#Beginner Projects to Profitable Woodworking Creations

[mkswood]

Beginner Woodworking Projects Are Not Good Sellers, Just Good Practice

Why Simple Beginner Woodworking Projects Are Not Good Sellers but Essential for Skill Building When you’re just starting out in woodworking, your first projects are often simple—things like small boxes, basic shelves, or straightforward picture frames. While these beginner projects might not bring in big sales or wow the market, they hold immense value for anyone learning the craft.…

[bonityositaa-blog]

7 Tips to Avoid Wasting Money with DIY Woodworking Projects

Saving money with DIY WOOD PROJECTS is not only possible but also incredibly rewarding. Here are 7 tips to help you get the most out of your woodworking endeavors:

1. Use Reclaimed or Repurposed Wood

One of the best ways to save money on woodworking projects is to use reclaimed or repurposed wood. You can often find old pallets, scrap wood, or even furniture pieces that can be taken apart and used for new projects. This approach saves you money, reduces waste, and gives the wood a new life.

2. Buy in Bulk

If you have a specific project in mind that requires a lot of wood, consider buying your materials in bulk. Many home improvement stores offer discounts for buying larger quantities of wood. This can save you a significant amount of money in the long run.

3. DIY Your Own Furniture

Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on new furniture pieces, consider making your own. There are plenty of DIY WOODWORKING PROJECT PLANS available online for everything from coffee tables to bed frames. Not only will you save money, but you'll also have a one-of-a-kind piece that you can be proud of.

4. Take Your Time

One of the most important ways to save money on woodworking projects is to take your time and plan ahead. Rushing through a project can lead to costly mistakes that could have easily been avoided with proper planning. Take the time to measure twice and cut once to prevent having to buy more materials.

5. Invest in Quality Tools

While it may seem counterintuitive to spend money on tools, investing in quality equipment can actually save you money in the long run. High-quality tools are less likely to break or need replacing, which means you won't have to constantly buy new ones. Plus, they'll make your projects easier and more professional-looking.

6. Sell Your Creations

Once you've mastered the art of DIY woodworking, consider selling your creations to make some extra money. Whether you set up an online shop or attend local craft fairs, there are plenty of ways to turn your hobby into a profitable venture.

7. Start with Simple Projects

Beginner-friendly projects like simple shelves, picture frames, birdhouses, and small tables are easy to complete with basic tools and materials. These projects help build your skills and confidence, making it easier to tackle more complex projects in the future.

Conclusion

By following these 7 tips, you can save money while enjoying the satisfaction of creating beautiful and unique wood projects for your home. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, but these 1000+ DIY woodworking projects are rewarding hobby that can help you save money and unleash your creativity.

[wcva]

Christmas gifts that keep on giving

Don’t do your Christmas shopping this year without checking this list with a difference from Simon Dowling, Marketing and Communications Officer at WCVA.

Ydych chi am ddarllen hwn yn Gymraeg?

The festive period is upon us and with the average household in the UK spending an extra £800 in the month of December (according to the Bank of England), our spending habits at this time year have a big impact.

Not only are we spending more this time of year, with all the packaging and delivery miles from online Christmas shopping there’s also a significant effect on the environment.

If, like me, you don’t want to feel like buying all those gifts and supplies this Christmas is doing more harm than good, then this collection of Welsh gifts that keep on giving is for you!

Support people to make a difference by buying social this Christmas

The gifts and shopping suggestions below aren’t only helping the local economy, they are directly supporting charities and social enterprises in Wales tackling a range of issues.

1.      Luxury toiletries and gifts from Myddfai Trading Co 

Myddfai Trading Company Limited is a social enterprise with a mission to provide employment and volunteering opportunities within the local community in Carmarthenshire. Their ‘innovative, environmentally friendly and original’ products include home fragrances, soaps, shower gels, shampoo and conditioner, hand wash, hand and body lotion, bath bombs and a spa range, also available in a range of Christmas gift sets. 

Sales from the online shop and trade are used for rural regeneration within the surrounding area including working closely with the Coastal Project and Colleg Elidyr in nearby Rhandirmwyn to provide work experience for adults with learning difficulties. 

2.      Christmas decorations and presents for your canine friends

Hope Rescue is a small independent dog welfare charity in South Wales which has been going from strength to strength. Their online shop has a selection of handmade decorations and gifts for your dog including festive bunting, Christmas doggy treat cones, and a selection of adorable dog accessories.

You can also buy a Hope Rescue calendar with delightful photos of the dogs that have been rescued by Hope. Proceeds help Hope to rescue dogs in need in South Wales and provide canine respite schemes which support owners in crisis (such as domestic abuse, homelessness or hospitalisation) to keep their pets.

