acorns are fun

I placed an order a few weeks back with what has become a favorite local wood shop. I first learned about this place, ironically, through Siri - halfway across the country - when she posted her source for wooden acorns in this post (which I still refer to often for all of its acorn goodness).

We were running low on our wooden acorns - they are often given away, lost, and otherwise disappear. Which means they're played with. A lot. They become little people, pieces in homemade games, treasure, tokens, money, food, and so many more things. Sometimes - like with most good toys - they're put away and forgotten about for a time, but they always reappear in the play eventually. So we replenished our stock - a fresh bowl full of dozens of them. Sometimes we mix them in with bowls of 'real' acorns. Ah. I will admit to just running my fingers through the bowl often, turning them upside down. Like a salad. A mixed acorn salad.

With this order, I got a few wooden beads too, for a project Calvin's been asking me about. And some wooden people, as well. Though I made an error in ordering the wrong size - these are super tiny at just 2 inches tall, which makes painting features a little tricky (Ezra declared on many of them, 'this one doesn't need any eyes!') But still - the kids thought they were fab - to paint, dress, and decorate. Adelaide thought they all needed a hat - a pink (all the colors are 'pink' by the way) button hat. And now - a bowl of these 'people' become another tool for what will amount to - in the end - hours of creative play. What I love about them is that they're blank canvases, really. Blank canvases for imaginations to run wild with, and that they do.

I've been reading some of the news accounts about the mass toy recalls, and I get a little bummed when the story ends with the bit about wooden toys all being so expensive as an alternative to plastic. If you're really looking to have less plastic and more natural materials, it really needn't be so. Sometimes, we do chose to spend a little bit extra to have the toys/tools we like best - those that come from natural materials, those that leave room for imagination, and those that are made in a way that fits our values - but that also means we buy less, evening the cost in the end. Buying less also means we have less - which I believe is always more when it comes to toys and imagination and the growth of our little ones.

But there's also all this other stuff - this 'free' - and yet incredibly valuable - stuff out in the world - rocks, leaves, acorns. Cardboard, newspaper and wood. And all the incredibly inexpensive stuff - paper and crayons and paint. And wooden acorns and beads and cubes and eggs and hearts. I mean, really, all of the above cost me less than $12. What would I get walking into a big toy store for $12?

I'm just sayin'. Acorns are fun.

Comments

[debbie]

Yes, yes, yes! Amen.

[bubbachic]

Fantastic resource - just stocked up with future projects for me and the kiddies - thank you for being so inspiring

Dee
x

[Angel]

Thank you Mama Urchin, I LOVE the quiet hours website.

[Zainab]

I so agree with you, really. Wish more people were thinking the way you do.

[Ashley]

I've ordered from Casey's a few times in the past. I cannot even count how many of those precious wooden people we have in circulation in our toy collection. Such fun and oh, the imaginative games and tales that emerge when they are at play with them! Thank you once again, mama, that its the simple things in this life that matter the most.

[Tara]

Thank you for the Casey's link, Amanda! A wonderful source for quality wooden toys practically down the road from me???? Who knew??? Now, the trick is to stay mindful of "less is more" when shopping that site! Maybe just some little people, to start . . .

Once again, you've inspired me!

[Amy]

My little one will be ten months old this Christmas. Up until now, he's had some toys I've made him and a few others. Luckily, we'd already decided on a less is more/natural toy policy before all this lead stuff came to light, so one less thing to worry about!

We've been eyeing the Ostheimer farmhouse, but I was wondering if it was made to standard dollhouse proportions. (That way we could mix and match dolls and furniture.) Do you know, Amanda (or fellow readers)?

[Jeanne]

I love these! Thanks so much much for the post. I know you're not endorsing a paint, but what type of paint did you and the kids use in the picture? I think putting a collection of these along with Amy Karol's imple Dollhouse (http://angrychicken.typepad.com/angry_chicken/2006/11/makin_stuff.html) would be a great gift!

Your post and Amy's not made in China post (http://angrychicken.typepad.com/angry_chicken/2007/08/not-made-in-chi.html) has inspired me!

