Woodworking is an intimidating, interesting, and intricate hobby. It is an amazing set of skills once learned and can be a reward of a lifetime.
There is no better feeling than to create something out of nothing. Our hobbies let us amplify our creativity. Not to mention, those hobbies keep us sane when life gets hectic and uncertain. It’s a satisfying way of spending time either alone or with a loved one.
It’s not only a mere tool for passing time, it can sometimes turn into professions as well. Excellence comes from practicing and honing your craft over time. But, not all hobbies need to be turned into a profession, some can be used to create useful and functional pieces for yourself and your family. And, that’s why woodworking is amazing as a hobby.
Woodworking can be intimidating and there’s no reason to start big when you are a beginner. There are many advantages to woodworking other than having fun. You can make beautiful home decorating pieces or give personalized gifts to your special ones. And, all under the budget!
As mentioned above, you don’t need to worry too much about the cost. In the long run, it is not expensive to buy lumber and woodworking tools rather than buying a new piece for your home. Not to mention you will create pieces that are unique ‘you’ with a flare.
Start small and work your way up to fine-tune your skill. No matter which level you are at, you will find many amazing ideas and tips at woodworkingtoolkit.com to practice on. But, if you are a beginner, here are eight excellent ideas to get your woodworking game going!
1. Wooden Doormat
First impressions are crucial in any given scenario and the entrance of your house can be a major player in setting the mood of your guests even before they enter your home.
A wooden doormat is a chic, functional and budget-friendly way to get attention from your guests. Especially if you live in a wet and cold climate. A wooden doormat can save you from washing soggy doormats. You can make it in any design you like, just make sure it is good for scraping off the mud from the boots or to dry wet shoes.
2. Bathtub Tray
Imagine after a long, weary day, you come home and relax in your bathtub with a glass of fine wine, a good book, and some scented candles. Sounds heavenly, right? There is one accessory that is crucial to make this self-care ritual happen- a bathtub tray.
A bathtub tray is an easy woodworking project for any beginner. You need to pay attention that the tray should be sturdy but not heavy. It doesn’t have to be any fancy design, you can even make one by just polishing or sanding a plank of timber in the right size!
3. Wine Rack
As long as we are on the subject of fine wine, here’s another idea for your next woodworking project- a Wine rack. A wooden wine rack can add character to your kitchen and brighten up space. Elegant but simple, it’s also a great DIY anniversary or birthday gift for your wine-loving friends.
Word of caution- before starting the project, you must measure the depth, width, and dimensions for the rack meticulously. The reason being wine bottles need to be stored either horizontally or at a 45-degree angle with the cork facing down. The wine needs to be in contact with the cork at all times to ensure no air can get into the bottle.
4. Serving Tray
What better way to start your day or surprise your loved one than serving breakfast in bed in your own handcrafted serving tray? Serving trays are easier to make than wine racks but harder than bathtub trays. This is a great transition project to elevate your woodworking skills.
Wooden serving trays are great for experimenting with colors, designs, and carvings. You can let your imagination run wild and create a unique, personalized piece.
5. Sofa Sleeve
Living a minimalist lifestyle is all in the rage now. Not because it’s the ‘fashionable’ thing to do, but because more people are making conscious purchases to reduce waste. It’s a wonderful way to give back to the Earth.
Woodworking is a great way to recycle and reduce waste. A great example is sofa sleeves. If you live in a small space or if you want to have a minimum amount of furniture in your living room, sofa sleeves can be a replacement for end tables or TV trays. Sofa sleeves make it easy to laze on your couch with a hot cup of tea or coffee or an iced cold beer.
6. Photo Holder
Do you love to take pictures? Most of us love to cherish beautiful moments and there’s no better way to display the loving memories but on a photo holder, you have made yourself.
Making your own photo holder is way less expensive than buying fancy frames. This is where you can let your creative side show,- you can make the frame in any shape, size, or design. Just like the special moments caught in the photos, you can create memories by decorating the photo holders with your kids or loved ones. It can be a nice Christmas gift as well.
7. Decorative Wooden Signs
Charming wooden signs can revive even the most boring spaces. Manufactured wooden signs can carry a hefty price tag and can have a negative impact.. So, why not venture and make your own?
Wooden signs are more personal than any other woodworking items as you can inscribe sentimental words or motivational quotes that are close to your heart. This can be an everyday reminder to live your life according to your principles.
8. Plant Hangers
Plants are a great addition to any space. The color green is soothing for the eyes and brings a calming atmosphere to the whole room. Creating a plant hanger as a woodworking project is a great idea for any gardener or plant enthusiast. You can combine two hobbies into one and get the best of both worlds!
Last Words
Woodworking is no easy hobby. It takes time, patience and there is lots of room for error. But, it can be extremely rewarding.
Safety is very important when it comes to woodworking. Some measures you can take are- always wear safety equipment such as eye goggles or face shields, wear appropriate clothing, disconnect power before you change the blades of your tools, and avoid blunt blades at all costs. And, the most important one- never take anything before woodworking that can impair your judgment or reaction time. If you follow these simple measures, you can easily avoid unnecessary accidents.
Like a magician, an artist, you can conjure up whatever your imagination holds from a plank of hardwood. The key is to get the basics of woodworking down to your core and voila you are on your way to creating a masterpiece!