Hey Michael,
Just google search for free pattern for a ball in a cage, you will find an easy to follow pattern to use. I done one about a month ago, and I used a piece of 1 1/2 inch square piece of white pine. But if you can get a piece of basswood it would be easier to carve.

a pic when you get finished with it. After you do one you will want to do another one. I have just started another one myself, this time out of basswood. I will post a pic also when finished. Keith