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| Made-to-order puzzles are prepared and ready for the eyes to be added. |
My Itty-Bitty Animal Collection
I learned the craft by making small animal cutouts when I started using a scroll saw. I have created hundreds, if not thousands, of these cutouts.
I typically use small pieces of leftover wood from other projects but make larger batches for custom orders. Recently, I crafted 326 elephant cutouts from African padauk wood, which were transformed into Christmas tree ornaments.
My animal cutouts are extremely durable and can last for generations. My children played with them, and many were gifted to their cousins. Forty years later, these cutouts are still enjoyed by grandchildren, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
It's a challenge to get the parts aligned and the feet level so the dragon will stand without rocking. I use the full-scale drawing you see under the dragon to align and attach a wing on one side. Once the glue has cured enough that the wing will not move, I do the same with two legs on the same side. I then align and glue the wings and legs in place. While this all sounds easy, I assure you it is not. The glue is slippery, and sometimes things will move. Slipping happens most often when the clamps are not perfectly aligned. If the wings are off a tiny amount, this is of no consequence, but if the legs move out of position, it can ruin the project, and I need to start over.
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| This little blue truck is one of many trucks and cars in my Play Pal Collection. These are available in several colors and variations. Custom orders are welcome. |
There is nothing like the joy of playing with your favorite toys as a child. As parents, we want to give our children the best toys to help them learn, grow, and have fun. I created the Play Pal Collection, a collection of handmade wooden toy pickup trucks and cars that children will love to play with.
This little blue truck is just one of the many trucks and cars available in my Play Pal Collection. Each toy is handmade with love and care using traditional woodworking tools in my toymaker's shop. I use natural wood and wood products to create each piece, which means that every toy is unique and may vary in appearance from one item to the next.
The little blue truck is handmade and painted navy blue with amber shellac wheels and metallic sapphire blue trim. The nonmarring amber shellac ensures that the wheels won't damage delicate surfaces while providing a smooth ride for the little ones. I hand-finish each truck with Navy and Metallic Sapphire Blue acrylic paint to give it a durable and long-lasting finish.
One of the great things about the Play Pal Collection is that each toy is customizable. I welcome custom orders, and you can choose from several colors and variations to make your child's toy unique. If you have any concerns about the variations or would like to request a specific look or size, please contact me before placing your order, and I will do my best to accommodate your request.
It's important to note that the natural variations in wood grain, color, and knots make each piece one-of-a-kind and add to the item's character and charm. These variations should be expected and are not considered defects. I assemble and test each toy to ensure it meets the highest quality standards, so you can rest assured that your child is playing with a safe and high-quality toy.
In conclusion, the Play Pal Collection is perfect for parents who want to provide their children with toys that are not only fun but high-quality. The little blue truck is just one example of the many trucks and cars available in the collection, and each toy is customizable to make it truly unique. Why not give your child the gift of playtime with a handmade wooden toy from the Play Pal Collection?
Handmade in Tallahassee, Florida, USA
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| This is the designed stacking method for the goats but my grandson showed me that there are many ways to stack goats. |
If you're looking for a unique and challenging toy for your child or yourself, look no further than this handmade wooden stacking puzzle. Each puzzle is made using traditional woodworking tools and techniques and is finished with a custom blend of nontoxic oils and waxes.
The puzzle consists of five freestanding goats that can be stacked on top of each other to create a tower. The tippy nature of the puzzle adds to the challenge of building the stack, making it suitable for advanced toddlers and adults. When I gave this puzzle to my five-year-old grandson, he assembled it in less than a minute, proving how fun and engaging it can be.
One of the great things about this puzzle is that it can also be played with as freestanding farm animals, allowing for imaginative play and creativity. But beyond just being a fun toy, playing with puzzles also has numerous benefits for development.
Playing with puzzles helps develop hand-eye coordination, gross and fine motor skills, shape recognition, memory, problem-solving, goal-setting, and patience. These skills are essential for higher-level learning and development. This puzzle is designed to be beginner-level, making it a great way to build these skills in a child.
Each puzzle is unique and handmade from natural wood, ensuring no two puzzles are alike. The natural variations in wood grain, color, and knots contribute to each puzzle's character and charm and should be anticipated.
Overall, this handmade wooden stacking puzzle is a beautiful and engaging toy that provides numerous developmental benefits. Whether you're looking for a fun challenge for yourself or a unique toy for your child, this puzzle will provide hours of fun and learning.
This beautifully crafted puzzle is made from select-grade hardwoods in my toymaker's shop using traditional woodworking tools and techniques. It has been finished with durable, clear shellac. It is a free-standing puzzle that can be placed on a shelf, table, windowsill, or door frame and is perfect for teaching motor skills and hand-eye coordination. The individual pieces can also be used as pretend toys, making them a versatile choice for playtime. This animal puzzle is a perfect gift for kids and is suitable for decorating a home nursery.
Approximate Size:
Length: 10.5 Inches
Width: 4.5 Inches
Thickness: 0.75 Inches
All the items I create are handmade using natural wood and wood products. Each piece is unique and may vary in appearance from one item to the next. The item you receive may differ slightly from the item pictured in the listing photos. The thickness of the wood used in your item may also vary slightly from the size specified in the listing.
It's important to note that the natural variations in wood grain, color, and knots make each piece one-of-a-kind and add to the item's character and charm. The variations should be expected and are not considered defects. If you have any concerns about the variations or would like to request a specific look or size, please contact me before placing your order, and I will do my best to accommodate your request.
Handmade in Tallahassee, Florida, USA
This handcrafted wooden toy car is made in the USA. It features an amber shellac finish with metallic sapphire blue trim. It's an excellent toy for both boys and girls, stimulating imaginative play. Custom orders are also welcome.
Approximate Dimensions:
Body Width: 1-1/2 Inches
Body Height: 1-5/8 Inches
Body Length: 3-5/8 Inches
Wheels: 3/4 Inch Diameter
All of my creations are handmade using natural wood and wood products. Each piece is unique and may differ in appearance from others. The item you receive may look different from the one in the photos. Additionally, the thickness of the wood used in your item may vary slightly from the size specified in the listing.
It's important to understand that the natural variations in wood grain, color, and knots make each piece unique, contributing to its character and charm. These variations are to be expected and are not considered defects. Please contact me before placing your order if you have any concerns about these differences or would like to request a specific appearance or size. I will do my best to accommodate your request.
