Rocking Horse Plans - A Unique and Safe One

Would you like to build a very unique Rocking Horse? It is modeled after a 1950's style Rocking Horse, called Saf-T-Colt. It is a lot safer than some of the contemporary versions of a Rocking Horse, and is plenty of fun to ride.

For generations, the rocking horse is one of the most popular toys. Little cowboys and cowgirls like to get on the saddle and ride the family room range. You create your unique rocking hose 1986 Fleer baseball cards affection. And you will pass on this outstanding rocking horse from generation to generation.

Do you want a realistic Horse's head? Do you want painted eyes and mane or a genuine appearance? Would you like to build a safe rocking horse?

A nice feature to incorporate into you rocking horse is the base does Big Jim move. That adds stability to the rocking horse. But you want the rocking horse to rock and glide. Why not attach the legs to the base and the saddle with machine screws and washers? So the legs 1980's toys and rock without the base moving.

Do you want to waste wood with fancy legs or would you rather minimize wood waste? Do you want to raise the saddle as your 1975 Topps baseball cards grows? That would be a great feature.

You can make a Rocking Horse from any good hardwood for a long-lasting heirloom toy. Why not use a "horse's eye gem" from China for realistic effects?If you cut a slot in the back of the horse's head, you can add a mane with your choice of material. You could even use a mop head for the mane and tail.

For the child's stability, you want handholds on the head and stirrups down below. Do you know how to create a mechanism to make the horse glide and rock? It is easy to do and provides a great thrill for the child. You can do that with the proper technique.

Building a child's toy is lots of fun. It may take hours cutting, sanding, assembling and finishing a toy. But you are abundantly rewarded by the enjoyment shown on a child's expression when they find your toy. There is not anything to measure up to that joy.

Any woodworker can make a great rocking horse. All you need is quality patterns and templates for the parts and some guidance on the best way to construct. And any child will love rocking and gliding for a real adventure.

For more informative ideas - including a video, pictures and tips - please visit http://www.provenwoodworking.com/rocking-horse-plans.html

Jim is a woodworker with over Bratz years of experience. He helps many woodworkers increase their skills with techniques, tips, plans, and jigs. Helping woodworkers is Jim's expertise. Visit his specialty site at http://www.provenwoodworking.com

Copyright 2009 - Jim McCleary of provenwoodworking.com. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

African Arts and Crafts For Kids

Creating African arts toys crafts for kids is a fun way to get them engaged in cultural history at a young age. Through simple and creative activities, your child will learn about different types of African animals, games, cultural symbols, and holidays. Here are a few examples of different inexpensive and educational crafts that you can make with your child:

Mancala is a traditional African game that promotes critical thinking and improves mathematical skills. The game board and playing pieces can be easily created with these tools:

Egg carton
Scissors
Paint
Small beads - all the same size

Simply cut off the lid of the egg carton, flip it upside down and glue it to the other half. This creates a base and a playing board. Next have your child decorate the carton with brightly colored (think red, orange and yellow) paints. For added decoration, have ready-made shapes cut Gold Key comics of construction paper for your child to glue onto the sides. Finally, have your child choose their beads, place four in each cup and you are ready for an enjoyable game of Mancala!

One of the exciting aspects of Africa that especially interests children is the idea of a safari. Cater to your child's seemingly infinite imagination and help them create Safari Puppets. You will need:

African animal stickers
Blank note cards
Hot glue gun
Scissors
Popsicle or craft stick

Have your child place the stickers on the blank note cards. Then, have them use the scissors to cut around the perimeter. Take the cut out animal shapes and use the glue gun to fix it to the craft stick.

Music is an integral aspect to traditional African life. Drums represent the heart beat of life and are used in many African dances and festivals. Create African arts and crafts for kids that will not only be fun to create, but can be enjoyed for years to come. momoko help your child create an African-style drum, you will need:

Red, black and yellow construction paper
Glue
African animal stickers
Coffee can

First cut the red and black construction paper into strips that will fit vertically onto the coffee can. Have your child glue the strips to the can. Cut a thicker strip our of the yellow construction paper that will fit around the width of the can. Glue it to the can. Your child can now decorate the can with the African animal stickers to their liking. Finally place the lid on the can and start tapping away!

There are many more African arts and crafts for kids that are low in cost and fun to make. Get creative! Bratz dolls masks out of paper-mache or design your own coloring books filled with African scenery and animals. Whatever you choose, you should feel good that you are helping your kid expand their world view and keeping their imaginations alive and active.

Wendy Pan is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about African arts and crafts for kids, please visit African Crafts for current articles and discussions.