Goodby Wood Baby Rattle is a heirloom gift for Nephew Goodby. It features the child’s name, the parents names, length and weight and date of birth engraved around both ends. I form the shape of the baby rattle on a wood lathe. I burn concentric rings at both ends of the rattle by holding a steel wire to the wood surface as the rattle spins at high speed. Once complete the piece goes over to the studio bench. This is where I engrave the birth information with a high speed dental drill. One of the things that I enjoy the most is making gifts for children. The grandkids get a unique gift for each birthday. Family members receive an heirloom baby rattle for each birth. Years later I see these rattles on a shelf in the child’s room. This is very rewarding to see that something I created is treasured by the family.
Every time a grandchild turns age two I design a modified Adirondack Chair based on their interest at the time. Here is an Arts and Craft theme for Tabi. . The oldest grandkid is now fifteen and her chair is still in her room.
Gift Ideas
If you are looking for a special gift for a child take a look in my web store or check out my Etsy Shop. Every item is unique and made with love. Most items start with a sketch and I follow a plan. This is different from my first years at the lathe when I would make stuff without a plan. The thinking was that the wood would speak to me. Then a mentor told me that wood does not speak. What a shock that was.
Just like the Goodby Wood Baby Rattle I design and produce all my items in my Montvale, New Jersey, USA studio. I divide my time between the lathe and the workbench where I refine and complete each piece.