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Made to Play!: Handmade Toys and Crafts for Growing Imaginations
Delight young children and encourage play through unique handmade toys. From sewn and stuffed musical instruments to interlocking paper building blocks and wooden animal figurines, the projects in this book are meant to encourage open-ended play. Organized by kid-loving subjects, the toys here follow the themes of Zoo; House; Blocks, Cars & Trucks; Dress-Up; Music; and Art. Overall, the projects here are meant to stimulate imagination, build confidence through success and enjoyment, and enhance the bond between family and friends through the creation of unique, artistic handmade toys and crafts.
The thirty-five projects in this book include a variety of crafts, from drawing to sewing and light woodworking. The toys presented here are made out of wonderfully tactile materials—repurposed fabrics, wood, and paper—and invite opportunities for creative and imaginative play. Every project is easy to complete, made with accessible materials, and requires little time to make. The projects are simple enough that endless variation can come from the making of each, leaving enough room for you to make the item to suit your own personal interests.
With a design aesthetic that is clean, simple, and modern, each project is presented with full-color photos and hand-drawn instructional illustrations and templates. Projects
• Modern Doll House and Doll House Furniture
• Portable Zoo Animals
• Abstract Vertical Puzzle
• Wooden Nature Scene
• Bottle-Cap Tambourine
• Exploration Cape
• Modern Alphabet Game
• Shadow Puppet Theater
• And more!
The thirty-five projects in this book include a variety of crafts, from drawing to sewing and light woodworking. The toys presented here are made out of wonderfully tactile materials—repurposed fabrics, wood, and paper—and invite opportunities for creative and imaginative play. Every project is easy to complete, made with accessible materials, and requires little time to make. The projects are simple enough that endless variation can come from the making of each, leaving enough room for you to make the item to suit your own personal interests.
With a design aesthetic that is clean, simple, and modern, each project is presented with full-color photos and hand-drawn instructional illustrations and templates. Projects
• Modern Doll House and Doll House Furniture
• Portable Zoo Animals
• Abstract Vertical Puzzle
• Wooden Nature Scene
• Bottle-Cap Tambourine
• Exploration Cape
• Modern Alphabet Game
• Shadow Puppet Theater
• And more!
208 pages, Paperback
First published October 11, 2011
86 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 10, 2021
Cute and creative, full of low-input, high-impact toys.
August 29, 2021
not a bad book, actually quite good but I was disappointed that it didn't have a lot of the things he has on his website. I borrowed it from the library before buying and I am glad as I don't think I will buy it. His website is fabulous and has a lot of more user friendly ideas IMO
September 1, 2011
I’m not one of those moms who can create awesome crafts out of random household objects without a ton of assistance, and even with loads of help and super-easy directions, they still come out looking like something from a Tim Burton film. Yet I persevere in my attempts to rule the crafting universe, to whittle wood into marching soldiers, to build skyscrapers out of toothpicks, to…wait, I’m thinking of Navy Seabees here… I just want to make something that doesn’t fall apart in five minutes or look like it once resided in my cat’s stomach. So I approach crafting like I do everything else in my life-I read a ton of books on the subject and hope that some of that knowledge transfers into actual manual dexterity and some semblance of decent hand-eye coordination. It never does, yet I still keep reading away.
I recently read Made to Play!: Handmade Toys and Crafts for Growing Imaginations through Netgalley because I like the idea of making clean, simple, old-fashioned toys like finger puppets and a dollhouse (I’ve always wanted a fancy dollhouse, so that would be more for me than Jake). Needless to say, it’s not going to happen with the dollhouse, although I think someone with some crafting ability would definitely be able to complete it based on the direction.The book contains about 35 different toy projects, from an abstract vertical puzzles to portable zoo animals. Each project starts with a description and a little personal note from the author along with a picture of the finished design, followed by step-by-step instructions on how to make them. The projects use regular items and scraps typically found throughout the home and yard (the dollhouse furniture uses twigs). Some of the crafts, like the paper animals, are super easy (rule of thumb- if I say it’s easy, it means that your dog could most likely complete it without so much as a paper-cut) while others, like the embroidery doll require a little more talent. The book provides templates for most of the crafts, so all you have to do is copy them, print them, and use them, and every project is highly customizable so you can make it exactly how you want it.
If you have some crafting talent and want to make cute toys with your children, I definitely recommend checking out this Made to Play when it releases on October 11th. If you’re like me and can’t even thread a needle without practically bringing on the apocalypse, I still recommend it for some of the easier crafts, as there are enough of those to make it worth while.
I recently read Made to Play!: Handmade Toys and Crafts for Growing Imaginations through Netgalley because I like the idea of making clean, simple, old-fashioned toys like finger puppets and a dollhouse (I’ve always wanted a fancy dollhouse, so that would be more for me than Jake). Needless to say, it’s not going to happen with the dollhouse, although I think someone with some crafting ability would definitely be able to complete it based on the direction.The book contains about 35 different toy projects, from an abstract vertical puzzles to portable zoo animals. Each project starts with a description and a little personal note from the author along with a picture of the finished design, followed by step-by-step instructions on how to make them. The projects use regular items and scraps typically found throughout the home and yard (the dollhouse furniture uses twigs). Some of the crafts, like the paper animals, are super easy (rule of thumb- if I say it’s easy, it means that your dog could most likely complete it without so much as a paper-cut) while others, like the embroidery doll require a little more talent. The book provides templates for most of the crafts, so all you have to do is copy them, print them, and use them, and every project is highly customizable so you can make it exactly how you want it.
