The Pleasure of Having Your Own Woodworking Workshop
Do you remember when dads had a woodworking workshop out in the garage, or maybe in a shed behind the house, and every year about this time got all secretive with what was going on in there?
If you were among the fortunate who were blessed to have a creative father, then you know exactly what I am referring to.
Several weeks before Christmas, dad would take to the garage, sawing, hammering, sanding and painting. We could hear him out there, but were forbidden on pain of death to so much as crack open the door to see what he was doing.
On Christmas morning, there, under the tree, we would find the most wonderful handcrafted with love toys you can imagine.
I remember one year when I was very small, my dad made me a little kitchen set from plywood, coffee can lids, plastic knobs, etc. It was painted pink (my favorite color at the time) and all were complete with a brand name painted in black script, and the brand name was my actual name!
Dad had gone to quite some lengths to plan this gift just right, and mom had hunted until she found a little pink plastic tea set to go with it.
That little stove, refrigerator and hutch were perhaps my most memorable Christmas gift, and more so because dad had taken the time out of his life to make it for me. He followed the plans to the letter, and that set lasted for years and years.
Even now, 45 years later, it is adorning the nursery of the little country church where I grew up, and a few generations of little girls have gotten much pleasure from the gift my daddy made for me.
Woodworking as a hobby is a great thing.
The craftsmanship involved in turning out gifts for the family, or for building that gazebo in the yard your wife has been longing for, really doesn’t require massive amounts of woodworking skill. If you can follow directions and know not to stick your hand in the circular saw when it is running, then you are on your way to making a memory for someone you love.
Thing of the way your daughter’s eyes will light up when she sees that new dollhouse, or the glee with which your son will grab his new dump truck and head for the sand pile in the backyard.
Having your own woodworking workshop has great advantages, with pleasure for both your and the receiver of your work. Gifts made of wood will last for years and years, compared to junk made of plastic which breaks about five minutes after it’s unwrapped.
Picture your grandchildren playing with toys you made for your own children. How wonderful to think that you could create something so lasting, and so filled with memories, that when your children are all grown up with children of their own, they will remember that special thing you took time from your life to create for them.
A woodworking workshop – Hmmmmm. What’s stopping you?
Several weeks before Christmas, dad would take to the garage, sawing, hammering, sanding and painting. We could hear him out there, but were forbidden on pain of death to so much as crack open the door to see what he was doing.
On Christmas morning, there, under the tree, we would find the most wonderful handcrafted with love toys you can imagine.
I remember one year when I was very small, my dad made me a little kitchen set from plywood, coffee can lids, plastic knobs, etc. It was painted pink (my favorite color at the time) and all were complete with a brand name painted in black script, and the brand name was my actual name!
Dad had gone to quite some lengths to plan this gift just right, and mom had hunted until she found a little pink plastic tea set to go with it.
That little stove, refrigerator and hutch were perhaps my most memorable Christmas gift, and more so because dad had taken the time out of his life to make it for me. He followed the plans to the letter, and that set lasted for years and years.
Even now, 45 years later, it is adorning the nursery of the little country church where I grew up, and a few generations of little girls have gotten much pleasure from the gift my daddy made for me.
Woodworking as a hobby is a great thing.
The craftsmanship involved in turning out gifts for the family, or for building that gazebo in the yard your wife has been longing for, really doesn’t require massive amounts of woodworking skill. If you can follow directions and know not to stick your hand in the circular saw when it is running, then you are on your way to making a memory for someone you love.
Thing of the way your daughter’s eyes will light up when she sees that new dollhouse, or the glee with which your son will grab his new dump truck and head for the sand pile in the backyard.
Having your own woodworking workshop has great advantages, with pleasure for both your and the receiver of your work. Gifts made of wood will last for years and years, compared to junk made of plastic which breaks about five minutes after it’s unwrapped.
Picture your grandchildren playing with toys you made for your own children. How wonderful to think that you could create something so lasting, and so filled with memories, that when your children are all grown up with children of their own, they will remember that special thing you took time from your life to create for them.
A woodworking workshop – Hmmmmm. What’s stopping you?
Top Ten Gift Ideas You Can Build in Your Woodworking Workshop
All throughout the year woodworkers are busy in their shops crafting new pieces, many of which are given as gifts. There are woodworking plans available for not only full of great items like furniture and cabinetry, but found amongst the many of those plans are many things to build to give your loved ones on almost any occasion.
