You don't have to be handy with a hammer to have fun making woodcraft projects.
Finding Supplies for Woodcraft Projects
You've probably noticed the woodcrafting aisle at your local craft store, but it can seem overwhelming to choose a project from among the many options. These days, pre-cut wood products make it very easy to create a one-of-a-kind decoration without top-notch carpentry skills. Some of the options you might see in your craft store include the following:
- Unfinished wood birdhouses
- Clock kits
- Trays
- Boxes
- Wooden letters and numbers
- Wood wreath forms
- Cut-out shapes
Even though the options may seem endless, you can find exactly what you need to make something beautiful. The following projects offer a couple of fun ideas.
Making a Painted Clock
Clock kits are one of the most exciting products involved in woodcrafting. You can make a timepiece that shows off your creative skills and functions in your home. Handmade clocks are beautiful gifts as well.
Things You'll Need
- Round wooden clock face
- Mechanical clock kit
- Power drill
- Acrylic craft paints in fun colors
- Paintbrushes
- Ruler
- Pencil
What to Do
- Use the ruler to find the center of the clock face, and mark this spot with a pencil. With the power drill, make a hole that is appropriately sized to fit the clock kit.
- Measure and mark the clock face where each number should go.
- Paint the clock face with a design you love. This might include a woodland scene, a fantastical beast, the surface of the moon, or just a pretty flower motif. Let your creativity guide you.
- If you like, paint the numbers on the clock face. Alternatively, you can make small marks on the face to represent the numbers without interfering with your design.
- Allow the clock face to dry thoroughly.
- Install the clock kit according to the package instructions.
Spelling It Out
You've probably seen those fun graphic wall letters in people's homes, and you can use pre-cut wood letters to make your own versions. Some of the options you might consider include the following:
- Spelling out "EAT" on a kitchen wall
- Placing "ABC" or the letters of a child's name on the nursery wall
- Spelling "NOEL" or "JOY" to make a fun Christmas decoration
- Putting "WELCOME" next to the front door
Things You'll Need
- Large wooden letters of your choice
- Spray primer
- Spray paint in two colors
- Spray varnish or sealer
- Old candle pieces
- Fine-grit sandpaper
What to Do
- In a well-ventilated place, lay the letters out on the ground, and spray them with the primer. Follow the directions on the can, but you can usually apply the first coat of paint in about an hour.
- When the primer is dry, spray on the first layer of paint. Cover the letters evenly, but don't worry too much about whether the surface is smooth.
- After the first paint layer is dry, rub the old candle pieces along the edges of the letters. Use quite a bit of pressure to transfer the wax onto the wood.
- Spray on the other color of paint, and allow the paint to dry thoroughly. This may take up to 24 hours.
- After the paint has dried, use the sandpaper to rub off the top paint layer where you applied the candle wax. The paint should come off fairly easily, giving the letters an antique look.
- Use the spray varnish to seal the letters when you're finished. Now you're ready to display your new piece of graphic art!
Using a Woodcraft Kit
If you want to get a little more adventurous with your woodcraft projects, you might consider making something from a kit. You can create anything from a bird house to an end table using these kits, and they are a great way to learn carpentry skills. Try some of the following retailers:
A Whole New World
Whether you use pre-cut wooden pieces or practice your carpentry skills with a kit, you'll find that woodcrafting opens up a whole new world of projects. Soon, you'll be decorating your woodcrafts with decoupage, wood burning, decorative painting, and other fun crafting techniques.
