Small, light and sturdy, this do-it-yourself cradle project is an early-American classic. Featuring rounded edges and corners, handholds that make it easy to move around and a hood to keep drafts and glare out, the cradle rocks freely with the touch of a toe, but the recurved rockers make it almost impossible to tip. It's easy to see why the design has been popular since the eighteenth century. It's also simple and inexpensive to build. As pictured, the cradle is made from pine lumber (other species will also work) plus dowels, glue and finish. There's room for a 13- by 28-inch bassinet pad inside, or a simple mattress can be made for a more custom fit. The project is built from just 14 pieces, and all of the curved cuts (including the optional designs on the hood apron and footboard) are traced from full-size patterns. Construction is simple-trace the pieces onto wood, cut everything out, sand and assemble using glue and dowels. Once the cradle is put together, apply finish of choice, add the pad and rock-a-bye baby. The completed cradle measures 33 inches long by 27 inches wide by 27 inches tall. About U-Bild plans: U-Bild plans are ideal for woodworkers and do-it-yourselfers of all skill levels. Unique "trace, saw and assemble" designs feature simple-to-follow patterns (like sewing patterns) that produce professional-looking results.