Making Wooden Figures

 In October we bought a scroll saw for $50 on Craigslist. After much adoring and drooling over wooden toys and figures that we just couldn't afford, I told Hans it was time we learned to make our own. I was impressed with how emphatically he agreed! So we picked up the scroll saw and made our plans. I bought a sheet of pine, traced our figures, and he started cutting.

 At first I was worried about ruining the surprise for Hannah, but I think she has enjoyed being a part of the process even more than the end products!

 While some of the patterns were my own creation, I derived a lot of inspiration from Pinterest. :) Our Nativity set probably won't be completed this Christmas, but that hasn't stopped Hannah from playing with and recognizing the characters in their rough cut form. Childrens' imaginations are very resourceful that way. :)

Now comes the even longer and more tedious task of sanding, sanding sanding. I'm trying to be very zen about my sanding. I want them to feel smooth and warm to the touch. By the time they are all sanded, painted and polished, we'll either be sick of the project or have a life long hobby. Either way, we're  happy in the moment, and that's all that matters, really.