Handcrafted wooden toys 

Handcrafted toys can bring joy and wonder to nearly anyone on your Christmas list this year. Yes, if you haven't already started them, it IS time to do so. If you look around this site you will find some plans and ideas that might be just what you are looking for and I am going to toss out a few ideas of my own.

For the fisherman in your life, a handcrafted wooden lure might be just the ticket and super-sizing it turns it into a great gag gift. Normal size can be hand sanded on a band sander to get the shape you want. Western cedar works well but you can use whatever scraps you have on hand. The softer the wood, the easier it is to shape on the sander. A look through some fishing catalogs or a walk through a store that carries lures will give you plenty of ideas for shapes. Tackle supply houses carry eyes and hooks to help you make it truly functional. Finishing can be elaborate painting or perhaps a little woodburning for detail. Whatever suits your fancy will work just fine. For those of you going the gag route, make a glue sandwich (water proof glue of course) of several boards until you get the desired thickness, a quick sketch of your chosen shape onto the blank and then off to the bandsaw for major stock removal then the sander. You CAN sand it to shape if you want, you better bring your lunch. Eyes can be gotten from your favorite home center and the hooks to hang on them can be fashioned from bar stock or coat hangers. You can make it as realistic as you want but remember, it is a gag don't get carried away.

For the artist on your list, budding or otherwise, a wood easel is a nice gift and can be built fairly easily.  Find a design you like make a few guesstimates about sizes and build it.  The wood you use can be whatever you have on hand, it will work fine.  The critical point here is it must stand without collapsing, it should hold canvas or pad AND it should be sanded to perfection.  Your favorite artist will not be pleased with splinters.

OK, there's a couple of ideas jotted down for you.  I am doing this while I take a break.  I am knocking together a platform for a slotcar track. 

This isn't a gift, this is for me and my grandkids to play with!  Whatever you do today, have a great time doing it!!!

More About Wooden Toys and Plans

• Wooden Toys A Rocking Horse How To Videos
• Starting Project

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Last update : 23-11-2008 18:50

Keywords : wooden toys

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