Helen’s Walking Owl

Viewer Project -
Added on December 15, 2010

From: Helen Gee

Location: San Francisco, CA

Amateur or Pro: Amateur

Finish Used: Lots of hand sanding, no finish on the toys since they’ll be given to kids.

Wood Species: Poplar and Walnut

Project Description:
I wanted to make a walking toy for my 2 year old’s birthday, something different than the plastic/electronic stuff kids get nowadays. The only thing she could really say at the time was “owl” so I drew up a plan and went to work. I’m not an engineer so it took a little bit of work to figure out the center of gravity and balance and that sort of stuff!

She ended up with the prototype and the rest of the kids at the birthday party got one as party favors. Now these walking toys will be Christmas presents for friends with young kids!!

Discussion

tom December 15, 2010 4:20 pm

Really neat . I can see this as a toy robot or duck. I might have to make one myself!

Reply
Mike M December 15, 2010 5:14 pm

That is simply ingenious!!! I am sure the kids love them too!! Way to think outside the box on that one!

Reply
rgdaniel December 15, 2010 6:14 pm

Looks adorable. Calls for video!
B-)

Reply
Dan Drabek December 15, 2010 8:13 pm

I like it!
You may not be an engineer, but you have a nice sense of design.

DD

Reply
Andrew December 15, 2010 9:11 pm

Looks great! I love making toys vs. buying something made in China (or anywhere else, really)

Reply
Giuliano December 16, 2010 4:06 am

I second the call for video! Great idea and very cute!

Reply
Justin December 16, 2010 6:45 am

That is fantastic! Great job

Reply
Bryan H December 16, 2010 8:46 am

that little guy is great….would love to see him walk!

Reply
Tom Buhl December 16, 2010 8:49 am

too cute

Reply
MitchellM December 16, 2010 1:19 pm

amazing. great work

Reply
Ben December 16, 2010 7:14 pm

That’s a pretty cool idea!

Remember shellac is edible once cured, so that’s a good finish if you’re worried about small kids chewing on these. Another reason to finish these is that black walnut can be a skin irritant for some people, so it might actually be safer for the kids if it was finished.

Reply
Marilyn December 16, 2010 8:56 pm

I want one!

Reply
S.Wellington December 16, 2010 9:23 pm

Sooo Cute! Video would be cool, but i can use my imagination:) great job!

Reply
Emmrys December 17, 2010 8:04 pm

Very nice…..and without a pattern. I am impressed.

Reply
Jerry S December 19, 2010 2:47 pm

Yes, very cool indeed. I have always enjoyed making toys more than most any other projects. This year I have a son turning 1 on the 29th. He will be getting a hand made stacking pyramid. His 4 year old sister picked out the colors and “painted” on the food colored water onto the pieces. It has been a fantastic time getting her in the workshop and to get all excited about MAKING a gift/toy for her little brother (that she adores). I just love this time of year. I too would love to see a video (and rough dimensions).

Jerry

Reply
Vamsi August 29, 2014 6:05 pm

Is it too late to beg for approximate dimensions? or a template :)

Reply

Cookie	Duration	Description
cookielawinfo-checbox-analytics	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checbox-functional	11 months	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checbox-others	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy	11 months	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

Helen’s Walking Owl

Advertisers