If you’re looking for an adorable wood peg family craft that’s genuinely fun to make, this project is just the ticket. Wooden peg people are easy to personalise, don’t need fancy tools, and work for all skill levels.

This craft solves the “cute but complicated” problem a lot of DIY projects have. You can keep it basic or go all-in with details, depending on your time and mood. I’ll walk you through the steps, share easy custom ideas, and help you avoid common mistakes along the way. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Project

Fully customisable for families, pets, or special occasions
Easy and inexpensive materials you can find online or at craft shops
Beginner-friendly with room to add extra detail if you want
Perfect as a family keepsake, seasonal décor, or gift idea
Works well for kids, teens, or relaxed craft nights.

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Materials Needed

Wooden pegs (assorted sizes – we used two large and 4 small for my family of 6)
Small wooded crate craft box
Rafia
Button
Hot Glue Gun
Assorted ribbons, twine and charm for a messy bow
Upcycled book page
Mod Podge
Lettered wooden dice spelling “LOVE”
Decorative moss
Acrylic paint in brown and pink (brown watered down to make a wood stain)
Paintbrush

How to Make an Adorable Wood Peg Family Craft

Mix equal parts brown acrylic paint with water and mix together to create a stain.

Brush over the crate box with the wood stain and wipe away the wet paint with a paper towel. Do this with some of the wooden pegs as well if desired.

Repeat this step with the pink acrylic paint and apply similarly to the wooden pegs. Wipe away the excess with a paper towel.

Tear a sheet of printed paper from an upcycled craft book and size it to fit inside the crate. Apply Mod Podge to the inside bottom of the crate and press the sheet of paper inside. Gently press down with your fingers.

Standing the crate on its side, glue the painted peg people to the bottom in an arrangement you like, slightly away from the edge.

Add and glue in place some decorative moss.

Tie a bow out of raffia and glue that to the center peg person/people. Then glue a button in the center of the bow.

Glue the LOVE die in a row in front of the peg people.

Adding letters to the wooden peg family craft.

Lastly, create a small messy bow and glue that to the corner of the crate. Refer to our how to make a messy bow with ribbon post for help with the bow.

Display and enjoy!

Tips, Variations & Troubleshooting

Custom Variations

You can paint your peg family to match real outfits, favourite colours, or even themes like holidays or weddings. Add yarn or felt for hair, tiny painted accessories, or name labels on the base.

Size & Color Options

Mix different peg sizes to represent adults, children, or babies. Neutral tones give a calm, modern look, while bright colours make it playful and fun. Acrylic paint works best and dries quickly.

How to Display / Style Your Project

Arrange your peg family on a shelf or mantel as a sweet home décor idea
Add them to a shadow box with names and dates for a meaningful keepsake
Wrap a set as a personalised gift décor idea for birthdays, new homes, or holidays

They also look lovely paired with mini wooden houses or seasonal elements like faux greenery.

Great For Every Family Home

This wood peg family craft is one of those projects that feels just as good to make as it does to display. It’s relaxed, creative, and easy to adjust to suit your style or schedule. If you make one, don’t be surprised if you end up creating a second set as a gift—it happens more often than you’d think. Happy crafting!

More Crafts to Make with Family

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Collage with text overlay showing the process of how to make a wood peg family craft.

Adorable Wood Peg Family Craft

Jane & Sonja

Want to receive a ton of inspiration and money saving ideas for decorating, gift-giving and crafting? Join HERE!

5 from 1 vote

Print Instructions Pin Craft

Materials

Wooden pegs assorted sizes
Small wooded crate craft box
Rafia
Button
Hot Glue Gun
Assorted ribbons twine and charm for a messy bow
Upcycled book page
Mod Podge
Lettered wooden dice spelling “LOVE”
Decorative moss
Acrylic paint in brown and pink
Paintbrush

Instructions

Mix equal parts brown acrylic paint with water and mix together to create a stain.
Brush over the crate box with the wood stain and wipe away the wet paint with a paper towel. Do this with some of the wooden pegs as well if desired.
Repeat this step with the pink acrylic paint and apply similarly to the wooden pegs. Wipe away the excess with a paper towel.
Tear a sheet of printed paper from an upcycled craft book and size it to fit inside the crate. Apply Mod Podge to the inside bottom of the crate and press the sheet of paper inside. Gently press down with your fingers.
Standing the crate on its side, glue the painted peg people to the bottom in an arrangement you like, slightly away from the edge.
Add and glue in place some decorative moss.
Tie a bow out of raffia and glue that to the center peg person/people. Then glue a button in the center of the bow.
Glue the LOVE die in a row in front of the peg people.
Lastly, create a small messy bow and glue that to the corner of the crate. Refer to how to make a messy bow post for help with the bow.
Display and enjoy!