🛠️ Kids' Corner

1. Simple Bird Box

Five pine offcuts, a saw, wood glue and a few screws. A great first project that teaches measuring, square cuts and assembly.

• Cut 6 pieces: back, front (with hole), two sides, floor, roof.
• Glue + screw the box, leave the front face on with a hinge so you can clean it.
• Mount 2–4 m off the ground, facing away from afternoon sun.

2. Phone / Tablet Stand

A single angled piece with a lip, cut from a small hardwood offcut. Teaches the mitre/bevel cut and sanding to a finish.

• Cut a 20° wedge from a 15×10 cm block.
• Add a small front lip so the device can't slide.
• Sand 120 → 240 grit; finish with beeswax or olive oil.

3. Bookshelf / Crate

A small pine crate shelf introduces pocket-hole or butt joints, clamps and a cordless drill. Make it the right size for a windowsill.

• Cut 4 sides + base from 18 mm pine board.
• Drill pocket holes (or use corner brackets) for square corners.
• Stain or paint; add rubber feet to protect surfaces.

4. Tool Tote / Caddy

A carry-caddy with a handle teaches angled ends, a sturdy joint and ergonomics. Perfect for keeping their own tools tidy.

• Build an open box; add angled end-pieces for the handle slot.
• Cut a comfortable handle using a jigsaw or coping saw.
• Round all edges with sandpaper for safe carrying.

5. Wooden Puzzle / Tic-Tac-Toe

A sliding puzzle or a tic-tac-toe set with a grid burned or routed in. Great for practising repeatable, accurate cuts.

• Cut 9 counters (or pegs) + a base grid.
• Mark the 3×3 grid with a pencil guide and shallow groove.
• Customise with paint for noughts and crosses.

6. Step Stool

A sturdy two-step stool is a real "I built this" piece. Focus on strong joints and a non-slip top — a proper introduction to structural woodwork.

• Use mortise-and-tenon or dowel joints for strength.
• Add a rubber strip to the top for grip.
• Test to well beyond body weight before use.