Introduction: Toy Jumping Jack

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We shrunk down our large lawn decorations and made them into a fun toy. Jumping Jack teddy bears also makes a great door decoration. This project can easily be put together in a day. The patterns for the solider bear and three others are included in this Instructable.

Step 1: Supplies

  • Patterns
  • Plywood
  • Dowels
  • Wood glue
  • Colorful yarn or string
  • Small wood ball
  • Paint
  • Saw (jig saw or scroll saw)
  • Sand paper
  • Drill

Attachments

Step 2: Cut and Drill

The patterns are scans of the original drawings. Print them out and tape them together. Fold the body patterns vertically and cut them out symmetrically. Tape on extra paper for the lever arm that operates the arms and legs as shown in the first picture. Draw a back shape that will hide behind each body and anchor the dowel pivots in back like in the third picture. Transfer the patterns onto the plywood.

Use a fine blade on your jigsaw, cut out all the pieces. Sand rough edges.

Drill small holes in the body end of each arm and leg pieces to tie the string to operate. Lay the arms and legs on the body and mark pivot holes for dowels. Drill the arms and legs slightly larger than the dowel. Tape the body and back together and drill for a tight dowel fit.

Drill a hanging hole in the top center of the back piece.

Tie strings between arm end holes. Tie another string between leg end holes. Tie a string from the center arm string to the center leg string and leave a length below. Drill and tie a pull ball to the bottom end of the loose string.

Glue together after making sure the arms and legs 'jump' up when the string is pulled.

Step 3: Paint and Enjoy

Paint pieces any way you like.

Hang and enjoy!