Wooden Toys & Crafts
A unique store and studio that offers a variety of projects
By Nance Ebert
Contributing Writer

Bob LeDuc, owner, with Henry Fournier and his mother, Janice Fournier PHOTO/NANCE EBERT

Marlborough - Wooden Toys and Crafts is a unique store and studio that offers a variety of projects for children of all ages. There are hundreds of kits to choose from and all are made from recycled wood. Owner Bob LeDuc offers birthday parties and scout programs, and he can tailor a project to any unit of study for schools. His wife, Marie, and his daughters, Lauri Barnes and Lisa Creamer, also assist him. Address: 655 Farm Road in Marlborough at the back end of Trombetta's miniature golf building. The phone number is 508-485-6992. Hours of operation are Monday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Background: "I've been doing this for the past 16 years," Bob LeDuc said. "I've been at this location for 11 of them. I was a welder and got tired of working with steel. I enjoy working with my hands and knew that I could inspire children to build and create something.

"When they come here, they are very motivated to finish a project. It means so much more when they actually take part in the process. It's not just a toy but something they made. Children learn a lot here - how to problem-solve, which builds self-confidence." Unique features: "All of our wood used is from recycled scrap boards. Our kits range from animals, banks, doll chairs and beds, transportation, games, and more. We also sell wooden items just to paint. There are also 'hammer only' projects for preschoolers. We do parties, field trips and school programs from grades K-5." Most popular items: "Typically, everyone loves the animals, but if I had to differentiate the girls and boys, I'd say that the jewelry boxes, doll beds and picture holders are favorites for the girls; the boys seem to like the airplanes and tanks." Pricing: "Items range in price from $3 to $18 for kits. In addition, there is a $3 per child fee for the use of the paints. Birthday parties and field trips are packaged separately. There are also options for food and room rental." What he's learned: "Children are the best to work with!"