Finishing Walnut and Poplar Rocker

First off, hello and this is a great site!

I am new to woodworking so some of my questions may be very simple (and I hope they are). As my first project I have decided to make a motorcycle rocker (http://www.armorplans.com/photogallery/882web.JPG) for my daughter (who is supposed to be born next week). I ordered the plans and have done a reasonable job in creating the necessary pieces. The wood I have used is Poplar and Walnut. Now that I have created the pieces and have started final assembly I am trying to figure out how to finish it. From what I have read Danish Oil or some homemade formulation of poly and oil sounds like it may be my best option. I would like your thoughts. If this is the direction I go, do I need to use a sanding sealer or something before applying this? And finally the seat of this rocker has a walnut burl veneer "inset". I have no idea how to approach sanding/sealing/finishing it. I have not attached the veneer yet but I am leaning towards using Better Bond Heat Lock since I don't have a vaccum press and no immediate need to get one.
Any and all your thoughts and advice would be helpful.

Danish Oil or ... poly and oil ...do I need to use a sanding sealer or something before applying this? No.

walnut burl veneer "inset". I have no idea how to approach sanding/sealing/finishing it.
Just make sure you don't sand through it. Use fine sandpaper. Otherwise finish it the same as the rest of the piece.

Thanks for the reply. I was beginning to think I was not going to hear anything.
I appreciate your time and the information Rusty!