7 Tips for a Clean Workshop
Tired of walking into a workshop disaster zone? Discover 7+ practical tips to clean, organize, and maintain your workspace so you can focus on creating—not searching for tools.
Making Tombstones from The Haunted Mansion
Transform your yard into The Haunted Mansion with these DIY tombstones, featuring foam carving, detailed engravings, and weathered textures for a spooky, authentic touch.
Creating a One-of-a-Kind Star Wars Standing Desk
This Star Wars-themed standing desk combines custom woodworking and epoxy inlay techniques to create a unique, nerdy workspace. The desk features curved walnut and maple panels, precision-cut using dowels and templates, with inlaid logos filled with red and white epoxy. Finished with an oil-and-wax coating, this project demonstrates creativity and problem-solving, resulting in a one-of-a-kind, functional piece that’s both visually stunning and practical.
A Unique Tray for Organizing LEGO with Style
This project features a custom leather and wood tray, perfect for organizing LEGO pieces. The tray includes a laser-engraved isometric grid on leather, reinforced with plywood, and framed with durable padauk and maple hardwoods. With thoughtful joinery and finishing, it combines style and function, making it a great addition for any LEGO enthusiast.
Creating Leather Bookmarks with a Harry Potter Twist
Rediscovering a love for physical books, I decided to solve the problem of losing my place by making themed leather bookmarks inspired by Harry Potter. This quick project re-sparked my motivation to make and gave me the chance to experiment with new techniques, including leatherworking, laser engraving, painting, and stitching. While not perfect, these personalized bookmarks are a great tool to keep my spot while reading and helped me sharpen my skills. If you love books and want to try a small but rewarding project, these leather bookmarks might be a great fit!
Transforming 2x4s into a Farmhouse Bathroom Door
Tired of living without a bathroom door, I built a farmhouse-style sliding door, primarily from 2x4s, to solve the problem. This project involved planing, dowel joinery, tongue and groove construction, and even a custom X-frame design. Despite the challenges of working with 2x4s, the door turned out beautifully, adding a rustic touch to our home. Learn how to make your own with detailed steps, and see how 2x4s can be transformed into a stylish, functional piece.
Prototyping to Prevent Project Failures
Avoiding frustrating project mistakes, like parts being too short or features not working as planned, is key to successful builds. In this article, I share three essential strategies to help reduce those issues, inspired by lessons from Mark Rober's engineering course. From getting your ideas on paper and creating small-scale models to testing specific features before the full build, these techniques can save time, money, and frustration. With thoughtful planning and prototyping, you can tackle more complex projects with confidence.
Building an Efficient Dust Collection Arm for Your Shop
Tired of dealing with tangled hoses when using handheld tools? This overhead dust collection arm solves the problem by bringing the dust collection hose to you—without taking up floor space. Learn how to build an efficient and sturdy arm using EMT conduit and Maker Pipe fittings, and how simplifying the design improved its durability. This easy-to-use setup will keep your workspace cleaner and make dust collection more convenient.
When Projects Fail: Lessons from a Mythosaur Skull Build
Challenging yourself with a new skill or ambitious project often comes with unexpected setbacks. While building a power-carved Mythosaur Skull, I faced multiple failures—from broken tusks to unsatisfactory cuts—that nearly made me quit. Despite extensive planning, mistakes and frustrations piled up, but pushing through led to one of my proudest creations. This article shares the ups and downs of that journey and the importance of perseverance, even when it feels like a project is going off the rails.
Maximizing Productivity: Beyond the Workshop
As makers, the work doesn’t end with the physical projects. Balancing time between family, work, and the shop, managing an ever-growing project list, and creating engaging content for social media adds another layer of complexity. In this article, I share how I stay productive with limited time, organize my project lists, and approach content creation to improve as a maker. Join me in exploring the "behind the scenes" tasks that make the creative process possible, and share what strategies are working for you.
Creating Squid Game Decor with Epoxy and Laser Cutting
Inspired by Squid Game, this decor project incorporates laser-cut shapes, custom epoxy pours, and some creative flair. Learn how to create themed signs and coasters, troubleshoot common epoxy challenges, and add unique styling touches. This project is perfect for fans looking to experiment with new techniques and materials.
Interactive Halloween Cauldron: Lights, Fog, and Candy Magic
Elevate your Halloween display with this spooky, interactive cauldron, complete with lights, fog, and a rotating candy platform. This guide takes you step-by-step through the process of theming, adding special effects, and creating a fun trick-or-treat experience. Perfect for Makers looking to impress their neighborhood with a creative and unique Halloween prop.
Maximize Shop Space with a Custom Lumber Rack
Tired of scattered lumber taking up space in your shop? This step-by-step guide will help you build a sturdy, space-efficient lumber storage rack using conduit and 2x4s. From cutting the supports to installing shelves and bins, this project ensures better organization and easy access to your materials, perfect for any growing workshop.
Building a Functional Garage Shed for Extra Storage
Tired of clutter in your garage? Build a custom garage shed to separate outdoor gear and tools from your workspace. This step-by-step guide shows you how to construct a sturdy frame, install shelving, and maximize your garage’s efficiency while keeping your shop area clear. Perfect for shared garage spaces that need a practical solution.
Shed Transformation: From Basic Kit to Functional Storage
Free up space in your garage by upgrading a basic shed kit with practical modifications. This step-by-step guide shows you how to create a strong foundation, install solar lighting, build a folding table, and add security features to make your shed more functional and efficient. Perfect for those looking to optimize workshop space and store items safely.
Transform Your Pantry with Custom Solid Wood Shelving
Tired of flimsy wire pantry shelves? This guide shows you how to upgrade to custom solid wood shelving for increased strength, better organization, and a cleaner look. Learn how to cut, assemble, and install shelves that add both style and functionality to your pantry space. Perfect for those looking to solve storage issues and enhance their home.
Power Carving a Mythosaur Skull from Construction Lumber
Challenge the ordinary with this ambitious project: a Mandalorian Mythosaur Skull carved entirely from construction 2x4s. Using power carving techniques, this guide walks you through the entire process, from preparing the lumber to shaping and burning the final details. Perfect for Star Wars fans and makers looking to push their skills to the next level.
Power Carving a Deadpool Headphone Stand
Tackle your first power carving project with this Deadpool-inspired headphone stand made from padauk and wengie hardwoods. This guide walks you through milling, glue-ups, and shaping. Perfect for makers ready to learn new skills and create something unique for their workspace.