Making your own toys? On the homestead, everything’s possible. Why spend money on fancy toys when you can have fun and make your own? the satisfaction of watching your kids play with them is out of this world.
Thanksgiving and Christmas bring joyous gatherings with family and friends. We gather together to celebrate, eat, and share gifts with the folks we love. Gift giving can become quite expensive – and finding ways to entertain children before a big meal is served can also become frustrating. Making holiday Play Doh can become not only … Read more
Making your own toys is not only a great cost saver, but such a fulfilling project. As homesteaders already know, there is just nothing like giving or receiving a handmade gift that was diligently worked on for hours by someone you love. Homemade toys beat the heck out of plastic junk made in China any … Read more
Making your own learning games and resources does not need to be a parent only activity. Infusing the children into the process will not only teach the reward of hard work and the sense of pride that comes with completing a job well done, but can double as an academic and vocational exercise, as well. … Read more
Needle felting is a completely no-tech and super low cost crafting “habit.” I opted against using the word hobby to describe needle felting, because once you pick up a piece of wool and the proper needle, it is almost impossible not to get addicted. I discovered needle felting accidentally when browsing Pinterest and ETSY for … Read more
Waldorf dolls will take longer to create than a typical cloth doll, but making one of these sweet old-fashioned toys is so well worth the effort. Once you master making a Waldorf doll head, the rest of the process is easy-peasy…I promise. I allowed myself to be too intimidated by the head-making process, that it … Read more
When I first stumbled upon tree branch blocks online, I was shocked by two things: how beautifully natural and fun they would be to play with and how super ridiculous the price was. Those two facts, coupled with being a DIY homesteader and homemade toy making fiend, prompted me to go “shopping” in our woods … Read more
Yard sale season is finally upon us, fellow homesteaders. Now is a perfect time to stock up on homemade toys and gift making supplies for Christmas and all of the birthdays that are coming up this year. The annual countrywide yard sale took place over the weekend and I scored some superb – and super … Read more
I stumbled across wooden peg people, also commonly referred to as wooden peg dolls on Pinterest. Most of the adorable images of these simple and natural wood toys on Pinterest led to links to sale listings for completed – and expensive, dolls on ETSY. If you played with Fisher-Price “Little People” as a child, you … Read more
I am incredibly excited to announce the launch of a new New Life on the Homestead series. This ongoing column is going to be solely devoted to the making of homemade toys and upcycled DIY toys, for the little loved ones in your life. Is there a difference between homemade toys and DIY toys? Oh, … Read more