Handymen

[Lilith]

and women too~


I need your help. I need a simple wood craft to make a toy or something cool with my boys. The problem is that I can not given them any sharp tools. They can sand, paint, put together etc. but I would have to have some of the item pre drilled or pre-cut. I was thinking about doing pinewood derby cars with them over the course of a few weeks but I would like some smaller projects where they could be creative yet feel success pretty quickly. I know some of you are talented in these regards and I could really use some ideas. Thanks!

[maddy]

This makes me think of a company that was shown on Three Wishes once... they make simple wooden toys for disadvantaged children. I bet if you contacted them they'd send you the parts so they could assemble and paint and style to their taste... I'm off to see if I can find the name of the company.

found it! www.happyfactory.org

not sure if it comes close to what you were thinking but it might be worth a shot.

[Lilith]

TY maddy! I will speak to my principal. I love the idea of my guys doing it for someone else. They really need to learn the importance of that. I'm hoping it's affiliation with the Mormons is not a deal breaker for a school in my district.

[treeview]

This company sells kits:

http://www.meiselwoodhobby.com/

This woodworking forum is very helpful:

http://www.woodcentral.com/cgi-bin/messages.pl?index

[Lilith]

maddy, I fired off an email to the principal already.

Thanks treeview I will check it out!

[fzzy]

I looked at the site Lil and didn't see a mention of it being affiliated with the Mormon church ... was it in an article they mention? Don't know about your school district's policy, but I'm pretty sure that even if it is affiliated with the Mormon church, that would not limit their willingness to share with you ... Cedar City is in southern Utah ... and probably 80-90% of southern Utah is populated by Mormons, so it may not be affiliated with the Mormon church, just a lot of Mormons. :)

[Lilith]

There was a part that mentioned a partnership (the pilot program) with them. In today's climate where schools have to be so neutral I just never know what is and is not permissible. I don't think it will be a problem but ya never know. I really like the idea because it could be an ongoing service project for the boys.

[fzzy]

The partnership is probably about getting the toys to the some of the countries ... The Mormon church does a lot of humanitarian contributions all over the world and because of that, has access for shipping a lot of things into countries that are not that easy to ship into ... so their partnership probably has to do with the humanitarian efforts and gifting rather than any "church/religion" type of affiliation..... PM me if you want a further explanation, not sure anyone is all that interested in that info.

[rabbit]

How about airplanes/gliders? They come in a kit...assemble, paint, and fly. Pretty easy and COOL!

[scotzoidman]

Getting into an area close to my heart...have you checked with Home Depot, Lowes, or any area hardware/home improvement stores? They often have workshops for kids, & might put you on to some pre-cut kits that would be age-appropriate...

[Lilith]

Thanks for the tips. I'm going to look into Home Depot. I hear they even volunteer and teach them how to build them.

[Lilith]

maddy, my principal loves the idea and had seen that show too. She thinks it's something they could do all summer in summer school as well.Thank you!:D

[1nutworld]

Home Depot's "competition" also has the how-to clinics...and I bet they might have some idea's for you as well, Lil

[maddy]

I'm very excited to hear that Lilith! Now I hope you find the folks at Happy Factory willing to let your boys help. I really do hope that you can complete this project and that your boys find it enjoyable.

[maddy]

My little wheels in my head are spinning... I'm betting by contacting Home Depot and Lowes you could find local people that could make the toy parts for you... and I bet they or a local lumber company would be willing to donate the scrap wood. That would get around having to get the parts from Happy Factory sent to you.

I just picture all those incredibly helpful men that work at Home Depot and Lowes who probably wouldn't mind cutting out a few pieces of wood for some boys.

[wyndhy]

looks like you've got a project already but i wanted to add some too. :)

in school, i studied self expression through art more so than the manual dexterity or social skills an art project might provide, so, along those lines, i would try something like abstract sculpture. pick up a bunch of different shaped wood pieces (available around here at many craft stores), or a pack of assorted sized/shapes of balsa wood, some primary paint colors so they can use them straight up or mix their own, and some extra stuff for visual and tactile stimulation…cotton balls, foam shapes, yarn and string, dry pasta, sand paper cut into shapes…. checking out the local dollar store is great for ideas here, too…you can get a bunch of plastic matchbox cars, bendy straws, little army men, doll clothes, puzzles pieces. the list is endless.

a hot glue gun puts it all together and viola! your own little lost boy-cristos

as far as just regular woodworking projects.

you could pre-drill a flat board to hold pegs and make a rack to hold...whatever...coats, keys, BBQ tools

four pre-cut sides, a bottom and a staple gun and they could make an open-top box for pens or mail.

some pre-cut teardrop shapes, paint, a glue gun and a few small tree branches and some twine to hold it all together and they could assemble a bouquet of flowers (maybe for mother's day?)

that's all i got right now.

whatever you do woth them, it sounds like you and your boys are gonna have lots of fun...i'm jealous. :)

[PantyFanatic]

WOW Wyndhy! :)

Very impressive!!!

[Lilith]

Thanks wyndhy great ideas!


I just herad from the HappyFactory people in my area and they would love to work on a project with my boys! :D:D:D

[Lilith]

I am so excited! Not only are they going to ship the boys some pre-fabricated cars for us to assemble and oil but they are going to allow us to distribute the cars in my local area to children who need them.

[Aqua]

A couple years ago a guy came into my daughters day care from Home Depot and brought kits for building either a car or a boat. They were very simple to put together, but the kids enjoyed it quite a bit and had fun.

[maddy]

That is incredibly awesome Lilith - I hope your boys really enjoy the project.

[fzzy]

that is so great Lil! congrats, you are such an awesome teacher!!!