Young House Love

Home Decorating & DIY Tutorials

| By | | 229 Comments

How To Make Wooden Play Pastries & Treats For A Kids Tea Party

Remember when Clara was queen of the jellyfish? Good times. The girl definitely has fun with pretend play, and we like to make things for her, especially on occasions like birthdays and Christmas (like this play kitchen, this dollhouse, this latch board, this figurine cubby, this patterned doll cradle, this colorful quilt, this cuckoo clock and this beanbag pouf) so with yesterday being her fourth birthday (HOW DID THAT HAPPEN?!?!) I thought some pretend pastries would be fun.

wood-pastries-tea-party-pic

I know, it sounds like a cruel joke. “Happy birthday! Here are delicious sugary things you can’t eat because – surprise! – they’re made of wood!” But lately she has been loving tea parties (here she is having one with Nonna the night before her brother was born). She loves pretending to add lemon and honey to her tea, stirring everything up, and then repeating that about five times since she doesn’t have many other tea-related things to do beyond that…. hence the idea for some teatime treats.

Clara Playing

I liked the thought of making these for her because it meant I could use her favorite colors and include references to specific treats she likes, so they’d be personalized. I’d seen a few pre-made wooden pastry sets you can buy, like this one and this one – and after staring at a few small scrap pieces of wood on the floor in the garage I thought I might be able to use them to make some of mine.

Pastries Done Horiz

Here are the materials I started with: a bunch of scrap pieces of wood from the floor of the garage (those are the rectangular shapes) along with some wooden spheres with flat bottoms (those were from JoAnn in the craft wood section for around $5). I grabbed those because they looked like little truffles or bon-bons.

Raw Wood

I used craft paint and a small brush to paint them and then brushed on a few thin coats of Safecoat Acrylacq to add a nice glossy finish and more durability (it’s non-toxic in case they touch Clara’s mouth during fake-eating). It only took one Clara-nap to complete all of the painting, and I did it with my man Teddy right next to me. There was one nursing break in there and a little bit of burping and rocking, but he was pretty chill for the most part. Maybe he’ll grow up to be a painter. Or a professional pastry eater.

Painting With Teddy

Here they are all laid out so you can see some of the random patterns and designs I had fun with. They’re definitely not hyper-realistic, but they’re full of bright pink (Clara always calls the pinkest donut or bonbon in the store) and I added in some stripes, swirls, zigzags, crisscrosses, and “sprinkles” (those were just dots I made with the back of my paintbrush).

All Pastries

 I also made the stand using two plates (a big one and one smaller one) along with a small bowl and an ice cream cup holder thing (all plastic, and all from Target).

Vertical Pasties Stand

I turned bowl upside down to make the base, glued that to the larger plate, then glued the ice cream cup on top of the plate in the center, and glued the smaller plate on top of that.

Making Stand

In short: it was a fun little while-the-baby-sleeps project and I’m so glad that big girl of mine loves them. She even got to give them a spin with Nonna thanks to her being in town for her birthday. I cried like a baby when she said “You did such a good job painting them mom… BRAVO!” When are these crazy hormones going to level out?!

Clara And Nonna

Clara’s birthday was also full of a bunch of edible treats – like these four pink and purple pancakes that she requested for breakfast. In case you’re wondering, she said the purple one tasted the best.

Birthday Breakfast Clara

Now I’m off to feed this baby of mine (he’s ten pounds already!) and to try to squeeze in some party prep for Clara’s bash here this weekend (I have about thirty pounds of laundry to do along with a pretty chaotic house to clean). Oh who am I kidding, I’ll probably just end up cuddling the baby.

Psst- Wanna know where we got something in our house or what paint color we used? Just click on this button: 

ShopOurHouseBannerSHORT

Comments

    • YoungHouseLove says

      She just told me she’s taking a barre class. So funny! My mom, the fitness nut. She also loves weeding the yard, so maybe that helps with the guns?

      xo
      s

  2. Kate says

    Adorable! But I must say, all of that paint on the adorable white ottoman gives me major anxiety! I am such a clutz we would have a tie dyed ottoman at the end of that project!

    Reply

  3. Marissa says

    That was such a great idea!! This is completely off topic, but where did you get that storage ottoman? I’ve been looking for one for our family room and that one looks great!

    Reply

  4. Lisa | Winter Heights says

    Suuuuuper cute! And the best part, Clara’s love for it. Such a sweet young lady she is. I was a fake food fanatic as well. Mine wasn’t as pretty, but I had a Mcdonalds drive through set with a grill and I could make a mean plastic cheeseburger.

