Our Guild is expanding its Toys for Kids program to encourage members to build toys in their own shops. We currently schedule a toy-making session each October, but we want to expand our ability to build and deliver toys year-round. Toys we make will be distributed through agencies of the United Way of Greater Atlanta, Scottish Rite Hospital, and others.

Click here  to see an overview, some guidelines, and tips for our Making and Donating Toys for Kids program.
Watch a short video of a happy child with his new doggy pull-toy.
 
Just follow these step-by-step instructions to get involved!
 
Step 1 - Choose a toy from our Gallery
Click on any toy below marked "OK for donated toys" to download a description, including a picture of the completed toy, a materials list, instructions, and a pattern which you can print out at home.

 

Airplane
(OK for donated toys)

Airplane		 Animal Puzzles
(do not use for donated toys)

Animal Puzzles		 Car Transporter
(OK for donated toys)

Car Transporter
Counting Shapes
(do not use for donated toys)

Counting Shapes		 Dog Pull Toy
(OK for donated toys)

Counting Shapes		 Dump Truck
(OK for donated toys)

Dump Truck
Flatbed Truck
(OK for donated toys)

Flatbed Truck		 Heart Box
(OK for donated toys)

Heart Box		 Helicopter
(OK for donated toys)

Helicopter
Model-T Truck
(OK for donated toys)

Model-T		 Packing Puzzle
(OK for donated toys)

Packing Puzzle		 Pencil Box
(OK for donated toys)

Pencil Box
Sitting Bear
(OK for donated toys)

Sitting Bear		 Small Truck
(OK for donated toys)

Small Truck		 Sports Car
(OK for donated toys)

Sports Car
Train Engine
(OK for donated toys)

Train Engine

Step 2 - Create your own toy (optional, not for donated toys)
Modify a design to fit your preferences or if you have an idea for a different toy, make it. When finished send us a picture, list of materials, instructions, and plans. We will add it to our list of toys.

Step 3 - Acquire materials
We encourage members to acquire their own materials for these projects. For most toys, you probably already have the basic materials in your shop. Some toys may require wheels, pegs, or other special components -- try our Patron sponsors, or a local craft store, or even Amazon. Please read the "Overview" document above for specific materials required for donated toys.

Step 4 - Make multiples
Especially for the simpler toys, make a dozen! Once you are set up to make a cut or drill some holes, it is quick to make multiples.

Step 5 ­- Apply a surface finish 
We suggest shellac for a finish, since it is easy to apply with a brush, cloth, or spray. If you have components with surfaces that might be inaccessible after assembly (like the inside of wheels), just pre-finish those areas before assembly. Please do not use any finish on donated toys!

Step 6 - Tell us when you have completed your toys
When you have completed your toys, just click HERE and we will coordinate with you to pick up all finished toys.