How to Select Wood Crafts

There is more to wood craft than a jackknife and a stick. While wood carving and whittling are old and respected pastimes, even those who can't handle knives can work with wood in some way. Painting wooden beads counts a wood craft as does building a birdhouse or making a wooden box for "treasures." Wood burning is a slightly more advanced skill, but young crafters have mastered it. Finding wood craft projects for beginners may take some time, but the satisfaction gained from the effort will be well worth it.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Woodworking tools

Select Wood Crafts

1. Ask yourself why you want wood crafts in particular. Did you enjoy them when you were younger? Do you want to teach the children in your care a special skill? To prepare them for more advanced woodworking? To train them in patience and attending to detail? Your reasons will influence which crafts you select.

2. Look at your work space and equipment. Do you have or can you get what you need to do wood crafts? Remember that wood and tools can get expensive.

3. Examine your time constraints. Good woodworking cannot be done in a single class period or afternoon. It may take several periods or even an entire day. Talk with your organization as well as the children to see how much time is yours to spend.

4. Sift through ideas in detail, one at a time. Most wood craft sites are for advanced or professional woodworkers. Look for individual projects. Check out Associated Content for various wood crafts.

5. Select wood crafts that interest you personally. You will not be able to give the time and attention such a project demands if your heart is not in it.

Tips & Warnings

• As noted in step four, wood crafts for beginning to intermediate skill may hard to search for with only general terms. Consult an expert about specific projects that would be appropriate.
• Search for books and ask at the local high school wood shop.
• Wood crafts demand the use of tools that can be dangerous, such as a hot wood burner and a sharp knife or awl. Be vigilant to prevent accidents.