Rock Your Baby In A Cradle You Build Yourself

The heritage cradle has been popular with new parents for many years and for many reasons. It’s a sturdy piece that rocks with the touch of a toe and has a hood to protect from drafts. Its curved rockers are designed to prevent tipping, and its edges and corners are rounded smooth. The cradle is also small and light, with handholds to make it easy to carry.

Moreover, it’s a handsome piece of furniture and a quick, fun do-it-yourself project.

Materials for the heritage cradle project include common pine (or clear pine, which costs a little more), along with dowels, glue, stain and varnish. The cradle holds a standard bassinet pad, which can be purchased or made at home from foam padding and a plastic cover.

This project is designed for do-it-yourselfers of all skill levels. It’s pretty simple because it requires only 14 pieces, and all of them (except for the straight ones) are traced from full-size patterns. After tracing and cutting the pieces, follow the step-by-step directions to assemble. The designs on the hood apron and footboard can be traced and then routed, wood-burned or painted.

The completed cradle measures 33 inches long by 27 inches wide by 27 inches tall.

The Heritage Cradle plan, No. 666, is $6.50 and includes detailed step-by-step instructions with 17 photos, full-size traceable patterns and a shopping list and cutting schedule.

Also available is the Cradle Packet, No. C32, which comes with plans for this cradle and three others for $14. In addition, a catalog picturing hundreds of other do-it-yourself projects, many for young children, is available for $3.95. Prices include sales tax, postage and handling.

MEMO: To order, clip this article and send it with a check or money order to U-Bild Features, c/o The SpokesmanReview, P.O. Box 2383, Van Nuys, CA 91409-2383. Specify plan number and allow three to four weeks for delivery (for first-class mail, add $1 per item).