With the holidays coming up, you might be considering a few handmade woodworking projects to pass on as gifts. Or, you may want to include your kids in the activities to teach them a new skill during their time off of school. Regardless of where you’re at on a woodworking level of expertise, here are 8 projects that you definitely need to check out:
Japanese Toolbox
Have you ever found yourself eyeballing a vintage, wood army ammo box? A Japanese toolbox resembles a lot of the same characteristics. Plus, it’s an easy way for beginning woodworkers to put their new skills to the test. You can make it from just about any old scrap wood, but it’s best to find longer pieces that are very straight, without any twists. Get the instructions and diagrams here: http://makezine.com/projects/make-34/japanese-toolbox/
Jelly Bean Dispenser for the Kids
Whether you’re making it as a surprise or have your kids working alongside of you, this wooden jelly bean dispenser is one of the “awesomest” things ever. It even works with other candies like M&Ms or Skittles. It’s like having a miniature gumball machine that you’ve made with wood laying around the garage (plus a mason jar!)
http://www.instructables.com/id/The-Awesomest-Jelly-Bean-Dispenser-Ever/
Steampunk Desk Lamp
If you’re looking to mix your woodworking tools with some minor electrician skills, this steampunk desk lamp is a neat twist on the average weekend project. While it looks like an average lightbulb plugged into a homemade socket, you can actually use the Sengled Pulse bulb to play music via bluetooth from your smartphone.
http://woodworking.formeremortals.net/2016/01/steampunk-desk-lamp/
Photo Ledges for Your Living Room
Clusters of propped family photos add an interesting charm to your living room, plus they eliminate the frustration factor involved in making sure everything’s hung perfectly straight on the wall. With these custom handmade ledges, you can set photos, records, or other conversation pieces to add instant flair to any room in your house.
http://www.ana-white.com/2010/10/plans/ten-dollar-ledges
DIY Wooden $5 iPad Dock / Stand
Why pay 30 or 40 bucks for an iPad dock that has to be thrown out every time a new model comes out? Make your own out of a single block of wood. With a cut out to access the round iPad button, you can keep the screen propped for easy access and portability. Plus, you can set the iPad horizontally to charge it at the same time. Users say they don’t even have to worry about the wood scratching up their device.
http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-wooden-5-iPad-Dock-Stand/
A Handmade Wooden Jewelry Box
Most women love gifts that involved someone pouring in time and effort to make it special. A handmade jewelry box offers the perfect reminder of your love every time she uses it. Plus, you can make it very simple or even more intricate if you desire.
http://www.icarpentryguide.com/
Woodworking Workbench
This adjustable workbench is customized to the needs of the woodworker, and offers nooks to store your hand tools while you work, including customizable features like places to clamp wood to the tabletop. A removable divider works as plane stop without the need for extra tools. If woodworking is your passion, then having a place for your current projects is a must have! Watch the video on unique specifications that you can include, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SB0-F6yq8zM
Amazing Homemade Dinosaur Walking Machine
If you’re looking for an over-the-top woodworking project for the skilled hand, you’ve got to check out this drill powered dinosaur walking machine. It’s unlike anything you’ve likely ever seen in your entire life. Plus, you can ride it down the street. There’s a good chance you’ll be turning some heads with this thing! Watch the video of the dinosaur in action, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0G-E47EzbEk
