WOODEN TOY GIRAFFE

 

Let's make a toy giraffe using only dowel rods. Although this is not a difficult project, you will need to use some woodworking tools, it is best that it is made in whole or in part by an adult. Here is a picture of a completed giraffe.

 

Your completed giraffe will be about 15 1/4 inches tall.

You will need several different size dowel rods. Here is the list of materials needed:
 

You will also need: glue, saw, drill, sandpaper, paint, yarn

Read all of the directions before starting construction.

 

  1. From a 1 1/4" dowel (closet pole), cut a piece 3" long for the body.
  2. Next, prepare the head.
  3. Next, prepare the horns. Number 6 finishing nails are suitable for horns. Cut 2 nails so that the top of each nail has a length of 3/4". Discard the lower part of the nails.
  4. Next, prepare the ears.

     

  5. Before doing any assembly. Sand any rough or sharp edges on each of the parts.
  6. You are now ready to assemble the giraffe.
  7. Allow the glue to set.
  8. If necessary, sand off any excess glue or rough edges. (Note: If your giraffe wobbles, you need to level the legs. Lay a sheet of sandpaper on a level surface. Push the giraffe back and forth on the sandpaper until the legs are all the same length.)
  9. Paint the entire giraffe a brownish yellow (Note: If you want to make a pink giraffe with purple spots, that is OK.) You may need to apply 2 coats of the body color. Let the paint dry after each coat.
  10. After the base coat is dry, paint hooves, eyes, mouth, and nose, to suit your own ideas.
  11. Let the head colors dry and then using brown paint (or purple, etc.) paint spots all over the body, legs, neck, and head.
  12. Let the paint dry.

You now have a complete toy giraffe.