Jaime Costiglio

build - paint - sew

Swap It: Kids Toy Steering Console

Happy Monday friends and a special welcome to those readers coming from Ursula’s place Homemade by Carmona.  This post is part of the Swap It Like It’s Hot blogger series where 40 of us have swapped thrifted items and made them into something fabulous.
A huge shout out to Charlotte at Ciburbanity who organized this entire series, thank you Charlotte for including me!
Today the first group of bloggers are sharing their swap makeovers:

MONDAY
That’s My Letter (you’re here!)
Be sure to stop by each blog to see what magic they have created using thrift store goodies.
A few weeks back Ursula from Homemade by Carmona sent me a box of thrift store treats and surprisingly they were all wood!  I narrowed it down just a bit to the pieces below:
And built a kids toy steering console:

If only I had done this years ago when my kids were toddlers!  My version doesn’t make noise or have any fancy buttons and switches so you have to use your imagination but the wheel does spin.

Here’s how I took thrift store finds and made them into a kids toy steering console:
Step 1: Wheel assembly.  I used a 2″ connecting bolt with connecting cap, buy the longest bolt you can find.  The 1×3 square piece is drilled out on the back to fit the cap.  Assemble this altogether with glue and finish nails.

Step 2:  Attach the 1×3 block to the center of the tray piece using countersunk 1 1/4″ wood screws from the back.

Step 3:   Rip a 1×12 board down to fit the wheel housing using a 20 degree bevel parallel on both sides.  Attach a 3/4″ x 1/2″ square dowel to front.  Attach a 1×2 across top back and (2) 1×2 support legs at bottom corners in back, again 20 degree miter and 4″ long.

Step 4: Attach the cross 1×2 support between the two feet using pocket holes.

Step 5: Create the console by attaching 1/4″ plywood to the pine board frame using wood glue and 3/4″ finish nails.

Step 6: Cover the sides as well with 1/4″ plywood.  Use a jig saw to cut shape to fit sides.
Sand well and paint as desired.
Be sure to head on over to DIY On the Cheap where Erin is sharing her Swap It project today.
Tune in all week to see the crazy items this talented group of bloggers has been making over! Search the hashtag #swapitlikeitshot on social media to follow along with all the fun or check out our Pinterest Board.

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY


FRIDAY

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  8. Trisha D says

    Woooow! The toy is incredibly clever! I would have never looked at the pile of wood and made that connection. It's pretty sweet that the toy doesn't make sounds, sometimes those little brains need a little imagination. Well done!

    Reply

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