How to Build A Magical Door

I'll let you in on a little secret, I LOVE to build stuff. What kind of stuff? All kinds of stuff except for electrical...only weirdos enjoy electrical. While I've been building all sorts of things for a while, I've been messing things up for even longer. The first playhouse that I built looked awesome, but it fell over the first time Parker opened the door.

Here's the thing, creative expression (however you define it) is not necessarily dependent on skill level or specialized expertise. I believe that willingness is where all creation begins. Willingness to try. Willingness to fail. Willingness to be keep at it. For me, the LOVE that I have for building stuff is a really about the process of creating something, particularly something that makes someone else happy. 

So what does any of that have to do with learning to build a door? Far too often, people say, "I could never build something like that." That will only be true if your unwilling to try.  Some of the most amazing creations are the culmination of a myriad of beautiful mistakes. So grab your drill, borrow a saw, and pull that wood out of the dumpster and create something magical.

Building Bridges & Fairy Furniture

Fairy furniture may seem like a small detail but it's the details that really make the experience magical. The great thing is that there are no limits and you can create something amazing no matter what your skill level. Watch the video to see how I create these super cute, super simple tables.

Bringing Your Imagination to Life with Clay

I discovered clay when my boys were toddlers. Of course it started with Playdough but quickly progressed to Sculpey. Together, we've created all manner of dinosaurs, superhero's, and animals.

Clay is an amazing toy/tool/medium! It's generally inexpensive, easy to find, and a fantastic way to make a little magic. 

Another added benefit is that it provides an amazing opportunity to spend quality time, facilitate conversation, and strengthen relationships with kiddos. 

A few of my favorites: Polyform clays & Magic Sculpt

Model Air and Sculpey are both polyform clays. The difference is that Model Air doesn't require baking. It dries in about 24 hours and doesn't require baking. Whereas Sculpey will not harden until it is baked. Both are non-toxic, can be painted with latex paint, and are easy to find. The only downside is durability. 

Magic Sculpt is a two-part epoxy clay. The only downside to this particular clay is that it is expensive. That being said, Magic Sculpt is my favorite clay to work with. I use it for all sorts of things (presentation models, accessories, construction repairs, architectural elements, swords, replicating lost board game pieces...I could go on). Seriously, the potential uses for this clay are absolutely endless and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it. 

There are plenty of options when it comes to clay tools. A few of my favorite tools: A pastry cutter, a thin sharp blade (box cutter, exacto, even a butter knife works great), and a pencil. Not impressed by the pencil? You should be. I consider a sharpened pencil to be one of my most valued tools when working with clay.

The strawberries are made of epoxy clay (Magic Sculpt). As I said, I absolutely ADORE this clay. It dries hard as a rock (and I do mean hard as a rock). This is not an option for little kiddos simply because it's epoxy, it's expensive, and once it hardens, it hardens and sticks for life. This includes furniture, floors, countertops, pet fur, you get the point. BUT...for me, this is often the best option.

Be sure to check out my video with the young and talented Super Sculptress Susie Clark.