After seeing a set of wooden sorting toys here, I knew these would be perfect for Silas, and inexpensive to make too. I bought peg people and a set of little pots at Hobby Lobby. We ended up needing to sand out the pots a bit to make the people fit, but that just allowed the whole family to get involved in making what was to be a stocking stuffer for Silas. I painted the people and the pots with my kids’ watercolors, and then finished them with some beeswax polish. I made a terrible mistake though, I used the washable watercolors. Non-toxic I wanted, washable, no. I guess I will wash them down and repaint them with different watercolors soon because Silas sticks them in his mouth and ends up with paint all over his face! You might notice that the orange pot was originally orange-er. Silas does really like these though and I think they are a great toddler activity/toy. He knows they are his, and doesn’t like anyone messing with them while he works (he was threatening to slap Keats’ hand away in one of the pictures above.) Silas is quite the character. But better than that: He hugs by tucking his face into my neck and then wrapping both his arms and legs around me and squeezing as tightly as he can. I think he’s the most affectionate baby we’ve ever had (also possibly the most prone to hitting and throwing things, but I am hoping that passes!)
Heather says
Hi Ginny
I came back to this post looking for tips to make this sweet toy now that I have the pegs and the pots, and I’m wondering if you used, or would recommend using, beeswax to finish them. Any tips on that?
Thanks for sharing all your lovely photos.
Ginny says
yes, we used beeswax polish!
Monica says
Super cute! I might have to make some for my little nieces 🙂 Acrylic paints are non-toxic when dry, and if you want more of a stained/watercolor look just water them down. For a more natural look you could always use tea or berries stain them. As long as they aren’t over-saturated and you wipe off all the excess they shouldn’t transfer the colors to your little one once dry. Thanks for the great idea, sometimes the most simple toys are the best loved!
Amy H. says
Oh, we have a Silas, too! So cool to read about another one. Such a rare name. Most people, even Christians, ask us where we came up with the name. I suppose you get that a lot, also? Found your blog via Pioneer Woman. Look forward to reading more of it. I am a homeschooling Mom of 4 kiddos. We’re pretty simple, also, but no farm or chickens for us!
Kelly B. says
Oh my gosh, I have a Silas too!! I just found this blog today (also referred here by the Pioneer Woman feed) and am loving your blog. Knitting and reading are two of my favorite activities as well. I got positively giddy when I saw that your son is named Silas AND then the commenter above said that she has a Silas too! I know I shouldn’t be all that suprised, we just haven’t met any other Silas’ so it’s kind of fun to hear about other little Si Guys out there.
Best wishes to you and all your little ones!
Amy H. says
Kelly B., we call our Silas Si Guy, also! How old is yours?
Ginny says
Us too! All of my kids call him Si Guy!!!
Kelly B. says
How funny! My Silas is 9.5 months. How old are yours Amy and Ginny? Si is my first baby, but my second child. I also have a 9 year old bonus (step) son named Caiden, who is a wonderful kid and very proud big brother. 🙂
Julie says
I LOVE this idea! I have 4 kids but I think the 3 year old and 1 year old will really put them to use. Beautiful blog by the way! Inspiring!
Rebecca Hales says
These are such beautiful pictures, very inspiring x
Audrey says
I bought these people and pots about 2 years ago and still haven’t painted them. I want to give them to my youngest for her 2nd birthday this summer. But I’m not sure what to paint them with. I know they’ll go straight to her mouth. So I want non-toxic but not washable. Is such a product out there ~ I’m sure there is. Please let me know what you end up using. (I find myself wishing I’d just ordered completed ones from an Etsy site!)
Jennifer @ Little Blog in the Big Woods says
I too have a very affectionate boy. He is six now and still loves to give hugs and kisses (in front of anyone). He loves for me to lay with him at bed time so he can play with my hair. He is my sweetheart.
I love watching Silas (and all your children) grow!
Lyn says
I love the idea. My kids are way past this point (college) but would still like to make this project. I don’t have a Hobby Lobby in my area. I went on the website but couldn’t find them. Any ideas? What type of paint will you use next time?
I am really loving your blog.
Joy says
Very cute set! The littlest guys have so little of their very own that they have to protect their interests. 😉 My youngest hugs like that too. We call it his koala baby hug.
KC says
They certainly look great. I have been considering these for my 1 and 1/2 year old.
Victoria @ Mommy Marginalia says
These are wonderful! I ogled similar ones on Etsy when my son was a baby but couldn’t bring myself to take the plunge. I’m definitely going to set aside this idea for when my daughter becomes a toddler! Is it too late for sign language for Silas? My son was so frustrated (and lashed out) when he couldn’t get his point across before he mastered talking – sign language took the edge off until then. Like you need one more thing to do, right? 😉
Laura says
Ohhhhhhhh, I love them! It’s too bad that I can’t find these little wodden pots in any (Online)Shop in Germany.
We do have peg people bot not the pots 🙁 My son would love to play with them …
Stephanie Hannah says
If it’s any comfort, my youngest son ( I have six children too) is just like Silas. He’s SO sweet and cuddly. He’ll come to me for a cuddle in the middle of the day and giggle with satisfaction. And on the other hand we call him “The Wacker” because he will wack his brothers and sisters in a minute. So sweet lady – we’re in this together. : ) Stephanie
Wendy says
Great idea, those little people in pots :). It is so lovely when they start sitting still for stories!
