DIY Montreal has created a collection of five woodworking gifts perfect for the holiday season. From a bathtub caddy to a keepsake box, these projects are not only practical but also add a personal touch to gift-giving.
Materials and Tools Needed
- Cherry wood (or any hardwood of your choice)
- Walnut and Birch for the checkerboard
- Maple for the serving tray
- Wood glue
- Router with various bits
- Drill
- Table saw
- Band saw
- Clamps
- Sandpaper
- Finish (e.g., Osmo Poly-oil, wood wax)
- Double-sided tape
- Hot glue gun
- Forstner bits
- Ruler and combination square
- Candle and glass templates (MDF or plywood)
- Wood dowels for checkers
- Weight (for the stocking holder)
Step 1: Build a Bathtub Caddy
To create a bathtub caddy, start by gluing together a couple of boards of cherry wood. Rip the board down to 9 inches wide, making sure to keep the offcut for later use. Most bathtubs are around 32 inches wide, so cut the caddy to 33 inches for a snug fit.
Next, make a slot in the middle for an iPad, using a router with a spiral bit. Measure your tablet to ensure the slot is the right size. Create recesses for a wine glass and candles using jigs made with Forstner bits.
After shaping the caddy, sand the edges and apply a finish like wipe-on hard wax oil for water resistance. Optionally, add strips underneath to prevent slipping.
Step 2: Craft a Keepsake Box
For the keepsake box, use walnut and create mitered edges. A simple jig will help you make precise cuts. Cut grooves for the top and bottom panels and use contrasting maple for a beautiful finish.
After assembling the box with tape and glue, add splines to reinforce the joints. Trim the excess and sand everything smooth before adding a lip to the inside of the lid for a snug fit.
Step 3: Create a Checkerboard Set
The checkerboard set is made from alternating strips of walnut and birch. Cut the strips into 2-inch squares, glue them together, and clamp them until dry. You can also make checkers from a wooden dowel, but ensure to use solid wood for a better appearance.
After the glue dries, sand the checkerboard flat and finish with Osmo pox oil for a rich look.
Step 4: Construct an Oval Serving Tray
Start with two thick pieces of maple, trace the template onto the wood, and cut it out using a band saw. Use a Forstner bit to remove material from the inside and a router to finish shaping the tray.
Sand the edges, apply a roundover bit, and finish with a wood wax designed for cutting boards to maintain the natural color of the maple.
Step 5: Make a Stocking Holder
Finally, create a stocking holder by assembling a Christmas tree from walnut strips. Use a miter sled to cut the pieces and secure them with hot glue. Build a weighted base to ensure stability when hanging stockings.
Attach hooks to the base and finish the project with a rustic look, leaving it raw or applying a finish as desired.
These five woodworking projects not only make thoughtful gifts but also allow for creativity and personalization. With the right tools and materials, anyone can create beautiful, functional gifts that friends and family will cherish for years to come. Here are the plans to purchase.
Video