DIY Toddler Busy Board

There are lots of ways to put together a Toddler Busy Board, and I really had to think about how I wanted to do it for my new grandson Eli! I’m sharing this project today as part of the Power Tool Challenge. This month’s theme is “unusual material”. The bits and bobs I used on this busy board are definitely unusual.

 

How to Make a Toddler Busy Board

This is the design stage of building the toddler busy board. I used two medium sized pieces of plywood for the basic structure. I laid them out and placed a bunch of components on that I was thinking about adding.

 

Gather random hardware components

 

• door latches
• cabinet handle
• assorted washers
• door hinges
• strap hinges
• small wheels
• spring door stop
• toilet paper roll
• shower curtain rings
• outdoor faucet handle
• small chain
• plastic molly
• quick link clip

 

I kept playing around with the configuration of all of the components. Some of the small gadgets came from my hardware stash, while some were new purchases from the hardware store. Small doors were added on each side of the (to be hinged) pieces of busy board.

 

Spray Paint Wooden Pieces of Busy Board

I don’t generally use spray paint for my projects, but it holds up better over time. It's best to use bright, primary colors  on the wooden pieces that will make up the toddler busy board.

 

Secure hardware to wooden toddler busy board

At this point I was still designing the layout of the wooden toddler activity board. I’m an impatient diy’er so I use wax paper to keep freshly painted pieces from sticking to one another.

 

Attach left and right side of the busy board

Large door hinges were used to attach the left and right side together. One of my favorite additions is the door knocker. I made this wooden sensory board for my grandson Eli. The door knocker is from the door that was removed from his parents house when it was remodeled. I brought the door home to repurpose it.

The thick pieces of plywood that hold the bulk of the gadgets and hardware items held screws easily. Installing hardware on the thinner pieces of plywood that are the small doors was much more challenging. If you choose to add doors to your busy board, keep this in mind.

 

A few of the items were added after I arrived in Nashville and cleared them with Mom and Dad. The tap light was Eli’s favorite. It was difficult to keep the battery door in place as he quickly learned how to remove it.

Perhaps you will also enjoy this collection of kids organization ideas using repurposed furniture.

Toddler DIY Busy Board

The long strap hinges were only secured on one side—that allows them to flop over and back. The small wheels not only spin, but they rotate as well. Double FUN! I gave this busy board to Eli shortly after he arrived in Nashville. He wasn’t able to push the brown magnetic catches, another one of my favorites. They are from the cabinet department and simply push to open and close. After just a few weeks he had already mastered the strength to work those.

Because the busy board lays flat when open, it easily slides under the sofa. This DIY toddler busy board was a very fun and rewarding project to make for my new grandson. If you are a hoarder like me, you may have a lot of these hardware bits and bobs in your stash.

Now, let’s take a look at the projects from my friends by clicking the links below. (My friends' posts go live at 11 am Eastern)

You can see more of my Power Tool Challenge Projects HERE. Our goal is to help you be more comfortable with power tools by showing you tips and ideas.

Sweet Pea DIY Peg Game with Brass Casings

The DIY Village DIY Platform Swing Tutorial

My Repurposed Life DIY Toddler Busy Board

The Handyman's Daughter DIY Modern Outdoor Planter Box

Anika's DIY Life DIY Modern Pencil Holder

Wow! Aren't they awesome?! Which is your favorite diy project?

gail