Wormy Apple!™ Wooden Lacing and Threading Toy™

The "Wormy Apple" Lacing and Threading Toy was designed to help children develop their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and patience.

Children move the worm in and out of the holes, creating patterns and knots that they have to follow and undo - all the while exercising their fingers and solving simple problems. Parents can play along by knotting up the worm in the apple - and allowing their little one to lace backward and set the worm free - or vice versa.

This lacing toy was hand-crafted from ash hardwood, harvested and milled from ash trees that have fallen in the metropolitan Chicago area due to the Emerald Ash Beetle. The red cord is 1/8" marine line - extremely strong and water resistant.

Each apple was made with great care and attention to detail. We look for lumber that has both heartwood and sapwood, and orient the wood grain so that it runs through the stem of each apple, allowing the lighter color of the sapwood to grace the top edge like sunlight.

Every surface and edge is sanded smooth and soft. The "worm" at the end of the cord is also handmade from the same ash lumber. They are 3" long dowels which have been faceted for beauty and for a more tactile surface for small hands to grip.

The toy is finished in organic jojoba oil and beeswax.

Recommended for ages: 18 mo. to 3 years.

Dimensions: 5 3/4" wide x 6 3/4" tall x 5/8" thick

Please visit our website for more info, history, and photos!

www.elephantplaythings.com