Discover the Joys of Making Toys by Hand

Episode 231

Jessica Bentson’s journey to discover the joys of making toys by hand began with a heartfelt desire to provide her children with natural, open-ended playthings.

In this conversation on the Art of Homeschooling Podcast, Jean and Jessica talk about the value of play. They explore how to overcome intimidation about crafting and creating beautiful toys for your children.

Jessica shares why simple projects like bean bags make the perfect starting point and also offer creative inspiration for children from toddlerhood through the elementary years and older.

Making bean bags is so satisfying! My kids loved them so much and played with them the most out of everything I’ve ever made.
~ jessica bentson of toymaking magic

Open-ended toys such as bean bags, stitched felt and wooden figures, blocks, and play silks inspire children to invent games, build structures, and create imaginative play scenarios for years.

All this led Jessica to create Toymaking Magic, her membership that helps parents create beautiful handmade toys regardless of their crafting experience.

For parents who feel intimidated by handwork, Jessica’s step-by-step video tutorials show every detail of the process, making projects accessible even for complete beginners.

In addition to crafting handmade toys for your little ones, Jessica also offers tutorials to learn skills such as needle felting, sewing, knitting, or woodworking side by side with your child.

Toymaking Magic is a treasure trove of Waldorf-inspired crafts for children, parents, and grandparents.

Tune in to the podcast this week and get inspired to discover the joys of making toys by hand and how this activity can transform your family’s relationship with play and learning.

It is a great gift to facilitate the creative play of children and to arouse in exchange unconscious, but deeply experienced gratitude.
~Freya jafke, author of toymaking with children