[agaboric]

Hello everyone I hope that all is well and everyone is enjoying the spring weather at least I am in central Ohio. Any how I am going to be having a baby girl here in the end of July beganing of August it is great news my wife and I are excited but all this nesting is leaving me little carving time but that is okay though. Anyway I will get to my question and it is this I thought that it would be a fun idea to make my own blocks for my baby girl ya know with the alphabet and a few numbers anyway does anyone know what would be a safe finish to put on the blocks because I have heard babies put everything in their mouths and what they don't put in they chew on. So any and all ideas are welcome!
Thanks Andy

[Claude]

Issue #33 of Wood Carving Illustrated, Holiday 2005, has a great article about carving your own set of alphabet blocks. It also has a tip about child-safe finishes. (personally, I'd use a little olive oil...)

Claude

[Plain_Ol_Ed]

Me, I'd opt for mineral oil. Cheaper and safe.

[Claude]

Come on, Ed! One can't even compare the taste of an Extra Vigin Olive Oil to that of Mineral Oil. I'm sure he want's his child to grow up with a taste for the finer things in life, such as Italian food! I'll grant you that mineral oil won't get rancid, but if the child puts the blocks in her mouth constantly, then reapplication of olive oil once a month or so should be enough to keep rancidity at bay while maintaining a desired level of taste sensation... Hmmmm, two colored blocks: make half of them out of olive wood, with olive oil finish, and the other half out of walnut, with walnut oil finish! Yes! Contrasting colors and flavors as well...

Claude

[agaboric]

Thanks for the advice fellas I really appreicate it, now the back issues I will have to check on that. The good thing is that I will have a while before she will even be able to play with them.
Thanks
Andy

[Plain_Ol_Ed]

I'm sure he want's his child to grow up with a taste for the finer things in life,

If that's the case, I recommend soaking them in beer.

[Mischief]

Hmm that might solve both teething and help baby go to sleep?

[whittlewomen]

I think the beer is the best idea!!

[Jim-Iowa]

Being fond of home remidies I think I recall that Whisky rubbed on the gums of teething babies had a calming effect.
Maybe the blocks could be made from reclaimed Whiskey aging barrels?

[chuckbolton]

how about cherry?-- the wood is pretty and cherry flavored brandy would do wonders im sure