Today’s project

Perfect for the little ones on your holiday gift list, this handsome child-size rocking chair is just right for reading, playing quietly or even the occasional “time out.” As sturdy as it is handsome, the chair is certain to see generations of use.

Built from oak (other woods will work), the chair measures 25 inches tall at the back, with rockers that are 21 inches long. Its seat is 15 inches wide and sits 11 inches off the floor. Designed for safety, the chair has no sharp points and all the edges are rounded and smooth.

What you need

The entire project calls for just 8 board feet of oak plus ready-made oak dowels, and all the pieces are traced from full-size patterns. The most challenging part is shaping the recessed area for the seat, but a little care and patience goes a long way toward great results.

What you do

To build, simply trace the parts onto wood, cut out and sand. Next, assemble everything using dowels and glue. Finally, apply your finish of choice.

The Child’s Rocking Chair plan, No. 734, is $9.95 and includes complete directions with step-by-step photos, full-size traceable patterns, a shopping list and cutting schedule and a toll-free help line for project questions.

How to order the plan

A package of four children’s furniture plans, No. C79, is $24.95 and includes this plan, plus plans for a table and chairs, a combination toy chest and bench and a desk with a built-in storage bench. A catalog picturing hundreds of do-it-yourself projects is $2.00. Please include $3.00 for postage and handling (except catalog-only orders) and 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 Spokesman-Review), P.O. Box 2383, Van Nuys, CA 91409.

To order by credit card, call 1-800-828-2453. Visit U-Bild on the web at u-bild.com.