Rocking dinosaur blends childhood favorites
PROJECT OF THE WEEK

BY DON AND DAVE RUNYAN Comments 0
Published: December 8, 2008

A rocking dinosaur is sure to please any child. U-BILD PHOTO

There’s nothing old-fashioned about prehistoric fun, and this do-it-yourself rocking dinosaur proves it. Combining the best features of classic rocking toys and every child’s natural fascination with dinosaurs, the project is irresistible to most kids. Just wait until your little paleontologist "discovers” this rocker under the tree Christmas morning.

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Children love the project’s smiling face, rocking "bones,” comfortable seat and well-placed handholds. Grown-ups will appreciate the sturdy design, safe and gentle rocking motion and heirloom quality of the project.

As a bonus, it’s also inexpensive to build. The dinosaur requires just a small quantity of standard pine lumber, dowels, glue, screws, paint and a wooden ball for the eyes. Construction is simple. First, trace the parts onto wood, cut out everything and assemble according to step-by-step instructions. To finish, sand and apply nontoxic paint. We painted our dinosaur "lizard green,” but colors and patterns are limited only by the builder’s imagination.

The completed dinosaur measures 45 inches long by 36 inches tall by 12 inches wide.

The Rocking Dinosaur plan, No. 815, is $9.95 and includes step-by-step instructions with photos, full-size traceable patterns, a complete shopping list, cutting schedule and a toll-free telephone number to call with project questions.

A package of children’s rocker plans, No. C73, is $24.95 and includes the rocking dinosaur plus plans for a rocking horse, a pony rocker and a rocking airplane. A free catalog picturing dozens of projects also is available.

Please include $4 for postage and handling. Allow about two weeks for delivery.

To order by mail, clip this article and send it with a check or money order to U-Bild Features, c/o The Oklahoman, 3800 Oceanic Drive, Suite 107, Oceanside, CA 92056. To order by credit card, call (800) 828-2453. U-Bild is online at u-bild.com.