I play with toy soldiers, and part of the fun of this hobby is painting my miniature figures. My kids have grown up watching me do this, often buzzing around my painting table while I “shoo” them away and warn them to be careful of open paint pots and cups of water. In the past Gilbert and Matilda have “dabbled” a little with painting models, usually with an old and far-too large brush on some terrible old figures I no-longer want. This weekend, though, Matilda (7) and I sat down and had a real go at learning to paint. Here are the results!
We gathered some paints. Old time wargamers might be shocked to find that my 13 year old paints are still more than adequate – they made them to last, back in the day!
I painted one figure as we went, to show how it was done. I kept things simple.
Matilda’s effort. I think this is damn good for the first go by a 7 year old!
The best bit, though, was just being able to spend an hour, one-on-one with Matilda, doing something we were both enjoying. I felt like a real Dad, teaching my girl the important secrets of life.
And yes, painting toy soldiers is one of the essential secrets of life. 🙂
I’m linking up with My Little Drummer Boys, Moms Bookshelf and Twinkle In My Eye for Wordless Wednesday.
Oh wow how good are they!
She did great.
A great bonding activity.
Thanks for linking up.
It was a really nice way to spend the morning with her.
Not just making little soldiers … making precious memories 🙂
True!
That is a great effort for a 7 year old, looks very intricate!
Yeah, she did a great job. I was really impressed by her effort!
Well done Matilda, beautiful job!
She did great. Thanks for dropping by!
Matilda did an awesome job! Well done from both of you!
Thanks Cathy! I was very proud of her.
Great bonding activity!
What a nice way to spend time with your girl!
IT sure is a great effort for a 7 year old.
I love a good role play and yes.. painting the soldiers is the best part!
Matilda did do an awesome job! She would have loved spending time with you too 😉
How fantastic to have some special one on one time sharing your passion with your child.
What a great activity to do with your daughter!
What lovely dad-daughter time you had… and a great lesson indeed.