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DIY Latches Board {Kids Gift}

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December 22, 2011 By Jackie

I started a new tradition this year for the boys to exchange handmade gifts with each other.  Yesterday I shared the lacing cards Jax made (with lots of my help) for his brother.  Now it is his turn to make something for Jax.  This is a great last minute gift idea if you still need something for a toddler in your life.

Pepé wanted to give Jax a latch board. Jax is very detail oriented and has quite advanced fine motor skills. He loves to play with anything mechanical.  Instead of him trying to play with real window latches and door knobs, we thought it best to give him a safe way to satisfy his curiosities, still with real hardware.

Locks and Latches Board

Pepé went to the hardware store and helped pick out all the locks and latches for the board. We also raided or own supplies to find the window lock.  The total for the other hardware was about $20.  To keep a uniform look and lower cost we went with the brass finish. which I really don’t prefer but I knew I could make it work.  We purchased a $5 plaque to mount the hardware to. I sanded the edges to soften them and then painted the board blue. I think the blue contrasts nicely with the brass color.  Pepé helped me arrange the hardware and screw it into place.  I had to swap a few of the screws out for shorter ones that would not poke through the back of the plaque.

Locks and Latches Board

We also added a plastic mailbox flag with a couple washers and a screw. I love the pop of red, plus mailbox flags are just cute.  I am almost embarrassed to admit the doorknob is inactive. I simply looked for the least expensive knob and only after I opened it did I see the fine print on the back of the package saying it was inactive. Well, I added it to the board anyway, because it looks good and makes a pretty good handle for carrying the board around. I am sure this one will give both boys hours of entertainment.

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Comments

  1. Beth says

    December 23, 2011 at 2:57 pm

    I love it! Great job.

  2. John Bowman says

    October 7, 2012 at 7:14 am

    Hi, I’d like to ask permission to use the top photo of your latches board in the new third edition of Montessori At Home! that I’m working on now. I always include credit and a link. Thanks for considering.

    • Jackie says

      October 7, 2012 at 9:02 pm

      John, I am glad you liked the latches board. With proper credit, you may certainly use the image in your book. Thank you for taking the time to ask. Please let me know when the book is ready! I would be happy to share with my followers.

  3. RE says

    October 11, 2012 at 2:26 pm

    I actually love this! I love how the brass, light blue and red all flow! It’s pleasing to my eyes and I’m sure all toddlers and kids love it!!!!

    I have seen other activity boards on pinterest, but this is the most visually pleasing! Plus, it doesn’t look overwhelming like the others I’ve seen because everything flows. That’s important to me for my son!

  4. RE says

    October 11, 2012 at 2:28 pm

    Oh and I forgot to add a tip I read somewhere! If you have an old or unused wooden cutting board laying around, you can use that as your board! I have one (from my MIL!) that’s jumbo that doesn’t fit anywhere in my kitchen and I’ve been wondering what AM I supposed to do with it! You can also add rolling wheels to the bottom so baby can push it around!

  5. evie says

    November 30, 2012 at 7:02 pm

    This is perfect for special needs children who are learning life skills. One made for home and one made for school would really maximize learning. Thank you!

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