One word of caution on food dye............. I used it on some toys I made for my newest grandson and, of course, it ended up in his mouth. The toy plans called for this method of coloring, but he never actually used it on one of his children, I think! :) If you could get a seal on the wood, it would probably work......... until the sealer gets worn. LOL
ps. Mother wasn't happy with Father for not watching son closer! Gotta love grandkids!