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How to Make Walking Toys

Bring a slice of antiquity into your little one's life with a wooden walking toy. Before plastics, most toys were fashioned from wood or fabric materials. You can find the supplies for this construction at hardware and craft stores.

Things You'll Need

Hand coping saw or power jig saw
6-inch long piece of 2-by-4 board
Wood file or rasp
Sandpaper
2 1/2-foot long dowel, 3/4 inch thick
3/4-inch drill bit
Drill
Wood glue
Rag
2-inch wooden ball knob
3/8-inch drill bit
Two 2 1/4-inch by 5/8-inch wooden wheels
Old innertube
Razor blade knife
4-inch dowel, 3/8-inch wide

Instructions

- 1
  Draw the simple outline of a duck or other two-legged creature on the long side of the 6-inch piece of 2-by-4.
- 2
  Cut this shape out with your hand or power saw.
- 3
  File and sand the edges until they are smooth.
- 4
  Drill a 3/4-inch hole, 2 inches deep, on the small side of the animal, above the back area. Put wood glue into this hole.
- 5
  Insert the dowel into the hole. Some glue may seep out the top of the hole around the edges of the dowel. Moisten a rag with warm water and wipe the excess glue off with the rag.
- 6
  Drill a 3/4-inch hole in the bottom of the wooden ball knob, 3/4-inch deep. Apply wood glue inside this hole.
- 7
  Push the knob onto the top of the dowel handle and remove excess glue with the damp rag.
- 8
  Drill a hole 3/8 inch wide through the base of the animal, 1/2 inch from the bottom.
- 9
  Slide the 3/8-inch dowel through this hole. Do not put glue onto this area.
- 10
  Cut a 1/2-inch deep groove into the rolling 5/8-inch side of the wheel.
- 11
  Slice a piece of the old innertube to measure 5/8 inch by 1 1/2 inches.
- 12
  Fasten the rubber into the wheel slot with glue. Half of the rubber will extend beyond the groove. This will create a flapping noise when the wheels are turning.
- 13
  Attach the wooden wheels with glue and trim any protruding ends.

Childrens Toys