I always try to make as many Christmas presents as I can, and now with grandkids that’s extra fun.

The doll bed is actually a four-generation project. The canopy and dust ruffle were made by my wife’s mother 60 years ago. The mattress, bedspread and pillow were made by wife, the wooden stuff by me, and the granddaughter, at least in part, by my son.

I made the pirate ship 30 years ago for my two sons, and with a three-year-old grandson who’s nuts about pirates it only made sense to clean it up, make new sails and re-rig it. Scaled to work with PlayMobile figures, it comes complete with treasure chest, cannon and a piece that swings out for walking the plank.

Launch Gallery