    Reply

  5. Sarah says

    I can’t wait to do something like this for my daughter! She is only 20-months, and has little concept of tea-time, but I know she will love this someday.

    And I am SO HAPPY to see you got Teddy the Rock-n-Play!! I hope it working out for you :)

    Reply

  6. Emylee says

    This is adorable! And I most definitely thought the pancake stack you made for breakfast was supposed to resemble a HAMBURGER – for a birthday ode to the Burgs.

    Reply

  9. Sayward says

    Happy Birthday, Clara!

    She is gorgeous and is looking more and more like your identical twin every time I see a new picture. This project is adorable too. Fingers crossed for smooth party prep!

    Reply

  11. Michelle | Birds of Berwick says

    These are so adorable and I love that you take the time to make her toys and things. All the better that she is so wonderful and appreciative of it! What a great kid! It’s fun watching her grow up a little with you!

    Reply

  12. Karin says

    One of my kids most favorite toys that their Aunt gave them was a musical teapot set. The kids played with that tea set FOREVER! We cooked, served and later painted with those cups, spoons and saucers. They still have it, and won’t let me get give it away. I think it’s going to keep for the some-day-grandkids. ;D

    Reply

  13. Kerry says

    That girl — what a beauty! She looks so grown up and lovely in the pink-purple-pancake shot.

    And, nice moves on the “pastries” — I particularly admire the “wafers” with the criss crosses. Solid attention to detail, Sher-Dog (as always).

    Reply

  15. Rebecca W says

    I want the ice cream cone cup!!! I’ve been trying to find the perfect base for a single cupcake stand and this would be just right. Did you get it recent or is it old?

    Reply

  16. Darcy says

    Oh Sherry — unfortunately, I don’t know if those hormones EVER go away — Its been over 16 months since my 2nd little guy arrived, and whenever my oldest says something cute – I still cry!! I think its part of being a mom! My hubs always laughs at me!

    GREAT JOB – I love all of it so much! Your creativity is so amazing! I never, in a million years, ever would have thought of your cake stand idea! I LOVE it soo much – such a great idea! And the pretend food is pretty awesome too – I think I could make some for my boys — They love cakes and donuts too!!

    Reply

  17. Katie @ Little House of Four says

    Sherry, these look amazing! My daughter is really into tea parties lately. We actually had one last night with water and mini marshmellows. Although, I think I might have to head out to the store to make some of these fun treats for her. She would LOVE them! Great job!

    Reply

  20. Kim says

    Happy Birthday Clara! Such cute pictures and such a cute project. You did a great job painting them and making the stand for them.

    Reply

  22. Maggi says

    It sounds like you are quoting the book “Tea for Ruby” with your title?! It is a favorite in our house and goes right along with Clara’s love of tea parties, especially with Grandma! If you are not quoting it, might I suggest it for a fabulous addition to Clara’s book collection! Happy Birthday Clara!

    Reply

  28. Gina says

    Super cute project! I also just wanted to say that I’m loving the new/old blog style. As much as maybe some people want to see huge posts with complete projects, I want to see half finished or smaller projects. Projects I feel I can tackle. From my side, you look to be doing an incredible job managing two little ones, your life, and this blog!

    Also, just wondering if there can be a full post about paint sprayers and what John thinks his next sprayer will be, as I know he’s growing increasingly unhappy with what he’s got. I decided to buy a spray gun for an air compressor, though I haven’t used it yet. And will need to rent the compressor.

    Reply

  29. Emily F. says

    Too cute! BTW, our birthday girl who turned 3 yesterday (yup, same birthday as Clara!) also wanted pancakes! We went out to dinner at a local diner that serves breakfast all day and went the easy route. Those colored pancakes are adorable though – I’ll have to remember that!

    Reply

  31. Brittany says

    What a cute idea! I bet she’s having so much fun with those! I also LOVE the picture you captured of her with the pancakes. Her face just reads pure joy! So glad you guys are taking more time to enjoy little Teddy as well. He’s such a cutie!

    Reply

  33. Christine says

    Sherry- soooooo jealous!!! How are you getting little Teddy down in the R&P let alone the crib? I had a little boy born 2 days before Teddy and he won’t let me put him down ANYWHERE! Seriously- he’s either sleeping on me or my hubby or he’s throwing a fit. I had to do bed-sharing for us to get any rest while his co sleeper, momaroo, and F&P bassinet go unused!!! What’s your secret? (type this with one hand while holding my peanut in the other! I need help!!)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Teddy definitely has those “hold me” moments frequently, but one thing that has helped is wearing him. He’s cozy and my arms are free to do things! Usually to get him down for naps or the night I’ll nurse him and he’ll fall asleep and I’ll try to transfer him to the crib or the rocker then.

      xo
      s

  34. Emily @ Life on Food says

    These are adorable. I would totally buy them if they are in a store. I think it is so special they you make so many of the toys and gifts for Clara. That just doesn’t happen anymore. She will have such a great perspective growing up that it is not all about dollars and buying.