If you have some crafting talent and want to make cute toys with your children, I definitely recommend checking out this Made to Play when it releases on October 11th. If you’re like me and can’t even thread a needle without practically bringing on the apocalypse, I still recommend it for some of the easier crafts, as there are enough of those to make it worth while.
December 12, 2011
Made by Joel is one of my favorite style and d.i.y. blogs. So naturally, I had high expectations for his book of toys for kids. Made to Play met those expectations easily.
The projects are easy to make and are simple and elegant, giving lots of room for imagination to play. They are also inexpensive and many of them creatively re-use scraps of wood, fabric and buttons.
Most of the projects are meant for kids who are beyond the stage of putting everything in their mouths, but some can be used for babies. The embroidered soft instruments for example or the embroidery pillow doll done in one color sketch style on a contrasting background.
For kids that are a bit older, very simple doll houses invite creative thought. They are meant to be played with, not just to be pretty. Wire dolls, modern furniture, and decorations that can be a wonderful rock found while out adventuring or a twig turned into a pretty potted tree. Even at my age, I want to make myself at least a room box!
Lots of paper toys, many of them that can be packed flat to bring to restaurants and other places you may want something quiet for children to play with. My daughter loved the slotted discs building set. Those impressed me, but my favorite paper project in the book is the wall hanging sculptures. Using children's art along with wire to make displays. A fish dangles from a wire wave, a bird perches on a wire branch turning children's art into something very stylish and special.
Percussion instruments made from scrap wood encourage children to make noise and move. I love the bottle cap tambourine.
The wood toys require very simple tools for the most part. While power saws are handy, you could make a lot of them using coping saws. You will also need a wood burning kit for some of them.
Paper projects, you'll need glue, markers and scissors.
Sewing projects require hand needles, floss, and a sewing machine for strong seams. They don't need any specialized sewing skills. The style of them makes them perfect for crewel/wool type embroidery in my opinion.
For wire projects, you'll need pliers and wire cutters. He uses easy to manipulate wire from hardware stores.
This is play things at their best. Encouraging creative thought and interactivity.
The instructions are well written and the projects are inexpensive to make and just charming.
My reviews are always my personal and honest opinion. I recieved this book from the publisher to review for my craft site, Don't Eat the Paste.
The projects are easy to make and are simple and elegant, giving lots of room for imagination to play. They are also inexpensive and many of them creatively re-use scraps of wood, fabric and buttons.
Most of the projects are meant for kids who are beyond the stage of putting everything in their mouths, but some can be used for babies. The embroidered soft instruments for example or the embroidery pillow doll done in one color sketch style on a contrasting background.
For kids that are a bit older, very simple doll houses invite creative thought. They are meant to be played with, not just to be pretty. Wire dolls, modern furniture, and decorations that can be a wonderful rock found while out adventuring or a twig turned into a pretty potted tree. Even at my age, I want to make myself at least a room box!
Lots of paper toys, many of them that can be packed flat to bring to restaurants and other places you may want something quiet for children to play with. My daughter loved the slotted discs building set. Those impressed me, but my favorite paper project in the book is the wall hanging sculptures. Using children's art along with wire to make displays. A fish dangles from a wire wave, a bird perches on a wire branch turning children's art into something very stylish and special.
Percussion instruments made from scrap wood encourage children to make noise and move. I love the bottle cap tambourine.
The wood toys require very simple tools for the most part. While power saws are handy, you could make a lot of them using coping saws. You will also need a wood burning kit for some of them.
Paper projects, you'll need glue, markers and scissors.
Sewing projects require hand needles, floss, and a sewing machine for strong seams. They don't need any specialized sewing skills. The style of them makes them perfect for crewel/wool type embroidery in my opinion.
For wire projects, you'll need pliers and wire cutters. He uses easy to manipulate wire from hardware stores.
This is play things at their best. Encouraging creative thought and interactivity.
The instructions are well written and the projects are inexpensive to make and just charming.
My reviews are always my personal and honest opinion. I recieved this book from the publisher to review for my craft site, Don't Eat the Paste.
March 29, 2011
If you are one of the many parents enthralled by simple handmade toys but are intimidated at the prospect of making them yourself, never fear! Joel Henriques will help get you started with the ideas in his new book coming out next October, Made to Play!: Handmade Toys and Crafts for Growing Imaginations.
Contrary to what companies may have you believe, children don't need, nor truly want, lots of flashy toys which play by themselves (where is the fun in that, anyway?). Instead, simple toys which require healthy doses of imagination from the child open up realms of opportunity, creativity, and learning.
Craft challenged parents who previously felt left out when it came to making toys for their own children will be bolstered in this book, as the ideas are simple and easy for anyone to do. Turn a few supplies, often ones you already have on hand, into miniature toys that will delight your children and give you confidence to tackle more difficult projects.
