Gift from Grandpa Jamie

My dad is a construction worker, builder, welder, do-it-all kind of guy.

I just love the gift he made the boys for their birthdays this year.

One thing is for sure: you won’t find a toy quite like this at Toys ‘R Us.  I’m pretty sure if anyone ever tried to manufacture it, they would be bankrupt from lawsuits.  This toy is HEAVY, dirty, has big pointy corners.  The cover itself is heavy enough to pinch a finger pretty badly.  But, oh, is it fun!  It wouldn’t be the perfect boy toy without that certain element of danger!

Dad welded this box and lid from scrap steel, made holes in the cover and lip to match, but only if positioned in one specific way.  It’s a type of puzzle that way, too.

Below is a picture of the box turned upside down.  The nuts have been welded in place so that the boys can have fun screwing and unscrewing the bolts.

And this is a picture of the inside of the box.  There was a special movie that was inside the box the first time the kids opened it.

Any guesses what movie it was??

Bolt! :)

There are specific bolts for the different holes.  Or are they screws?  What’s the diff anyway?

See?  Impractically dirty, grimy, greasy.  We love it!

My dad also welds scrap metal designs for chicks:

Aren’t they cool?  Unique?  They are welded to a rectangular steel base and make great centerpieces (as long as the table is protected – these are heavy-duty, too, and would scratch the heck out of a surface).  Or couldn’t you see these out in a garden?  Dad thinks they’d be even better allowed to sit outside and rust.  Each one he makes is a one-of-a-kind piece.  Some have one flower, two, or three and in varying heights.  Some have “dropped” petals around the base.  Very creative.  They will be the next rage, let me tell you: hot.  Repurposing (recycling) at its best!  Send me an email or comment if you need one, I’m sure I could have him make one to order for the right price. 

Or maybe I should ask him first.