12 Comments

They look so nice i would almost hate letting my kids play with them, they look like show pieces, not toys.

Beautiful. These are surely heirlooms. I am liking everything you make, fantastic skills!

Very nice, great job

Thanks for the complements. I’m enjoying seeing snd hearing about everyone’s projects and techniques. I’ll never be too old to learn.

That’s a great idea! I’m going to start one tonight for my 9 month old.

Good luck Brian, I’m happy to answer any questions you might have

Thanks for the offer to help because I’m in need now. :-) I started it today. Got it glued up and roughed out on the bandsaw. I used popcorn. Thanks for that tip! It sounds great.

Now here’s the question: I would like to paint it with oil enamel. Is that baby safe?

Sorry Brian but I can’t help with that one. All my child toys are nontoxic woods and only food grade finishes. I don’t use paint.

I did a little research. I’m going to try dewaxed shellac with some food coloring to tint it.

Here it is. Super simple. I used a reclaimed leg from a dismantled coffee table. I think it’s poplar. Very boring stuff for a project like this. I don’t have a lathe so I had to shape the handle with my sander after roughing it on the bandsaw. It kind of looks like a chicken leg because of that. LOL! The finish is zinsser seal coat (dewaxed shellac) with food coloring to tint. It’s smooth and safe for baby’s mouth.

It didn’t take long to make. Maybe an hour and a half altogether. I think I want to make another one that looks nicer like yours. I have some oak and maple. And I will burn in my sons name or initials too. That’s a nice touch that you put on yours.

Well, thanks for the inspiration. You kind of unleashed a monster I think. :-)

Brian, I’m glad you enjoyed making the rattle. Pretty good job right out of the gate. I made a few trial and error versions before I got the look i wanted.

Just don’t let that monster get too out of hand. Keep me posted.

A very cool idea.