Lately, I've been bitten by this crafty bug, and all I can think about is building a wooden stacker toy. Isn’t there something just so magical about the simplicity of those colorful shapes, one wobbling perfectly on top of the other? It reminds me of rainy afternoons spent in my grandmother's workshop, the sweet scent of fresh-cut wood filling the air as we created tiny masterpieces together. Can you believe how something so simple can spark such joy? I can already picture my little one’s face lighting up, delightedly clapping each time they manage to balance another piece. Who wouldn’t want to give that joy a shot, right?
Items You’ll Need
- Wood (such as pine or birch)
- Wood glue
- Sandpaper (various grits)
- Paint or wood finish
- Wood saw (hand saw or jigsaw)
- Drill (with drill bits)
- Clamps
- Safety goggles
- Dust mask
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Pencil for marking wood
- Finishing brush (for paint or finish)
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Your Equipment
I start by gathering all my materials and tools. I make sure I have the wood, wood glue, sandpaper, paint, saw, drill, clamps, safety goggles, dust mask, ruler, pencil, and finishing brush ready and organized.
Step 2: Measure and Mark the Wood
Using my ruler and pencil, I measure and mark the dimensions for the base and the stacking pieces of the toy. I decide on a simple square base and various circular blocks of different sizes to stack.
Step 3: Cut the Wood
With my trusty wood saw (I prefer the jigsaw for curves), I carefully cut along the lines I marked on the wood. The sound of the saw cutting through the wood is oddly satisfying and I can’t wait to see the shapes take form.
Step 4: Drill Holes for Stacking
I use the drill to make a hole through the center of each circular block. This will allow them to stack onto a main pillar later on. I wear my safety goggles and dust mask to protect myself from any sawdust.
Step 5: Sand the Edges
With a variety of sandpaper grits, I sand down all the edges and surfaces of the pieces to ensure everything is smooth and splinter-free. I run my fingers over the wood and it feels lovely!
Step 6: Assemble the Base
Now it’s time to create the base! I take the square piece and apply wood glue to the center. I clamp it down and wait for the glue to dry while I plan out how the toy will look.
Step 7: Painting the Pieces
Once the glued base is secure, I break out the paint! I choose bright colors that make me smile and start painting the circular blocks. I make sure to paint both the top and bottom. I let them dry.
Step 8: Applying the Finish
After the paint dries, I grab my finishing brush and apply a clear wood finish to protect the paint and wood. It adds a nice sheen as well. I make sure to do this in a well-ventilated area.
Step 9: Final Assembly
Once everything is dry, I stack the painted blocks onto the central pillar of the base. I arrange them in a beautiful pattern and step back to admire my work.
Step 10: Testing the Toy
I decide it’s time for a test! I give the stacker a gentle shake to see if the blocks stay in place. It’s sturdy and holds together well. I smile as I think about how fun it will be to play with.