Small makes & gifts

Small projects that fit in a session and make good gifts.

No. 04 · Small makes & gifts

Simple Tray

A sturdy screwed tray with a slot handle at each end, about 450 × 300 × 100 mm, from one 25 mm rough-sawn board. Five parts, straight cuts, drilling and 18 screws. Built in the workshop first: the photos are the real tray.

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No. 05 · Small makes & gifts

Christmas Tree

2 · Beginner⏱ 1–2 hours≈ £6.21 materials

A stepped outline Christmas tree about 701 mm tall and 580 mm wide, from one 2.4 m length of 38 × 63 mm CLS (3x2) on a short 4x2 base. Every cut is 30° (flip the board between cuts), the bar fits between the bottom legs, each tier tucks inside the one above, glued and screwed. Built and tested in the workshop. Make it any height from 400 mm to 1500 mm with the custom size panel. Style inspired by the Biscuit Tree Woodworks 30° stepped tree.

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How difficulty works

Five levels, from first cut to full frame.

Every project is rated on the same scale, so you can pick one that stretches you without stopping you.

Difficulty 1 of 5
1 · First buildHand saw, straight cuts and screws. About 1–2 hours. Fine for complete beginners and supported learners.
Difficulty 2 of 5
2 · BeginnerAdds angle cuts and drilling. Some steps need a helper.
Difficulty 3 of 5
3 · ImproverBevels, rip cuts and a power saw, with more parts to keep square. About half a day.
Difficulty 4 of 5
4 · ConfidentProper joints like halving and mortise, where measuring accuracy matters. About a day.
Difficulty 5 of 5
5 · AdvancedFrames and structures, heavy parts, two people and several days.