wood working

When I was thinking about additional things I might create for the craft show this saturday, I was struck by a memory from my childhood.  I remembered attending craft shows with my family, and always seeing these little princess crowns.  Looking back, they weren't that well made, just some of that shiny star garland with some streamers of ribbon comming down the back...all the same, I thought they were just wonderful! I decided that I could make something that would go well with a tutu, but would also be simple and inexpensive; what could be better than a magic wand?

 

In the mean time, I had also come accross these wonderful wooden figures.  I had bought some of them a while back to paint with my own little ones, but then decided I might pick up some additional figures since I would be doing some wood working with my wands anyway.  Well, I am so happy that I did!  In keeping with the Waldorf inspired theme of my shop and the things that I make, I did some research on how to paint all of this wood in an earth friendly, non toxic way.  I came accross this great website, www.make-baby-stuff.com/finishes-for-wood.html which listed a variety of ways to make toys that fit what I had in mind.  I choose water based, non toxic water colors for adding color and used mineral oil to seal the wood.  I adore the way this combination works on wood, allowing all of the wood grain to show through the pigment, yielding a result that is more like a stain than a paint.

 

I'm really excited about how everything is comming along!  The kids have been having a great time as well.  I have found that if you can't beat them, let them join you!  I saved myself from many a tantrum by allowing them to participate {painting their own projects}.  I may have had more to clean up at the end of the day, but atleast no one was screaming!  I will surely be doing more woodworking in the future!  

Stay cool.

a. 

Comments

[apples for poppy anne]

This is awesome! Nice work!
I am off to check out that site now too!
e.

[exhale. return to center.]

wow!!!! gorgeous work!!!! yay for you!!!

~erin

[http://mysweetbabu.typepad.com]

Thanks so much! I'm happy with it...still pulling things together over here...feeling good about it though!
Thanks for stopping over!!
: )alison

[Emmalina]

Stunning! I love, love, love those wands. Do you make a grown up size? ; )

Clever you.

[http://mysweetbabu.typepad.com]

They are probably even better for grown ups...I know it would only be a matter of moments before my back was turned and my little angel would be smaking her brother in the head with one...

It is a good opportunity to stress the importance of "playing nice!"