3.      Hand made candles from Beacons Creative 

Beacons Creative is a unique social firm producing candles and related products whilst providing employment opportunities for people with learning difficulties and those furthest from the labour market. 

Based in the Brecon Beacons, the social enterprise sells a range of wax based products, such as beautiful candles and luxury pine cone fire lighters, and natural soaps, and they use recycled materials whenever possible. Visit the Beacons Creative website to buy online or if you’re in Brecon why not visit Gegin Fach, Beacons’ barista café and deli serving a variety of delicious meals and drinks, or buy directly from the Beacons Whole Foods shop.

4.      Hat and scarf kits to ‘knit homelessness in the bud’

Returning for a third year with their successful ‘One Knit Wonder’ Christmas campaign, Welsh homelessness and rough sleeping charity The Wallich have once more teamed up with John Lewis to ‘knit homelessness in the bud’.

This year, in addition to a woolly hat, One Knit Wonder is available as a special edition scarf. Selling for £13.50 and £15.50 respectively at John Lewis & Partners Cardiff, the knit kit contains everything you need to knit a beanie hat or scarf from scratch.

Once their hat or scarf is complete, knitters have the choice of wearing their creation, gifting it or going out and giving it to a person in need (and the kit itself makes a great gift suitable for knitting beginners).

5.      Zero waste shopping in Barry

Awesome Wales is the Vale’s first zero waste shop, right in the heart of Barry. The social enterprise operates a zero waste store and coffee shop with the aim of helping shoppers to protect the environment, save money and eat more healthily, all while doing the weekly shop.

Awesome is a plastic free shopping experience, no unnecessary plastic packaging, no plastic straws or coffee cup lids, and ‘definitely no plastic carrier bags!’ The shop offers products that are environmentally friendly and ethically produced. If you’re in the vicinity, why not head to the shop for your Christmas essentials, or you can buy re-usable cups, wooden toys and membership to Club Awesome from their online shop.

Profits go back into the company to help deliver its social aims and are also invested in local community groups and activities, allowing more people to get involved and decreasing social isolation.

Vision 21’s seasonal gifts – all made by their trainees!

6.      Seasonal gifts from Vision 21

Vision 21 is a social enterprise that offers ‘realistic work based training opportunities for people with learning needs’. All Vision 21 products are made with the full involvement of trainees and all proceeds are fed directly back into the charity. 

As well as seasonal gifts Vision 21 also sells bespoke woodwork products, ceramics and gift cards, plus plants, herbs and vegetables. The Vision Made shop is on Albany Road in Cardiff, visit the Vision 21 website for more information on their other products. 

7.      Luxury wash products made in Wales 

Good Wash are a Welsh social enterprise donating their profits to local projects that improve the lives of animals and people. The Good Wash website stocks a number of high-end luxury wash products such as Siampŵ da shampoo bars, body lotion, shower products and gifts sets (and even a ‘Woof wash’ for your dog!), sourced from only the very finest natural ingredients that are cruelty free. 

Profits from Good Wash support charities, groups or individuals to deliver projects that do things like; help the homeless find homes, and improve their life prospects; help those facing poverty or social exclusion find employment, training or volunteer opportunities; improve animal welfare; provide innovative health and wellbeing solutions, that are accessible to all; promote hygiene, and give access to clean water and sanitation; and protect and improve life on land and below sea. 

Good Wash products are available in a number of stores throughout Wales and online.

8.      Gift someone a visit to the ‘Wonder of Wales’ 

The National Botanic Garden of Wales is a charity dedicated to the research and conservation of biodiversity, to sustainability, lifelong learning and the enjoyment of visitors. 

The garden is the most visited in Wales and there are lots of things to see and do beyond the beautiful gardens including a range of activities and the British Bird of Prey Centre. 

You can purchase gift tickets to the gardens or gift vouchers (which can used at the cafes, restaurant or shop) or a combination of the two. Information about how to buy these is on the National Botanic Garden of Wales website.

Looking for more ideas for #PresentsWithPurpose?

This year the brilliant folks at Social Enterprise UK have produced a #PresentsWithPurpose Gift Guide, an entire magazine full of Christmas gift ideas from Social Enterprises in the UK. Browse this handy guide online at socialenterprise.org.uk/campaigns/christmas.

Who did we miss? Know a socially conscious Welsh gift that didn’t make the list? Let us know! Please email sdowling@wcva.cymru. 

Are you involved in a social enterprise? WCVA funds Social Enterprises through our Social Investment Cymru team, please get in touch to find out more.