Disclaimer: A copy of this book provided by Shambala Publications.
Contrary to what companies may have you believe, children don't need, nor truly want, lots of flashy toys which play by themselves (where is the fun in that, anyway?). Instead, simple toys which require healthy doses of imagination from the child open up realms of opportunity, creativity, and learning.
Craft challenged parents who previously felt left out when it came to making toys for their own children will be bolstered in this book, as the ideas are simple and easy for anyone to do. Turn a few supplies, often ones you already have on hand, into miniature toys that will delight your children and give you confidence to tackle more difficult projects.
Disclaimer: A copy of this book provided by Shambala Publications.
October 10, 2011
Made to Play! Handmade Toys and Crafts for Growing Imaginations by Joel Henriques is a collection of thirty-five crafts from a father that has tried and tested everything detailed within with his own children. Imaginative and open-ended play with home made toys, built manly from recycled or purposed material. The projects are great for the crafty to take and make their own, and for the easily intimidated to follow instructions, use provided templates and create great toys for their children. I already have a few projects from this book that I am eager to give a go, since my children love all kinds of play that involves imagination.
See my complete review here on Associated Content.
See my complete review here on Associated Content.
January 4, 2012
I discovered Joel's blog a while ago and loved his simplistic yet original style of toys and activities for his young children. I bought three copies of the book when it came out as Christmas gifts. On Boxing Day, my sister-in-law made the zoo animals with my 3 year old and they were much loved (until my 1 year old ripped them apart.. oops). I like that you can pick up this book, grab some paper, pens and scissors and do one of the projects. You don't have to go spend a fortune to make any of these. Best of all, they really do encourage young imaginations. We pored over the book and got inspired.
August 16, 2012
I love the simplicity of this book and the projects that it contains. I love the fact that they are made with things that I have around the house or things that I can go buy cheaply from the store. I also love that some of the toys are bring along toys that fit in altoid tins to keep the kids busy and entertained at the doctor's office or in the cart at the grocery store.
Some of my favorite projects are the slotted building disks (my 12 year old will be getting these), Small wooden animals (these fit in an altoids tin), fabric instruments (they are quiet!), animal finger puppets (also will fit in an altoids tin)... lets face it... I love them all!
Some of my favorite projects are the slotted building disks (my 12 year old will be getting these), Small wooden animals (these fit in an altoids tin), fabric instruments (they are quiet!), animal finger puppets (also will fit in an altoids tin)... lets face it... I love them all!
November 14, 2012
Lots of playful, imaginative toys and crafts to make for / with kids using cloth, wood, wire, and paper. There are full color photos, plus templates and illustrated instructions. I'm out of my element with woodcrafting, but some of the others are really fantastic for me. I'm going to try: zoo blanket; wooden spool birds; wire doll chairs; slotted building discs; rubber band race cars; dress-up drawings.
January 9, 2012
Lots of really cool DIY ideas for creating toys with stuff you have on hand that promote creative thinking. Some of the projects require serious tools (i.e. saws) but others are more simple. Can be a good jumping off point for seeing what else you can make. I can see making some of these things for presents for the kids I know.
November 13, 2011
This great little book offers lots of ideas ideas for simple and easy-to-make toys and things for children. The materials needed are explained well, and the directions are very simple. This is great for me as a busy mom who sometimes needs ideas to help her out!
February 4, 2013
My favorite projects in this book were the ones made from wood and we don't have a skill saw. So until we get one (which he says are fairly easy to find used and therefore, fairly inexpensive), I probably won't be making anything from this. I especially would like to make the dollhouse!
March 1, 2012
From the creator of madebyjoel.com. Great ideas for handmade toys and crafts. Drawings and photos accompany every activity. I can't wait to try some of these ideas out (especially the bottle cap tamborine!) This guy is so creative and I'm glad he's sharing his genius with the rest of us!
December 21, 2011
Meh.
I only liked a couple of the projects in this book: the dress-up drawings (great use for scraps of fabric, buttons, and other notions), and the shadow box theater.
I only liked a couple of the projects in this book: the dress-up drawings (great use for scraps of fabric, buttons, and other notions), and the shadow box theater.
June 27, 2012
great read about kid toys you can make yourself!
July 12, 2012
A very cute, creative book that B and I enjoyed looking at together. It was surprising what he wanted to make (I wouldn't have picked those projects for him) and what I wanted to make.
December 20, 2012
Good ideas in here, but the hipster overlay to everything was just too much for me to stomach. MODERN dollhouse furniture??!?! Gag me with a spoon!!
June 1, 2013
Inspiring!
September 20, 2013
Wonderful book. Really inspired creativity during a family visit, gave us old-fogey adults a chance to make toys with our young-un. Some of us fogeys hoarded the toys!
July 20, 2015
Looks like a lot of work for something that would hold my kid's interest for less than 30 minutes. He isn't a hipster. :/
April 30, 2016
Awesome book! This guy is amazing. At the back are all the templates to make these. Plus, a website you can go to where there are even more ideas!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews