Handcrafted wooden rocking horse
In Late November, my daughter Ruby was asking for a rocking horse for Christmas. After looking thru the Toys R’ Us big book, and several online stores I decided that what was available for sale was just more plastic junk. I wanted Ruby to have a real toy, that she could treasure. With not much time left, I searched for plans to build a classic wooden rocking horse. I figured, with plans I have just enough time. As we know, wood working cannot be rushed!
By chance I discovered John Michael Linck
His wooden toys feature classic design lines, fitted together with superb joinery. As a bonus, John sells full scale plans at a fair price
I decided to browse Austin Hardwoods in Santa Ana and look for an inspiring board. I found a great 5/4 cherry wood board that was big enough for most all the parts. The foot rest and cross bars could be made from scrap wood bits I have had laying around. I also selected walnut dowels in 3/8″ and 1/2″ diameters for the joinery.
My wife joined in, and we made a few simple design changes.
1. Increased the rocker size by 20%. Added 1.25″ length to each leg, added 1.25″ length to the seat. We did this because Ruby is 3 1/2, and getting towards the tail end of being to big for the standard size.
2. Came up with a double wood disc design for the eyes, instead of a through hole.
3. Drilled 12 holes through the mane area for a long and fluffy mane tied from yarn.
4. Moved handle up and forward 3 inches.
I had about 20-30 hours total to cut, build, and finish the horse. Ruby loved it, named her Raspberry!
The Cake Boss
Well, I admit it. I am completely  hooked on anything Buddy Valastro is up to. I have never been to his bakery, but his TV reality show has got me hooked. I dream about bitting into one the “Lobster Tails” he bakes. His cakes are both works of art, and full of the sweet goodness I crave. I long for the day that the website starts selling online, and I can have his treats shipped overnight to California.
To say that Buddy Inspired me this week is an understatement. With the birth of my new daughter, Madeline, I decided it would be really fun to bake a cake to honor her arrival. Who could think of a better way to celebrate with family than with a fresh baked gourmet cake?
Since I have never baked a cake from scratch before, I went to my Bobby Flay cookbook. Low and behold, his Coconut Cream cake sounds delectable. Not only do I love coconut, but the recipe looks very challenging. If you know me, I love a challenge.
I had help. Janet and Debbie made the custard and simple syrup. Without that  help I would have failed I am sure. It came out great and my family was impressed. I see more baking in my future!
2011 Goals
I can’t think of a better place to write down my goals for 2011 then here on my Blog. With your help they will all be reached.
1. Welcome the new baby into a loving home.
2. Locate a 2 or 3 bedroom home for my family to expand into.
3. Streamline our household belongings, clean out our storage areas, and complete all the small home improvements I have to do.
4. Grow Baker Design Studio by 30% or more. Attract new clients with marketing efforts. Set internal deadlines and complete them. Make more efficient by hiring a book keeper, and interns if useful. Finish revisions on website.
5. Launch the Sturgill Spearfishing online store, expand product line, grow into profitable business.
6. Art: Revise www.dustanbaker.com to support online sales.Blog more. Engage with my art heroes. Locate 3-4 shows or festivals to show new art at. Market my art for potential licensing deals.
7. Stop being so angry about issues I cannot control. I spend so much energy Obama bashing and fighting the power, it’s time to focus all that energy into positive tasks in my own life.
8. Loose 25 pounds. I have gotten big enough, that Surfing and Mountain biking are a big chore. It’s a bummer. But what’s my plan??????
9. Shoot a “Big White Sea Bass” and have a big BBQ