There’s something to be said for the satisfaction you get from making things with your hands. Part of the pleasure may come from the burst of dopamine released in the brain when your efforts yield results. Plus, there’s the fact that creativity boosts positivity. Whatever the reasons, working with your hands is rewarding and, best of all, you don’t have to be a master craftsperson to enjoy it. Even woodworking — sometimes intimidating to those unfamiliar with power tools — can bring joy to beginners. Here are some simple woodworking projects for seniors who are learning the basics:
#1 Build a Birdhouse
If you’re learning the ABCs of woodworking, making a birdhouse is a time-honored beginner’s project. With a few tools, a 1×6 pine board and a handful of other materials, you can create a charming home for local birds.
#2 Create a Dual-Purpose Cutting Board and Serving Tray
Looking for a low-cost, one-day project that produces a lovely finished product suitable for gift-giving? Try your hand at making this maple and walnut cutting board and serving tray.
#3 Construct a Couch Sleeve
A what? A couch sleeve turns the arm of your sofa into a small side table where you can place your beverage, a book, the TV remote, or anything else you like to keep handy.
#4 Transform a Pallet into a Shelf
Upcycling a wooden pallet into a nifty wall shelf is a great way to reduce, reuse, recycle. Look for free wood pallets at local businesses or do an online search. Once you find a source for pallets, you’ll discover a myriad of clever projects.
#5 Make a Cookbook Stand (or Tablet Holder)
Simple and practical, this small book stand is ideal for propping open your cookbooks or woodworking books, or holding your tablet while you cook or create.
#6 Assemble Tea Light Holders
Use leftover plywood to add ambience to your home with this clever approach to making a candle holder. Of course, you can use flameless LED tea lights as a safe alternative to an open flame.
#7 Fashion a Farmhouse-Style Wall Key Holder
In 3 to 4 hours, you can build this shiplap wall key holder, which combines rustic charm with organizing potential.
#8 Upcycle Reclaimed Wood into a Lamp
With a chunk of wood, a drill, a lamp kit from the hardware store and few other supplies, you can turn an eye-catching piece of wood into functional room décor.
#9 Make a New Vintage Crate
For another upcycling woodworking project, use reclaimed wood to create a vintage-looking crate for storage or display.
Crafting a Flourishing Lifestyle at Canterbury Court
In independent living at Canterbury Court, residents enjoy an inviting atmosphere where friendships are forged and each day brings new opportunities to engage creatively with life. Our well-equipped woodworking shop makes it easy to explore new woodworking projects. An arts and crafts studio gives you the space to express your artistic gifts. With classes, social events and the exciting cultural opportunities in the surrounding Buckhead community, the lifestyle at Canterbury Court is full of possibilities. Contact us to find out more or to schedule a visit and see for yourself all we have to offer.