i like the bear, that has appeal.
in Lubkemann's Little Book of whittling (
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Little-Book-Whittling-Passing-Trail/dp/1565232747) he has a chapter on whittling a mini dug out canoe using his swiss army knife and a sharpened screw driver.
i cannot find any good links to dala horses but these were traditionally carved by Swedish woodcutters when in camp as toys/gifts for children on their return home. all google images are a bit garish but originally they would have had a tooled finish and may have been much more simply painted. a google images search would give you an idea of the form. a good chapter on them in this book
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Celebrating-Birch-Lore-Craft-Ancient/dp/1565233077 but i hope you've got a friend with a copy, look at the price! (if ever i need a new car or house i may have to sell my copy!)
i have not yet made any dala horses, i keep meaning to and will when i get the chance.
all the best
Paul