[Chloe]

I totally agree. Even though the natural toys can be more expensive, in the end it all equals out. We just bought our daughter her first waldorf doll and I was thinking, although it's more expensive than say, a barbie, it's better to have one precious doll made out of natural materials than 10 cheap plastic ones that may be harmful. I love how creative you are in bringing nature into your playthings! I can't wait until our daughter is old enough to do more crafting.

[Chloe]

I totally agree. Even though the natural toys can be more expensive, in the end it all equals out. We just bought our daughter her first waldorf doll and I was thinking, although it's more expensive than say, a barbie, it's better to have one precious doll made out of natural materials than 10 cheap plastic ones that may be harmful. I love how creative you are in bringing nature into your playthings! I can't wait until our daughter is old enough to do more crafting.

[celine]

Your words are like music to my ears...My kids are happiest with a pen a piece of paper!

[ani]

yay! another fun 'toy' is hunks of fabric. my girl will use them to make tents, blankets for her animals, capes, montessori work rugs...it goes on and on.

[Shannon Hodgins]

Oh YES. Can I please link to this post. You just posted so well on a topic close to my heart.

On our recent birthday invites we asked folks to please NOT buy plastic and such, and less is more with us. We got folks looking at crafty craft items, making cards for us and such and it was GREAT.

Slowly but surely I'm weeding out plastic in my home- - -and your post so addresses it. Can you please also tell us where you got that amazing play house? Did you make or buy? It's wonderful! Shannon

[andi]

Thank you so much for posting those great links! I have really been wanting to buy some things like that for my toddler and those are all perfect!

P.S. And I totally agree with your thoughts on toys for children- all the plastic in my house is driving me crazy. Not only are wooden toys safer and better for imaginative play, but they are definitely more beautiful!

[Sarah]

Preach it, sister.

[jennie]

Amanda, your blog is my favorite. Those links are a sight for sore eyes. I bought acorns and people and eggs (and a blackboard as well). My children will be tickled pink! Thank you again for being truly inspirational!

[Bluebirdbaby]

WOW! Thanks for the link. For a family on a very tight budget, this is much appreciated right before Christmas :)

[Sara Shalom]

Hear, Hear! This is something I really resound with, and wish more people in my children's circle of influence understood. Thank you for the reminder. One thing to add: Thrifted goodies! Just this morning, I came across a number of gems. How often I come across vintage/wooden toys or great things to repurpose for a SONG. salvation Army and Goodwill are my friends! :)

[Katherine]

Love what you are saying here, and I think I'd like a little play in the doll's house, looks fun.

[Avelia]

Thank you, Amanda!

[Pien]

About the wooden toys: hear hear!

[Caren]

Thanks for the lovely pictures. I can just imagine running my hand through that bowl of wooden beads! Bliss.

The Martins are an unschooling family who also make wooden doll houses, castles and kitchen sets. You can find them here:
http://www.willowtoys.com/

[annette]

Thanks for posting the link! I'll be ordering tonight (if I don't fall asleep with Syd)... Love those blank people -- I've been doing the clothespin ones for a niece for xmas, but the kids will love making these themselves.

[margaret]

Oooo... Thanks for the link. This will make some of the holiday shopping much easier! I love getting natural toy resources.

p.s. You are my hero.

[mariss]

I hope to be a mom like you someday. Thank you for posting this (and your kids are amazing, by the way!). I was just talking about over-consumption with my own mother yesterday, and it was great to read your post, and feel some hope.

[Maricel]

I love reading your blog! I have 2 kids under the age of 3 years old & your blog gives me the greatest ideas for activities to do with them! I've been looking for a website to get little wood items at a reasonable price for so long. Thanks so much for the link! Could you also tell me where you purchased your daughter's dollhouse? I just LOVE it!

[Veronica TM]

you are so right, amanda! have to check the store out. thanks for the links and the beautiful photos.

[Ellie]

I agree through and through. After having a conversation with my partner about a horrible plastic babydoll that the mother-in-law has bought my daughter for Christmas, your post was so very great to read. Let's get back to basics!

[Nancy]

Please tell what kind of paint you use on the dolls . . . I'm thinking washable just won't cut it. Tempera? Thanks! --Nancy

[Dee]

Thanks so much for posting this! I found a few bits on the site that'll be perfect my children (OK, and ME) for the holidays.

