As beginners we daydream about extravagant woodworking projects. However, we’re often at a loss as to how we’re actually going to make them happen. Woodworking is about gradual progress. But this doesn’t mean we can’t achieve gorgeous pieces from simple woodworking techniques. This article will show you the secret to making an awesome piece using otherwise simple techniques.

One of the simplest woodworking projects is building a wooden box. Wooden boxes are extremely versatile. They can be used as bookcases, jewelry boxes or gift boxes. You can either use hinges or a simple detachable lid. There are several websites offering free instructions on how to build a basic wooden box.

Wooden boxes look great when given that vintage appearance. You may give the surface a distressed look by using a sharp tool to make tiny dents all over and then apply a varnish or stain for a more finished work. Of course, there’s more than one way to distress wood. You can use a pizza wheel to mark random shall cuts. You can even bang a bag of small rocks against the surface if you want a really old-looking box. Other fine imprints are possible with a simple file or sandpaper.

For an even more antique look, try carving. You can start with a very basic carving set and mallet. Simply print off free design templates from websites. Use double tape to stick the paper template onto the wooden surface. Chisel out the insides of the forms. For a more professional look, chisel out the negative spaces so that the design will stick out.

You can use your experience in making boxes for other interesting projects. For instance, you can use your assembling skills to make your very own bamboo fountain. In addition to that, you can combine typical woodworking methods with experimental ones to achieve a truly unique product.

Other interesting but simple woodworking projects are wooden puzzles. These make great gifts for kids or as a conversational piece. The type of wood that’s easy to work with is bass plywood.

Start off by making paper patterns. Glue them right onto the plywood before cutting. Make sure to use rubber cement so that you can easily rub it off after sawing out the pieces with a scroll saw blade. Another way of doing it is to trace stencils.

Now you’re going to need puzzle images. An idea is to use coloring books, since the shapes and lines are simple, and therefore easy to cut out. Another good source are woodworking websites. They usually provide free puzzle plans/stencils. As an alternative, use onionskin tracing paper to create unique puzzle stencils. You can draw your own puzzle shapes or trace the outline of your favorite picture.

Finish off your project be smoothening the pieces with sandpaper. Use medium grit first then a fine grit. This will give your pieces a very smooth and polished look.

You can use your sawing skills to do more challenging woodworking projects. For example, you can advance to making intarsia. This is when you combine pieces of wood of different colors to create a seemingly 3-dimentional image of a landscape, floral design or other subject matter. The result can almost resemble a painting!

Start with simple woodworking projects. Once you’ve learnt many basic skills, you can then start experimenting and using your own creativity.