Monday, February 10, 2014
Monday, February 3, 2014
Book Review: Making Toys That Teach
Hi friends! Wondering which books inspire us as crafters? Here's a review by Amy of Making Toys That Teach by Les Neufeld (copyright 2003 The Taunton Press)
"Today's toys are different from toys when I was a kid. Every toy nowadays buzzes, beeps, plays music or even talks to kids. While kids do enjoy these battery-operated toys, I think they are missing one crucial aspect of play - creativity.
This is what drew me to check out Making Toys That Teach. This book includes easy to follow plans for making wooden toys as simple as a set of blocks made primarily from scrap pieces of wood and as complex as an eight-car train set. Plans include both top and side views with measurements and step-by-step instructions for how to put it together. I found the plans quite easy to follow. Mr. Neufeld suggests adding color to the toys by either using simple food coloring or using different, contrasting hardwoods.
For Christmas last year I made the train set for my nieces, aged 2 and 4 now. I used a variety of woods to build it and it turned out both beautiful and fun. My younger niece, in particular, loves to take the pieces off of the train and put them back on.
I thoroughly enjoyed Making Toys That Teach, not just because, as a woodworker, I appreciate the detailed plans and instructions. I love the concept behind the book - toys can and should encourage children to use their imagination and be creative."
Do you have creative books that inspire you? We'd love to hear from you...so we can read them too!
Have a crafty day!
Your friends at Fiddle & Frog
"Today's toys are different from toys when I was a kid. Every toy nowadays buzzes, beeps, plays music or even talks to kids. While kids do enjoy these battery-operated toys, I think they are missing one crucial aspect of play - creativity.
This is what drew me to check out Making Toys That Teach. This book includes easy to follow plans for making wooden toys as simple as a set of blocks made primarily from scrap pieces of wood and as complex as an eight-car train set. Plans include both top and side views with measurements and step-by-step instructions for how to put it together. I found the plans quite easy to follow. Mr. Neufeld suggests adding color to the toys by either using simple food coloring or using different, contrasting hardwoods.
For Christmas last year I made the train set for my nieces, aged 2 and 4 now. I used a variety of woods to build it and it turned out both beautiful and fun. My younger niece, in particular, loves to take the pieces off of the train and put them back on.
I thoroughly enjoyed Making Toys That Teach, not just because, as a woodworker, I appreciate the detailed plans and instructions. I love the concept behind the book - toys can and should encourage children to use their imagination and be creative."
Do you have creative books that inspire you? We'd love to hear from you...so we can read them too!
Have a crafty day!
Your friends at Fiddle & Frog
Monday, January 27, 2014
Penguin Treats
Hi Friends! Here's a perfect little recipe/craft for a frigid arctic-like day! My amazing friend Beth made these little guys for her daughter's first birthday party, and they were so sweet (and tasty)! Check out the recipe she used from allrecipes.com Not too difficult, and ingredients you may just have on hand in your pantry. Have fun!
Have a crafty day!
Your friends at Fiddle & Frog
- Cut a slit from top to bottom, lengthwise, into the side of each jumbo olive. Carefully insert about 1 teaspoon of cream cheese into each olive. Slice the carrot into eighteen 1/4 inch thick rounds; cut a small notch out of each carrot slice to form feet. Save the cut out piece and press into center of small olive to form the beak. If necessary cut a small slit into each olive before inserting the beak.
- Set a big olive, large hole side down, onto a carrot slice. Then, set a small olive onto the large olive, adjusting so that the beak, cream cheese chest and notch in the carrot slice line up. Secure with a toothpick.
Have a crafty day!
Your friends at Fiddle & Frog
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Paper Snowflakes
Hi Friends!
This week, my four-year old and I made snowflakes from white paper. We just did really simple cut-outs, like squares, rectangles and triangles. But I think they turned out kind of cute!
This week, my four-year old and I made snowflakes from white paper. We just did really simple cut-outs, like squares, rectangles and triangles. But I think they turned out kind of cute!
Have any of you made paper snowflakes this year?
What designs do you cut out? Please share your ideas :)
Have a crafty day,
Kristin at Fiddle & Frog
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Must-Have Tools: Woodworking & Sewing
Hi all!
Ever wonder what tools we use here at Fiddle & Frog to make all the handmade goods we produce? Here's a look at some of the tools we'd be lost without.
PART 1: Woodworking
PART 2: Sewing
There you go...the main tools we couldn't live without! Please note: Although you do see certain brands here, we are not affiliated with them and could also recommend many other brands of the same tools. What tools are most useful to you in your crafting?
Have a crafty day,
Your friends at Fiddle & Frog
Ever wonder what tools we use here at Fiddle & Frog to make all the handmade goods we produce? Here's a look at some of the tools we'd be lost without.
PART 1: Woodworking
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| SCROLL SAW: for detailed cuts, or working with small pieces |
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| TABLE SAW: for rough cutting pieces to size |
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| MITER/MITRE SAW: for cutting angles |
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| DRILL PRESS & PLANER: for drilling all sizes of holes and removing rough edges |
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| DRILL: for drilling, using as a screwdriver, etc. |
PART 2: Sewing
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| SEWING MACHINE: kind of obvious, but an indispensable tool for someone who sews as much as I do! |
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| MISCELLANEOUS TOOLS: scissors, pinking shears, pins, measuring tape, scissors sharpener Not Pictured: notebook, pencils, seam ripper |
Have a crafty day,
Your friends at Fiddle & Frog
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