Wilbur Zirk’s Wooden Children’s Toys & Vases

Wilbur At Work

Wilbur Zirk started making children’s toys when the nieces and nephews began to arrive. However, he’s been a woodworker since he was a teenager. Wilbur and his wife, Esther, arrived at The Holmstad in 2020. He soon became involved in the wood shop where he enjoys making wooden toys and games.

Child,  Christmas, gift, handmade, toddler, toy, wood

This year, Wilbur has made an irresistible Canada Goose for children to pull. As it moves along, it’s neck bobbles. 

 

Wilbur also branched out and made bud vases of several shapes and sizes. Each holds a glass tube for the flower and water. Look for Wilber’s creations at the September 21 Bazaar.

 

 

 

Shop for Beautiful Gifts Made by Our Resident Woodworkers!

Our Holmstad Wood Shop has expertly crafted wooden toys, holiday décor, and various home and garden items. Click on the Artisans section to learn more about the featured woodworkers and needlecrafters who are selling what they’ve made this year for the Bazaar on September 21. 

 

wood, Christmas, toy, gift, holiday, entertain, child.

Wooden Animals, Puzzles and Back Scratchers???

Shop for new toys and puzzles in the Wood Shop and in the Creative Arts Shop. The Book & Puzzle Shop and the Flea Market have pre-owned toys and puzzles. 

 

Wilbur Zirk’s 2024 Toy: Canada Goose  

This goose nods its head as it is pulled along.  Learn more about Wilbur in the Artisans section

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

David Anderson was not to be outdone by Wilbur — THIS is David’s Goose Back Scratcher.

Boy is it effective!

And this is David’s preschool toy beaver that flips its flat tail as the child pushes it.

Wooden Puzzles

These wooden puzzles are created by Ron Diller, son of a resident. Pieces range from 1” to 1/8” thick, 2” to 15” tall, by 2” to 20” long.  Most of them will stand up for ease of display.  Some are framed for travel or can be placed on a coffee table to entertain guests.  Learn more about Ron and his woodworking skills in the Artisans section.   

Wooden Toys

These sturdy vehicles were also crafted by Ron Diller. 

 

 

 

 

child, Christmas, gift, preschool, toddler toy, wood

preschool, toddler, gift, Christmas, child, wood, toy.

 

Books & Puzzles for All Ages

26 Categories of Books in the Shop

One large room is filled with books and puzzles for all ages. The books are sorted into 26 categories so you can easily find your favorite mysteries, best sellers, cookbooks, children’s books, and coffee table books. Here is a small sample of more than 2,000 items that will be available in the Books & Puzzles Shop at the Bazaar on Sept. 21, 9 am – 3:00 pm. During the summer, more books and puzzles will be donated by residents, and we will update this page. 

Judy Johnson is the chair of the Book & Puzzle Shop Committee. Come visit this page of the Bazaar website later this summer to see what special “finds” she will feature. She would love to visit with you at the Bazaar on Saturday, September 21 from 9 am – 3 pm.

Civil War

A large number of books about the Civil War were donated by one resident. His collection is extensive. 

 

 

 

 

Children’s Books

Some of the children’s books are Caldecott winners. Buy them at bargain prices and please the children in your life.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

adult, book, child, gift, puzzle

Holmstad’s Creative Arts Center is the “Happy Place” for Many Residents

Darlene Miller, Co-chair of the Bazaar’s Creative Arts Shop, is making a fabric book for toddlers.

Through August, more than 50 residents create over 300 different items to sell in the Creative Arts Shop. Linda Anderson and Darlene Miller lead this team of residents who are generous with their time and talents to create items that bring joy to others. Linda Anderson shares, “For many residents, the Creative Arts Center is their ‘Happy Place’.”

You’ll find seasonal décor for fall and Christmas, several afghans, children’s toys, toddler fabric books, baby and children’s wear, a variety of adult knitted and crocheted hats, scarves, and gloves.

afghan, child, Christmas, crochet, decor, knit, gift, toddler, toy

Ron Diller’s Wooden Puzzles & Toys

 & Toys

Ron Diller Brings Joy to Kids & Parents with His Wooden Puzzles

Ron Diller is an accomplished woodworker and the son of a Covenant Living at the Holmstad resident. He has again graciously donated several wooden puzzles for the September 21 Bazaar.

Ron reports, “I’ve been producing these puzzles for seven years and through the years have used existing patterns and developed some of my own patterns and designs.  Some puzzles are painted, and others left natural wood.  

“Seasonal puzzles (Christmas, Halloween, Easter, etc.) are my favorite ones to make and I try to come up with different designs every year. They’ve brought a lot of joy to kids and parents, and I enjoy coming up with new designs as I continue to produce them.”

toy, Christmas, gift, child, wood

Ron’s Wooden Puzzles & Toys

The pieces of Ron’s puzzles range from 1” to 1/8” thick, 2” to 15” tall, by 2” to 20” long.  Most of them will stand up for ease of display.  Some are framed for travel or can be placed on a coffee table to entertain guests.