Christina S. says
What a fun idea, Ginny! And thanks for the link to the Butterfly Ball blog, that looks like a good one! I subscribed.
I am inspired to try this out! My son is just a bit younger than Silas, so I think he’d like it, too!
Louise says
Such a lovely idea, those rich colours must be irresistible 🙂 My boy also had some challenging behaviour before he learned to talk, it must be so frustrating not to be able to express yourself fully. But once he had learned some words he calmed down a lot – unfortunately he didn’t speak until well after turning two!
Mary says
Oh, how funny! I made a set of these for Luke for Christmas as well! I ended up using acrylics and “sealing” them with a beeswax paste. I wish I had sanded my down even more, though, because some of them are too tight in the pots and stick. What would you say is the most natural and safest way to paint kids’ toys? I was at a loss and just went with the acrylics… Your set is beautiful!
Gina says
What a great idea. Tucking this one away.
Jo M says
I bet he’ll quit hitting & such as his verbal skills increase. I don’t know he much he talks but not being able to express yourself is very frustrating & that’s probably why he’s hitting. My son was a biter but stopped once he could talk. I hope this settles for you soon. He soooooo cute!
Melanie Routhier says
This is brilliant Ginny! I’m going to try and make them for Connor, I know he would love them. I can’t believe how BIG Silas is getting. He looks like a little boy now instead of a baby.
sarah o says
Thanks for the awesome idea! I love wooden toys and cant wait to make these for my 2 year old! So cool!
Tracey says
My goodness Ginny, your babies are the cutest!
I want to come and play at your home.
Rach says
They are gorgeous! I love the little bag for them too… toddler ‘work’ enthrals me, I love watching them develop and learn with play! xx
Melissa N says
I like this idea, will have to make some!
Peggy says
And I am glad you are supporting Hobby Lobby.
megan says
These are wonderful! I’ve never seen anything like them, but would love to give them as gifts soon. My son is 17 months, (maybe close to the same age as Silas?) and is a lover and a thrower. We’ve had to edit some of our heavier wooden toys for the sake of the walls, and ourselves, but hope to have them back out soon. I am amazed daily at the difference between my daughter and son.
Barbara says
Passion is passion, doll, for better or worse. He is darling, though, and so are those toys. Great idea!
Lisa Uotinen says
I love that toy idea! Those pictures made me want to play, too!
Courtney says
My little Grant is 20 months and a lot like Silas. Very affectionate. Wonderful hugger but I am seeing hitting in his future. We already deal with some throwing. I guess they swing toward both ends of the emotional scale. The people in pots are adorable!
Mackenzie {WhiletheWaterBoils} says
Those are so cool! I know what you mean about the paint though. We have a set of knights from Nova, and one was unfortunately in the path when a child was sick…and the color is totally gone! Silas is just too cute for words. 🙂
Aubrey says
What a great idea, Ginny!
Jennifer says
We made a set of those too! Funny that you mention Silas being so affectionate. Sounds just like our fourth, but he also hits and throws toys, and horror of horrors–bites! We are seeing improvement with consistent discipline and proactive intervention, must get it out of his system before new baby arrives in May!
You’ve been in my prayers the last days, glad you are feeling more like yourself!
heathermama hawkes says
my wee girl got a set from a friend for christmas. they are fun.
Nadja says
I’ve seen these on Etsy and they’re so cute, but not nearly as cute as Silas, who continues to be my favorite toddler to look at on the internet…he’s just adorable!
Jess says
Such a terrific idea! The supplies are on their way to my house right now!
Jo @ a life in lists says
What a great idea! My two love sorting things. Any things! Now if only I can get them matching socks too, I’ll be onto a winner…
Heather says
I made a few sets of these for our holiday gifts. When I saw them I vainly thought I gave you inspiration! You can see them here: http://esmerlda27.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-art-of-making-wooden-crafts.html
I used non-washable watercolors and with a lot of spit, I think they will still transfer color. I gave my rather oral nephew who is 16 months a handknit whale as well (using Linda’s pattern)
Grace says
Those are so cute!
Kristen says
Most awesome idea EVER! Only too bad I don’t have a baby or toddler right now. Wait, wait just a minute…I have a two-year-old niece and a six-month-old nephew and we have a brand new Hobby Lobby in town! And I LOVE Silas’ shirt. So glad owls made a comeback. My mother-in-law collected them for years!
Courtney {A Life Sustained} says
We’re on the same wavelength today, Ginny! I just posted about a similar project I made for my little Silas!
http://alifesustained.blogspot.com/2013/01/learning-colors.html
Your pegs and pots are adorable! Bummer about the paint, though. 🙂
angie says
Those are the sweetest hugs, where they kind of cuddle into your neck. I love it when the kids give hugs like that. Those little sorters are so cute to Ginny, and not to mention that handsome little boy has the cutest little pouty lips ever. Tell the kids I love them and miss them, and I guess Johnny too…lol. Love you Ginny.
Joyce says
love the idea…childrens hugs are a Moms most valuable jewels!
Kathy says
Great idea, I have a 5 year old who would love those!