Rocking Horse Plans

Availability of rocking horse plans varies greatly. With varying sizes and styles, choosing the right rocking toy plan could prove to be more tedious than the actual process of making the rocking toy. Sizes can vary from toddler to adult. Detailed plans can allow your rocking toy to be transformed into knight's battling horse, or a carousel horse, or even a circus horse. If more than one horse is desired, plans for rocking teams of horses are also available. If a rocking horse does not meet your needs, plans are also available for rocking donkeys and cows and even a rocking Harley motor cycle.

Age Appropriate

Age is always a consideration when building a rocking toy. Height and materials should all be considered when choosing age appropriate designs. Toddler safety should be considered when choosing height. A rocking toy too tall could pose a safety hazard if the toddler falls, and certain materials used could pose a choking hazard to younger children. However, pre-school children would not be able to rock appropriately if the size is not correct. Some plans will provide helpful information as far as age appropriate designs. Woodworking plans for rocking toys, provide many details and pictures to assist you in choosing the right plan to provide hours of enjoyment for children of all ages.

Wood

Rocking toys can be constructed from many different types of wood. Pine is one of the easiest woods to work with, and very inexpensive, making it great for beginners. Since some horses, such as circus and carousel horses, will be painted, the grain of more expensive wood will be covered and hidden underneath the paint. Once the plans become familiar, uniqueness of the rocking horse can be achieved by using different types of wood, such as, ash, cherry, oak and/or walnut. Using different types of wood will not only add to the uniqueness of your rocking toy, but the stability as well. Heavy hardwood will help to add durability and stability to the bottom of the horse while lighter wood that is not as dense provides easier movement of the rocking horse.

Finishes

Finishes for rocking horses vary as much as the individual unique plans for them. Wood stains, varnishes, oils and paint are just a few ways one could consider when it comes to finishing touches. Many rocking horse plans will include changes, tips and suggestions. Stains are the perfect choice to show off the wood used to make the rocking horse, and stains are easy to match any décor. Finishing oils will produce a softer natural finish on the horse, while varnishes provide shiny finish. Uniqueness can be added to any rocking toy by using paint. These finishes make it possibly to construct that perfect knight's steed for at special little boy, or that vibrant, bright carousel horse for a precious little girl.

Finishing Touches

Rocking horses are unique children's toys with endless possibilities to customize them just right. Some rocking toy plans list unique and different materials to help your project come alive. Finishing touches allows creativity to be expressed in the creation of the perfect rocking horse. Ropes and yarn can used to create a tail and mange for your rocking horse. Leather can be used for a seat cover and reigns if a western rocking horse is desired. Fur is great for that soft look and feel, and also aids in protecting younger children from bumps and bruises caused by the hard surfaces.

Rocking toy plans are bountiful, easy to find and available online no matter what skill level of woodworking is present. When considering the right plan age and gender can help in your choices. Getting ideas from the child that will be receiving the rocking toy will also aid in choosing the correct plan to use.