Project description
I would like to commission a hand-carved wooden rocking horse for my daughter, who is turning two next month. This is meant to be a keepsake piece — something she can ride on now and that we can keep on display in her room once she has outgrown it, so craftsmanship and durability matter more to me than speed. I am not interested in a laser-cut or CNC-routed piece; I specifically want a carver who works with hand tools (chisels, gouges, rasps) and can show a finished grain and tool-mark texture rather than a machine-smooth surface.
For the wood, I would like to discuss options — I am leaning toward basswood or a soft maple for the body because of the fine carving detail those species allow, but I am open to your recommendation for a wood that is both safe for a small child and structurally sound for the rocking mechanism and joints. Please let me know what you typically use and why, along with how you kiln-dry or season the stock to avoid warping and cracking over time.
Size-wise, I am picturing something in the range of 24 to 30 inches long and about 20 inches high at the seat, sized for a child between one and four years old, with a weight capacity that comfortably supports up to 50 pounds. The rockers themselves should have a gentle, controlled arc — nothing that tips too easily — and I would like rounded, sanded edges everywhere a small hand or head might make contact.
Safety finish is non-negotiable: I need a certified non-toxic, food-grade or child-safe paint or oil finish (something like a beeswax and mineral oil blend, or a water-based non-toxic paint that meets ASTM F963 or EN71 standards). Please confirm what finish you use and whether you can provide documentation or a product data sheet for it. I would like the mane and tail to be either carved wood or a soft, securely attached natural fiber — no small parts that could detach.
For personalization, I would love a small carved or painted name plate on the base with my daughter's name and birth date, and if possible a subtle decorative motif (I am thinking a simple floral or star pattern along the saddle area) carved into the body. I am happy to share reference photos and a Pinterest board of styles I like once we connect.
Please share examples of previous rocking horses or similar children's furniture you have carved, your estimated timeline for a piece like this, and how you package and ship finished items to avoid damage in transit. Looking forward to seeing your portfolio.
For the wood, I would like to discuss options — I am leaning toward basswood or a soft maple for the body because of the fine carving detail those species allow, but I am open to your recommendation for a wood that is both safe for a small child and structurally sound for the rocking mechanism and joints. Please let me know what you typically use and why, along with how you kiln-dry or season the stock to avoid warping and cracking over time.
Size-wise, I am picturing something in the range of 24 to 30 inches long and about 20 inches high at the seat, sized for a child between one and four years old, with a weight capacity that comfortably supports up to 50 pounds. The rockers themselves should have a gentle, controlled arc — nothing that tips too easily — and I would like rounded, sanded edges everywhere a small hand or head might make contact.
Safety finish is non-negotiable: I need a certified non-toxic, food-grade or child-safe paint or oil finish (something like a beeswax and mineral oil blend, or a water-based non-toxic paint that meets ASTM F963 or EN71 standards). Please confirm what finish you use and whether you can provide documentation or a product data sheet for it. I would like the mane and tail to be either carved wood or a soft, securely attached natural fiber — no small parts that could detach.
For personalization, I would love a small carved or painted name plate on the base with my daughter's name and birth date, and if possible a subtle decorative motif (I am thinking a simple floral or star pattern along the saddle area) carved into the body. I am happy to share reference photos and a Pinterest board of styles I like once we connect.
Please share examples of previous rocking horses or similar children's furniture you have carved, your estimated timeline for a piece like this, and how you package and ship finished items to avoid damage in transit. Looking forward to seeing your portfolio.
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