Woodworking is a great hobby to get into at any age! It provides a way to use your creativity and creates a sense of accomplishment. At Friendship Village our residents enjoy a fully-equipped woodworking shop right on campus. Here’s some inspiration from some of our favorite resident-made projects, from beginner-friendly to more advanced designs.
Personalized Cutting Board
Skill level: Beginner
What you’ll need: Hardwood (maple, walnut, cherry), wood glue, sandpaper, mineral oil
Many of our residents have tried their hand in carpentry for the first time with this fun and simple cutting board project! It’s a great way to build basic woodworking skills while creating something for practical use. Check out this guide to learn how to make a custom cutting board. Once you’ve learned the technique, you can easily repeat the process to create personalized cutting boards as gifts for friends and family!
Bookends
Skill Level: Beginner
What you’ll need: Wood scraps, saw, sandpaper, wood glue
Have a large collection of books on display? Choose from one of these bookend designs to spruce up your bookshelf: a modern aesthetic, a classic look, or mountain-inspired designs. This is another quick and rewarding beginner project that adds extra personality to your living space.
Birdhouse
Skill Level: Intermediate
What you’ll need: Wood (cedar, pine), wood screws, drill, paint/stain
If you love birdwatching, this is the perfect woodworking project for you! Making this can be especially enjoyable if you love painting and customizing. Our residents love setting their personally-made birdhouses out on their patios or balconies to attract birds right outside their window here at Friendship Village. Learn how to build your own birdhouse here.
Outdoor Plant Stand
Skill Level: Intermediate
What you’ll need: Wood (cedar, redwood, or pressure-treated), Wood screws, Drill, Saw, Sandpaper, Finish of choice
Another great addition to your patio or balcony at Friendship Village is a custom-built plant stand! This is perfect for showing off flowers or growing fresh herbs to cook your favorite dishes. Follow this guide to build your own.
Cornhole Sets
Skill level: Advanced
What you’ll need: Plywood, 2x4s, Paint/Stain, Saw, Drill, Screws
Love backyard games? This project is for you! You can build your own custom (and regulation) cornhole set in our woodworking shop using these instructions. These boards come in handy often for outdoor parties, barbecues, and happy hours. This is another fun project for people who enjoy the creative side of carpentry since you can design it however you like – whether it’s adding your favorite colors or painting the STL Cards logo!
Our well-equipped woodworking shop provides the perfect space for residents of all skill levels to enjoy woodworking.
Ready to get building? Schedule a tour of Friendship Village and see our woodworking shop in action!