DIY Life

In honor of yet another round of recalled products originating in that country, I give to you a selection of toys and things that you can make and do yourself. None of these neat ideas requires lead based paint, poison toothpaste or tainted pet food. Follow the links and follow the instructions and I guarantee some great family fun.

Start at the Science Toy Maker for easy science learning crafts. If you need your science craft projects to be a little on the elementary side, you'll find a nice selection of early learning projects there. There are also science projects for the older kids including such things as a candle powered steam boat and an air powered rocket. The site is easy to navigate and it promises a lot of fun.


This page I found on About.com provides loads of leads for family fun. Find sources for toys, games puzzles and mazes. Tantalize your brain for hours without ever increasing the trade deficit.

I found a site that will help you learn the ways of toy making for the birds. Yes, you read that right. The Toymaker by Birds n Ways has a web page absolutely jammed full of fun things you can make and do for your bird. Hanging toys, chewing toys and bird games are just some of the interesting categories over there. In fairness to our cat owning readers, here's Aunt Annie's, Cat Toys from Trash. You know, cats are true do it yourselfers.

If you want to create your new non-imported toys in wood, you can view toy, craft and furniture plans at WoodcraftPlans.com. If you want your wood toy project to have a retro feel, check out MAKE Blog for some toy plans from the 1950's. For serious wood workers, or those who are working on becoming one, you might like to look at The Country Business Directory, Do-It-Yourself Wooden toys. If you need your monthly dose of both wood and crafts, be sure to check out the cornucopia of ideas at Woodworker's Workshop.com, the place is an absolute blast.

Now you have some good leads to get you thinking about toys made closer to home.. The closer to home your stuff originates, the better it is for all of us.