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How to Make Wooden Toy Designs

Handcrafted, wooden toys are classic woodworking projects, representing the creativity of the woodworker. To make wooden toy designs keep in mind the imaginative and curious nature of children. Simple, wooden toy designs are often the most appreciated.

Think back to what wooden toys you enjoyed playing with as a child for inspiration. Adapt that inspiration to make new wooden toy designs. Perhaps you enjoyed a wooden dog pull-toy. Design a cat-and-mouse pull-toy based on that classic design.

Other classics include puzzles, cars, farm sets, and doll houses.

Things You'll Need

Sketch pad
Pencil
Work surface
Ruler
Protractor
Compass
Eraser
5 to 6 Colored pencils

Instructions

- 1
  Draw several sketches of ideas. For example, if you want to make a pull-toy design, you might draw a few different animals or outlines for the design. Pick a design that inspires you most.
- 2
  Refine the design you selected. Draw an outline of the toy. Indicate the overall dimensions. Decide on an age range for the toy. Toys need to be appropriate for children at different stages of development. The choice of age range will impact the design in size of parts, function, and ease of use.
- 3
  Draw the various parts needed to construct the toy, such as wheels or bodies. Indicate all three dimensions of each part. In the margins, write a materials list. Detail the quantities, suggested wood species, wood finish, and fasteners.
- 4
  Evaluate the design. Consider the function and proportion of the toy. Think about how the toy will be used and make any necessary changes to provide a functional, safe design.
- 5
  Erase any stray pencil marks or smudges. Color the design with colored pencils to indicate a suggested finish.

Wooden Toys