[dottyspots]

We have that house (but then I *do* sell Ostheimer - LOL - I'm in the UK though).

However, I'd agree that some of the best toys can be found all around - pine cones are a favourite here and stones are rather handy too.

My dd seems to have inherited my love of 'little things' - buttons and beads are fabulous and she'll spend hours stringing them together. Of course, beads can also be made with paper and then there's painted pasta :0)

Fabric is also really useful - something lightweight - they can be used for all sorts of things: clothing, wings, a river, anything that an imagination can come up with!

[jenny]

yummy, yummy REAL fun--i love those acorns.

[Alex]

Love those tiny people! The acorn hat is fabulous.
Great way to let the children's creativity run loose.

[Tere]

Great post, Amanda. I don't have children, but I've babysat quite a few. I had the most fun playing with the kids who were from poorer families, because those were the kids who played "pretend" games, making tents in the living room, role playing, tree climbing...I realize now it doesn't really have to do with a family's income, but having less really did give those kids more.

[Steph]

What an inspiring post Amanda! I love reading about the values you are raising your kids on.

[Bluebirdbaby]

Oh, I just noticed the comment about paint. I believe milk paint is safe for little ones and you can find it in a lot of art stores :)

[Amber]

Oh my gosh, two of my favorites: Siri at Knitting Iris and acorns, all in one place... Now, to go visit that store!

[cheryl]

Yes yes yes. Do you know what my children love? Rocks. Balloons. Sticks. crayons. paint. books. their Bilibos! Yes, they are plastic but boy do they have fun with them! When my daughter was very young she LOVED to play with colored clothespins and put them endlessly on things - now my son loves them. Thank you for the great resource - especially for those of us without acorns!

[Audrey]

Amen, sista!

[redheadedhowler]

You just gave me the perfect idea for my daughter's adventure birthday party -- a woodland scavenger hunt! Acorns, little woodland elves, rocks, etc. in the backyard. Thanks for all your lovely posts.

[heather]

acorns as currency... i hope your children show an interest in politics as they grow older. we could use a few elected officials with such wisdom.

i'm loving all the wood talk here! our last house was a log home (rented, only reason we moved) and not a single day passed that i didn't stand in my kitchen and take in the fact that i was surrounded by trees, indoors. hard to explain, but what a lovely, grounded feeling that was.

[lisa s]

can i come play?

tell ezra i'm good at making small eyes :)
xo

[MiraclesHappen]

Sometimes you support someone because you simply enjoy their work, but in your case, I relate to your soul's intentions for your children and your family. We strive to instill the same values and that is a much more satisfying reason for me to purchase "another craft book". :o) God bless you and your family!

[Brandie]

Thank you for sharing this. I've been looking for some inspiration. We have a dollhouse (that my husband and girls made) and the dolls are lost/broke/gone. I am so making little people for them to get them back into it. Also, that website - fantastic! I also bought the mini-plates and bowls for them. And 1 christmas tree, and 2 snowmen to go in the "yard" and the little broom so they can "clean" their house. I also bought some wooden fruit for them to use in their kitchen AND bought some plain blocks for my son to build! I had way too much fun looking at all those lovely things! =)

[robin]

Amen, Sister!! <3

[Morgan]

I love this post! You are a sweet soul.

xoxo

[Morgan]

I love this post! You are a sweet soul!!

xoxo

[Morgan]

I love this post! You are a sweet soul!!

xoxo

[SOULEMAMA]

I wish Typepad would let me highlight my responses - wouldn't that make it easier to find them? Please, Typepad - work that feature! ;)

Anyway...two questions that I keep getting:

1. The 'dollhouse' is a Farmhouse by Ostheimer - a German Toy company. I bought mine locally. A few people above mentioned some online sources for it.

2. The paint we used on our wooden people was acrylic. I thought that watercolors or milk paint might wash right off and get a little messy. But I didn't try it.

[Amanda]

I love wooden toys, the feel of them is so much nicer than plastic. We've gotten some wonderful wooden toys here: http://stumppondtoy.etsy.com