I was digging around in my box of vintage wood scraps, and decided to make some little figures with a few of the small colorful pieces. We used paint pens to draw on them, so it was an easy way to make a fun set of dolls to play with.
And look at this great set that my son made. He colored them with regular makers, then wanted to make playground “slides” for them to go down. He drew the slides on a sheet of paper and set them all up. What a great art installation.
Oh how cool!!! My mind immediately tried to think of where I've seen those pegs before, they seem so familiar – a little hammer, pegs, little workbench. I introduced my son, Joel, to your blog. He loved it. He's an artist, too.
Love, love, love! I particularly love that the child made his own set as well. Family crafting is awesome.
just found your blog through another blog I read, and I have to tell you HOW AMAZING your blog is! so inspiring!! I love all your crafts and pictures! your kids are adorable too!
tara pollard pakosta
oh my. i LOVE how you captured jack drawing his slides. fantastic! and your dolls totally made me think of the alexander girard collection. :)
the dolls are great! i have some old pieces of wood I've avoided using as I've wondered if they might have lead paint on them… your post makes me think I could easily take some newer wood scraps and give them a (new & safe) rough paint job and use them similarly.
A lovely set of photos. You're in your element making toys.
I remember a toy with similar cylindrically shaped characters and they would go into holes in a wood block that had springs inside them. They'd bounce up and down on the springs or you could push em all the way down and then let them snap up into the air a few inches. Good fun :)
have you ever thought of doing a painting or patchwork with those drawings?
check this out
http://www.fullmoonfiberart.com/2010/07/08/making-a-kindle-bag/
they are beautiful little dolls. I love them!
First time visiting and am completely enchanted! Just north of you in SW Washington. Enjoy the sunshine and the inspiration that it brings (at least to us gardener types)! Kim
What a chip off the ol' block your son is!
wow, so beautiful!
what a creative idea… I love them!
I also REALLY love Jack's outfit!!!
:D
They are great. Oh your kids have so many lovely things to play with. I'm sure they are never borred.
Wish you a nice day.
Katharina
Thank you for all of the great comments everybody!
Colombo – I think I remember something like that too, now that you mention it. I should try and think of something with springs for these. Cool.
so sweet. i especially like moustache man and the dog. but the slides take the cake!
that's what I've already said or asked: do you want to adopt me or mary me ????
he is so cute. and I absolutely love, love, love these.
both sets are lovely !
Love how creative you both are.
Super fun blog :)
i love that you include your kids' versions of projects. sometimes it's hard for me to let go of my idea of how a project is supposed to turn out, in favor letting my kids have more creative control.
i was also really excited to see the pirate dog pajams. i've got a fussy dresser, and that's one of his few tolerated outfits!
Thanks everybody!
mama ring – I know what you mean about letting go of your vision. I'm always amazed at what the kids can come up with!
LOVE these! Fingers are twitching, I see tomorrow written all over these…
These are absolutely beatiful! Thank you for such a creative blog!
you guys are adorable.
Just found your blog Joel and I LOVE IT! I want to make everything and share your blog with everyone!
Can't wait to see your book. Thanks for sharing!
what a great idea, there is so much to learn from you Joel, amazing
hugs to you and your lovely family from Romania
These little people are so cute! And they look like a ton of fun! I know adding people to block play will help my daughter play more with her brother. She's into dolls and he's into building – what a great blend!
[…] to paint it and turn it into a “city block”. I think it might be a good block for the Vintage Wood Figures to hang out […]
What a great idea！！！
[…] by Mr. Printables. | 4: Natural Juice Packaging by Isabela Rodrigues. | 5: Vintage Wooden Toys by Made By Joel. | 6: Children’s Nightstand by The Land of Nod (but who said it had to be for children? ). | […]