We took a stroll through the many and varied pages of websites that offer wood crafting plans, and came up with a list of ten items we think people would be happy to receive as gifts. Let’s have a look, shall we?
Japanese puzzle box
For those of you who have never seen a puzzle box, this is a nifty little box the Japanese created to hide valuables. After all, it’s always better to hide things in plain sight, right?
Anyone trying to open a puzzle box has to know its secret – which panels slide, is there a spring mechanism? If you don’t know the secret the box will not open to reveal its contents. A Japanese puzzle box would make an amazing and original gift.
Baby cradle
A baby cradle is a thoughtful gift for anyone you know who is expecting a new baby. This is a lovely cradle which will last for generations. Instructions for building a playhouse in the shape of a pirate ship are available too and they are perfect for someone with small children between the ages of 6 to 12.
Step stool
Step stools are a necessary part of furniture; at least they are if you want to reach those high shelves. Plastic stools are ugly, and some woodworking plans out there offer a variety of sizes and styles to make a handsome, sturdy stool.
Mission Style fern stand
Mission Style furniture is always quite popular due to its simplicity in design. Fits in small spaces and looks great!
Weather Station
Okay, I’ll admit it I am over 50 and watch the weather like a hawk for any changes. It’s hard to find indoor weather stations like these in today’s digital generation. The old-fashioned look is timeless.
Japanese bamboo fountain
Easy to construct, this simple bamboo fountain could be made on a smaller scale for inside the home.
Garden bench
Various woodworking plans I found on the internet have several garden bench designs to choose from. Your design is limited only by your imagination!
Pergolas
“What is a pergola?” I’m so glad you asked! I had no idea myself until I was browsing through woodworkersworkshop.com and found out it’s a combination of an arbor and a deck. Well, that’s what it looks like to me anyway. A comfy little hideaway in the backyard!
Porch swing
No porch? Hang it in your pergola! I don’t think I ever met anyone who doesn’t enjoy a porch swing!
Purple Martin House
Farmers understand the advantages of having Purple Martins flying about, eating up insects as they go. These birds depend on humans for their habitats, and their houses or “condos” are very pricey in the stores. The plans at purplemartinplace.com offer simply constructed ones that are almost guaranteed to have them flying over your yard.
Japanese puzzle box
For those of you who have never seen a puzzle box, this is a nifty little box the Japanese created to hide valuables. After all, it’s always better to hide things in plain sight, right?
Anyone trying to open a puzzle box has to know its secret – which panels slide, is there a spring mechanism? If you don’t know the secret the box will not open to reveal its contents. A Japanese puzzle box would make an amazing and original gift.
Baby cradle
A baby cradle is a thoughtful gift for anyone you know who is expecting a new baby. This is a lovely cradle which will last for generations. Instructions for building a playhouse in the shape of a pirate ship are available too and they are perfect for someone with small children between the ages of 6 to 12.
Step stool
Step stools are a necessary part of furniture; at least they are if you want to reach those high shelves. Plastic stools are ugly, and some woodworking plans out there offer a variety of sizes and styles to make a handsome, sturdy stool.
Mission Style fern stand
Mission Style furniture is always quite popular due to its simplicity in design. Fits in small spaces and looks great!
Weather Station
Okay, I’ll admit it I am over 50 and watch the weather like a hawk for any changes. It’s hard to find indoor weather stations like these in today’s digital generation. The old-fashioned look is timeless.
Japanese bamboo fountain
Easy to construct, this simple bamboo fountain could be made on a smaller scale for inside the home.
Garden bench
Various woodworking plans I found on the internet have several garden bench designs to choose from. Your design is limited only by your imagination!
Pergolas
“What is a pergola?” I’m so glad you asked! I had no idea myself until I was browsing through woodworkersworkshop.com and found out it’s a combination of an arbor and a deck. Well, that’s what it looks like to me anyway. A comfy little hideaway in the backyard!
Porch swing
No porch? Hang it in your pergola! I don’t think I ever met anyone who doesn’t enjoy a porch swing!
Purple Martin House
Farmers understand the advantages of having Purple Martins flying about, eating up insects as they go. These birds depend on humans for their habitats, and their houses or “condos” are very pricey in the stores. The plans at purplemartinplace.com offer simply constructed ones that are almost guaranteed to have them flying over your yard.