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These are from my Christmas batch of grasshoppers based on the plans in Jim Makowicki's Making Heirloom Toys.
I don't put strings or antennae on them but otherwise, they are very close to his plans.

The legs are red oak but the bodies are my first "Log to Toy" effort.

The boards came from a Sycamore log that my local Parks Department very conveniently left on a sidewalk about 15 months ago.

My pictures don't do it justice but the quarter-sawn sycamore has a spectacular pattern to it.



Finish is beeswax and mineral oil.

Although it was an absolute beast to "split" once I got the log in half and over to a good bandsaw, it cut great and was easy to work with. I certainly can't complain about the price.
Really looking forward to finding other sources for wood like this and cutting and drying my own boards.

More pictures and details here - http://toymakingdad.blogspot.com/2018/01/making-toy-grasshopper-from-sycamore.html

Thanks for looking.

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585 Posts
A hopping good job.
 

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2,984 Posts
Pretty cool grasshopper-I'm sure some lucky kid will have hours of fun with it!
 

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36 Posts
Very nice job! I'm sure these made someone happy!
 

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2,671 Posts
Love toys with moving parts they're so much fun to make.
Nice job!!!
 

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1,558 Posts
Hats off to you sir, making a nice neat strong childs toy with moving parts is tops!!
 

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122 Posts
Got to make a pair of this for my nephews. Great work on those. I maybe like them such uncoloured.
 

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Thanks for all the positive feedback from some real craftsmen and great toy makers.

Majuvla - Here is another one that I didn't paint made from maple:


Sometimes I paint the eyes with acrylic paints and a gloss finish:
 

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