    Reply

  35. Malissa says

    I saw some previous comments about sleep and wake ups at night. I will just throw this out there, but my daughter slept better when I did cluster feedings before bed. I would basically feed her every hour starting at 7 or 8 and then when I put her down at 11 we had longer stretches. I didn’t have to do it long, maybe only a month or two, but it helped signal to her that it was time to settle in and sleep.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Thanks Malissa! I did that with Clara and it seemed to help. Have tried it a little with Teddy but he falls asleep during feedings sometimes. Will keep at it!

      xo
      s

  36. Rebe says

    Great project and something even *I* could do. FYI – I had a pop-up survey/question thing. It said it was powered by vizu but no other identifying features that I could see. :)

    Reply

  38. Amanda B. says

    “…so quiet down, cobwebs. Dust, go to sleep. I’m rocking my baby, and babies don’t keep.”

    Part of an old poem, can’t remember the rest. I teared up just writing it, I guess the hormone train is a long one (my boy is about to turn a year old).

    Reply

    • Deb says

      The cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow
      But children grow up as I’ve learned to my sorrow.
      So quiet down cobwebs; Dust go to sleep!
      I’m rocking my baby and babies don’t keep.

      It’s so true…

  39. Bonnie says

    Oh, those are adorable!

    On a totally unrelated note, we have that same Rock n Play that Teddy is in. Is that not the best invention for babies?! It’s our go-to shower gift for everyone now.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      This is an old one (from when Clara was born). So handy for little daytime naps – and Teddy hangs out in it awake when we eat dinner too!

      xo
      s

  41. Lesley says

    Do it, just cuddle the baby. All of zero people will comment on the cleanliness of your house during Clara’s party.

    Oh, and Professional Pastry Eater will totally be a job of the future. Start grooming him early.

    Reply

  42. Susan says

    Beautiful children! Great project! Quick question: what type of glue did you use to make your stand? Thanks!

    Reply

  43. jojo says

    awesome paint job! move over melissa and doug- here comes sherry and john- or maybe sherry and teddy?? can I just say i was just looking at that dress Clara is wearing at Old Navy.com contemplating buying it- and it looks as adorable as I pictured- oh what a cute bday girl! (my girl is 3 1/2) Congrats on new little man- oh and PS I have same rock and play- well used! both my littles used it-
    Happy Birthday Clara- cannot wait to see pics- love love your blog and your family- have a great weekend! party on

    Reply

  44. Cinemarie says

    Awesome idea – beautiful execution as always :)
    I’m always impressed when you guys see in separate objects something that will work as a whole (the plates and the ice cream cups…) and that the colors match! :)

    Reply

  46. Tara says

    Those hormones don’t end, I believe. My baby is almost 10 and I got teary eyed reading Clara’s appreciation of your painting skills. Such an adorable idea! Happy day late Birthday to Clara!

    Reply

  48. Shaina Turner says

    John & Sherry,

    I happened upon your blog at midnight last night, the funny thing is I saw a picture of your book sitting on a table in another bloggers’ home less than a week ago. I just want to tell you both what awesome inspirations you are to me as I am new to the blog world myself (www.DearMarleigh.blogspot.com) and I aspire to grow to what your blog has become. I also want to tell you what loving, heartwarming parents you both are (like you don’t already know!). I love to read about the fun things you do for Clara and getting to see both her and Teddy grow up (your picture a week idea is amazing). Your family and decor/diy skills are everything I hope to be one day, thank you for the wonderful blog. (:

    Best,
    Shane

    Reply

  49. rebekah says

    Ok, i LOVE the fact that you guys don’t do anything mainstream for birthdays and those homemade gifts are seriously great!!! I love the blog but am so happy you all have decided to do that delicate work/life balance and post less! So worth it!!! I have a little munckin dude myself who has happiy decided that he no longer wishes to hang on to his Doodle Pants. Immediately I thought of you guys and Teddy. I would love to send the few pairs we have left your way. They are so awesome (www.doodlepants.com)! I would love to send them your way so they can get some more love. Is that possible?

    Reply

  50. Christine says

    I think Clara looks like her Nona! Sherry, your mom has awesome Michelle Obama/Angela Bassett arms! :)

    Reply

Stuff We Love

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *