Customer Reviews

How to Make Animated Toys

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4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
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Whenever I am looking to make a toy for someone, this book is invariably the first one I always reach for. The plans have heaps of detail and processes for making the toys are very well thought out. These toys are not only animated, but appear to be alive, David has put a lot of effort into making these toys realistic and the movement fun for children (and lots of us not so young). As an added bonus to heaps of great plans, David has gone to great pains to talk about the processes behind designing and building a good toy, this books is worth it for this alone.

I've had this book for over a year and used it as the basis for a number of toys I've created. The instuctions are clear and concise. The plans are easy to follow and include scaled drawings for each toy. The author also includes a very useful discussion of materials and finishes appropriate for building children's toys and design ideas for building your own animated creations. These sections alone justify the purchase of the book. Be aware that most of the designs in the book are copyrighted and if you wish to build them for commercial purposes you will need to contact the author. My favorite plan is for a very simple to make wooden rattle based on a traditional folk art design (this is not copyrighted). I've built six rattles and presented them as gifts to new parents and have been delighted to see how much infants love to play with them. This is a great source for wooden toy makers.

I have his later book, but he uses some metal in the hinges in that one. This is the best book on my shelf and the kids adore the dinosaurs. The pegs actually work MUCH better and it's more in keeping with "wooden toy". I have tried about 70% of the toys in the book and they have all worked well. The Pteronanodon is probably the most difficult to get the pitman arms just right so it flaps it's wings easily. Some of the toys are for beginners; some are only for the very skilled. Detail is sufficient to complete the toys if you start with some easier ones you learn the techniques that are perhaps not derailed as well in the harder toys.

I actually bought this toy making book first and then started hoarding as many other toy making books as I could find on Amazon. This is by far the best one. The patterns are simple and they look great! They are all animated in some way or another.

If you are a beginner woodworker, these are simple enough to follow and should not take more than a weekend to complete. There is a huge variety of toys available in this book and are somewhat gender neutral so the toys will be great for little girls and boys! There is also an infant rattle for the younger little one. The toy wheels and axle pegs can be bought online or at local craft stores. Or you can make your own!

The author also has a section on how to make your own mechanical/animated toys. All the toys in the book are great starters to get your creative juices flowing!! Who says you need to make these for a kid, they are pretty fun to play with!!!

My living room is hosting a variety of the toys made from the book and my daughter, who is now 16 months, still loves the chomping hippo the most! She can grab it around the top and push it along the living room while it opens/closes its mouth. I think she'll love the lobster as well especially when she is a little older when she starts to play kitchen :).

Already started making the frog for my nephew. Lots of really cute projects. Simple mechanics.

This is a great book with excellent, detailed plans and instructions. Written before widespread use of the internet the author list sources for items that do not seem to exist anymore but can easily be replaced by searching the web. I'm glad I bought the book and have made 2 of the toys easily with the help from the book. The grandkids love them and that's what matters the most.

When this book came, it was used but in excellent condition. As I was looking at it, my 4 year old came and he immediately took the book and said with each page, "I want one of these, and. . ." So, I'll be busy making these for him and his little sister. The plans are sufficiently detailed and easy to follow. Thanks for a great book.

Given this book new years ago but lost during divorce. Very happy to find a replacement copy at such a good price in gently used condition.

I received the item in very good time, packaged very well, and just as advertised.