Making Toys

I make toys for my grand children. Not all of them are big hits. The first "Busy Board" that I took to Virginia, made from things lying around the shop, ended up in the attic, unused.

"Too many ways to hurt little fingers," they said. "And it encourages them to play with electrical outlets."

Fair. That one went into the "Fail" column. The second Busy Board, made by Joe Ezzel at New Earth Fabrication, was a hit--complete with an electronic doorbell that played "Fur Elise."

I've shipped multiple rounds of building blocks. They too have been winners.

Apparently my time machine fell over and crushed my grandson before being taken to the curb. Another fail.

My "Water Table," half of a 55 gallon drum on a stand, lying on its side at kid height, is well used for bubbles and water play. That one was a keeper.

With a somewhat sketchy record as a toy maker, I pushed on. I found these two Fill-Rite meters in the woods, cleaned them up, painted them, and had plexiglass fronts made, such that kids can spin the dial and watch the numbers move.

Here's hoping they get thrown in the toy box and not the recycle bin...