I don’t know about you but I absolutely love these little DIY wooden peg people. I started making them for my 22-month-old a few months ago and I just can’t stop making them 🙂
Wooden toys can get a little expensive so why not making them yourself? If your child is old enough, you can even make them together and it’ll be an amazing rainy day activity.
They are super easy to do and you don’t need a lot of supplies. I am certain that you might already have some of these at home.
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This wonderful article was written by my friend Kinga from KingasCorner.com especially for you. Leave us a comment to share your thoughts on this wonderful DIY project.
DIY Wooden Peg People Materials
- Child safe watercolours – I am using the Dixon Lyra Watercolour set
- Child safe wooden toy sealer – I am using the Rust-Oleum Clear Sealer Matt Finish
- Precision paint brushes – these are great for writing – Miniature Brushes for Fine Detailing & Art Painting
- Wooden peg people – you can find them anywhere – online or craft store
- A pencil and rubber
Please make sure that all your supplies are child safe and wood friendly. This is essential because your child can put the toys into their mouths. Of course, this applies especially if you have younger children. But it’s better to be safe.
Step By Step Tutorial
Step 1
Using a pencil, write the days of the week on each of the wooden peg people. I like to do the outline first so that when I write with paint I have a guide to follow.
This step is not mandatory, but that’s how I find it easier and you don’t mess up the letters. That’s how you can also keep it centred.
Step 2
Now comes the fun part – writing with paint. This can be a little tricky, but once you figure out how to handle the paintbrush, it’ll be easier.
I have to confess that the first time I tried to write using a paintbrush, it was a HUGE disaster. So, it’s totally OK to mess up a little. I ruined 3 pegs before I manage to write using the brush. Even after that, I wasn’t that happy with my writing…
My wooden peg people have 2 sides. One with the full name of the week + eyes and another with the short form + no eyes.
Step 3
Up next is to paint your wooden peg people with the colour of your choice. I decided to paint them in rainbow colours. You can also opt for monochrome and that would look amazing. Feel free to do what you like here.
As you saw in the video, I didn’t follow a certain pattern. I just traced the lines freely.
I didn’t bother to make the lines perfectly straight. That’s what makes them unique and truly handmade.
Once you painted the head and the body make sure to leave the paint to dry for at least 5-10 minutes. After that, you can paint the bottom of the peg as well. This is totally optional. I like them better if the bottom is painted too. Again, it’s all about personal preference.
Leave them to dry for at least 15 minutes before moving to the next step.
Step 4
It’s now time to seal everything in place. BE VERY CAREFUL with the sealer. It can ruin everything you did if you apply too much or if you apply it as you did the paint.
When you add the sealer on the writing, make sure you don’t have a lot of product on your brush and you apply it using a tapping movement. It will smudge otherwise. I ruined quite a few of my pegs previously.
There’s always an option to opt for a spray sealer, but again, make sure it’s child safe.
I recommend applying on half of the peg first and then let it dry for about 20 minutes. After that apply to the other half and leave to dry for another 20 minutes. Once done you can move to the bottom of the peg and let to dry completely for at least 60 minutes. Check the video down below to see how I apply the sealer.
Be very careful to don’t touch the part where you’ve added the sealer. You’ll leave your fingerprints in it and it won’t be smooth anymore.
Your DIY Wooden Peg People Are Complete!
There you have it! DIY Handmade Days of the Week Wooden Peg People.
I hope you find this tutorial helpful. Don’t forget to comment down below if you like them.
Check out other fun DIY projects:
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Hi, I am Kinga! The founder of KingasCorner.com. In real life, I am a wife, a stay-at-home-mum to a beautiful toddler and a huge coffee lover. One of my biggest desires is to help other first-time mommies out there to “survive” their new life with a baby. And because I’d like to make your life much easier, I’ve created a few free resources that can help you along the way. Check out my Resource Library here. See you there!
