun, I need to make make more, it was really easy and very cheap and the kids *loved* them) and this year I made these music/ rattle/wand/hippie things. I am so happy with them. They are straight out of the Renaissance fair.

I bought wood dowels (I like bass better than balsa, if you can find them, it's a bit harder wood, and splits less) drilled tiny holes with this superb hand drill, threaded thin wire through, added the bells and wood beads, and the twisted the wire around and then added the ribbons. This project is in this book,  The Children's Year . What is nice about this book is it has really basic illustrations and not a ton of instruction, more of an idea book really, so you can come up with your own variations/look easily.

I am really getting into the wood dowel toy thing. But, I have to report the bead at the end of the magic wand fell off. I think I need to either drill and screw it in, or skip it. And I wanted to add painted stripes to these guys above, but I know too many beaver children-like my own, who look at a stick of wood and think it's food. (what is up with that?)

Comments

[Dana]

Those are so cool. I know lots of children who would love these. Thanks for letting us know how to make them.

[amanda]

you're smart to hold the paint--mine would chew them too. what *is* up with that? I love these, Amy! Have they been kid tested in your house yet? ;D

[amy k.]

sort of tested. the wire works if you don't have a real thrasher on your hands. and then there is the whole whacking nature of something like this. some kids are more whacky than others. . mine are not so much. I think to make it extra secure, you should thread the wire through ttwice, then wrap-you know what i mean??

[laurie]

such a wonderful idea! i wish i'd found your post about the silks earlier. i'm making capes (think superman) for my nephews and they would have been perfect -- and i wouldn't have had to hem the edges! ;)

[hillary]

very cute! although I think oscar may be whacky ;)

[Nichola]

beautiful rattles. must buy s drill!

[mrspilkington]

lovely! that's a great book. i like "festivals, family, and food" too.

[Anamaria]

I love those! Thanks for the mini-tutorial and the book recommendation; I've always wanted the Children's Year (or one of its companion books)--now I just may have to get it!

[hannah]

these are awesome!! sounds like a book i need to add to my wish list. that hand drill looks pretty cool too. i like how it says "perfect for craftpersons". my husband has been saying for a few months now that he is going to write a movie about the whole diy/crafty blog thing, but i told him he couldnt make fun or be nasty.

[persephone]

I'm definitely going to have to get that book.

[Emily]

Wow, those are fantastic. Thanks for the idea!

[Laura]

The chewing thing... do you think it's texture? I know I'm not the only one who chewed on pencils as a child. Making little tooth marks all up and down my pencils. Seems like it was the feeling of the paint cracking when I bit. Or something. Not eating or tasting the paint or wood - it had to do with texture - and maybe to do with me being "oral"? Hmm. Dunno.

[Grammie]

These are sweet little noise-makers. The beads and bells are magical. And the chewing...I can confirm that Amy's brother was not a chewer, but Amy was a bit of a chewer. You may draw what conclusions from that as you will.;^)

[~Vicki]

I agree, The Children's Year is such a great book and has inspired many a craft and celebration at our house too. I love how you've put these music makers together too, how fun!

[kimberly]

I want to be your friend! Those look like great fun!

[erinay]

OK, I peeked, but I won't tell Lily... and your gift for small friends rocks over ours in the "wow" factor for the kiddies, but hey, I did my best.

those are great... where did you get your big wooden beads?
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