From Sketch to Shelf: How Our Snap Peg Craft Kits Are Made

Every product we create at Let’s Make & Do starts the same way: with a sketch, a scrap of paper, and a simple idea - how can we make something that’s creative, fun, and genuinely easy for children to use independently?

Our peg snap kits are one of our most exciting new craft kits for kids. They’re small, mess-free creative activities that transform a simple wooden peg into a moving character, from flying fairies to fluttering butterflies and crawling creepy creatures.

But before they ever become a finished product, they go through a hands-on design process full of testing, refining and making.

Here’s a look behind the scenes - from sketch to shelf.

Step 1: Sketching Ideas and Prototyping

Every product starts in the same place - with a pencil, a scrap of paper, and a very rough idea.

We don’t begin with perfect designs. We start with quick sketches and fast prototypes made from whatever is on hand. In fact, some of our very first Peg Snap ideas were mocked up using the back of a Let’s Make & Do instruction card, because it was the nearest piece of card on the table.

We often use scraps of cardboard, leftover packaging, and offcuts to test shape, scale and movement. This helps us bring ideas to life quickly without overthinking them at the early stage.

At this point, we’re not designing finished craft kits for children, we’re testing ideas to see what works.

We look at:

• Does the character feel fun and recognisable?
• Will it work at peg scale?
• Can it move in an engaging way?
• Does the idea translate from sketch into a simple hands-on craft activity?

This stage is fast, messy and experimental, and that’s exactly what makes it useful when developing creative kids craft kits.

Step 2: Testing the Concept

Once we have a few strong ideas, we test how they work in real life.

We created rough versions of the characters and attach them to pegs to see how they behave physically. This is where movement becomes the focus.

For example, our fairy design features wings that flap when the peg is gently pinched - turning a simple craft kit into an interactive moving toy.

At this stage we tested:

• Is it easy for children to use?
• Does it feel satisfying to play with?
• Does the movement work consistently?
• Is it simple enough for a mess-free activity?

If something doesn’t work here, we go back and refine it.

Step 3: Creating Clean Artwork

Once the concept works, we move into digital design.

This is where we refine illustrations so they are clear, and easy to cut and assemble within a craft kit format.

Each character from butterflies and dragons to creepy crawlies is designed to be bold, simple and engaging for children.

We also make sure every design works as a standalone character before it becomes part of a finished craft kit.

Step 4: Prototyping the Kits

Next we build full kit samples by hand.

Each Peg Snap Kit includes:

• Pre illustrated printed sheets
• Wooden pegs
• Glue dots
• Step-by-step instructions
• QR code video tutorial

We assemble everything ourselves to make sure the experience is smooth, intuitive and truly beginner-friendly.

We test it the same way a child would, from opening the pack to finishing the activity.

Step 5: Real-Life Testing

We don’t just test for appearance, we test for real-world use.

That means checking whether the kits work for:

• Travel activities for kids
• Plane journeys and holidays
• Party bag fillers
• Quiet screen-free time at home

We want them to be:

• Mess-free
• Portable
• Quick to make
• Easy to understand without too much adult help

Step 6: Packaging & Instructions

Once everything works, we move onto packaging.

Packaging is one of those things that seems simple until you're designing it. It needs to be practical, protective, informative, eye-catching and, ideally, kinder to the planet too.

We want our kits to feel exciting from the moment they arrive, so we spend a lot of time thinking about how they look on a shelf, in a party bag or popping through a letterbox. The packaging needs to appeal to children, but also give parents confidence that everything they need is included and that the activity will be straightforward to complete.

Our packaging is printed in the UK using fully recycled, biodegradable materials and eco toners, allowing us to create bright, colourful designs while making more considered choices about the materials we use.

As with all our products, we're continually reviewing and refining our packaging to balance sustainability, practicality and visual appeal. For us, great packaging should protect the product, communicate clearly and make children excited to start creating.

Step 7: Final Production

Finally, the kits go into production - ready to be shared with families, gifted in party bags, or stocked in independent retailers.

At £3.95, they’re designed to be affordable, accessible and easy to pick up for everyday creativity.

Meet the Peg Snap Collection

Our current range includes:

• Flying fairies
• Fluttering butterflies
• Soaring dragons
• Busy bugs

Each one is designed to be:

• A mess-free craft kit for kids
• A travel-friendly creative activity
• A perfect party bag filler

• A quick and satisfying make-and-play experience

Why We Made Them

We wanted to create craft kits that children could build quickly and independently, and then immediately play with.

No mess. No complicated setup. Just simple creative play that fits into real family life.

Final Thoughts

From sketch to shelf, every Peg Snap Kit is built around one idea: make creativity simple, accessible and fun.

We hope children love making them as much as we’ve loved designing them.

Happy making.