Simple Woodworking Projects for Gifts

In this Instructable, I'll show you how to make 3 simple woodworking gifts. I'll cover how to make candle holders, how to make a ring box, and how to make card holders (these can also be photo holders)! These quick woodworking projects make perfect birthday presents, holiday gifts, housewarming gifts, wedding presents and are also ideal gifts for hosts! And the best part is that all of these woodworking projects can be made in one weekend.

My sister-in-law is getting married in September, and she needed some table decor items. These candle holders are perfect for taper candles, but you could also use this same process to make votive or tea-light candle holders. This simple ring box incorporates a sliding dovetail and is perfect for those who love a simple yet sleek and modern look. The cardholders will be used to hold up printed table numbers but can be repurposed as picture holders or name holders for your next dinner party. The options are endless! Make these simple DIY woodworking gifts for your friends and family, and watch the smile on their faces as they unwrap their woodworking gifts! As always, let me know if you have any questions in the comments. Enjoy the build video!

• 8/4 Lumber
• Drill Press
• Forstner Bit
• Table Saw
• Bandsaw
• Pull Saw
• Sand Paper
• Sander
• Finish

1. Mill down 8/4 walnut to 1 3/4”.
2. Rip the boards to 1 3/4” at the table saw.
   • This will give you a perfectly square and even faces to work off of.
3. Using a crosscut sled, use a blank to set the width of the stop block.
   • This will ensure your trimmed down parts with be perfect 1 3/4” cubes.
4. Cut out the small blocks.
5. For the medium size blocks, move the stop block over 1 inch and cut them out.
6. Move the block again by 1” for the larger ones and cut the out.
7. Make a reference mark for the drill press using 3/4” plywood and mark out their location on a sacrificial table.
8. Use CA glue to attach the blocks, aligning them with the previously made marks.
9. Use a 7/8" forester bit to drill out the holes for the candle ferrules. These should be about 7/8” deep to make room for the candle stick base.
   • Check the candles that you will be using as the depth may vary.
   • If you don't own a drill press, you could do these with a hand drill. Just use a guide block and a vice to help keep the drill at 90 degrees.

1. Mark a 1” line from the end of a 3/4 x 2 inch board.
2. Use a pull saw to cut a 3/8” deep cut.
   • I used a dovetail jig so that these cuts would be angled.
   • If you don’t have a jig, you can make one at the table saw by tilting the blade to 83 degrees.
3. Using a crosscut sled cut out the 2” square.
4. Cut out all of your holders.

1. Mill down your wood to 1 7/8”.
2. Trim out a block that is 4 inches in length and 2 inches in width.
3. Rip the chunk in half at the bandsaw.
4. Run the boards through a drum sander if you can and then finish sanding them on your bench.

1. Make a reference board to set up the router table.
2. Clamp the reference board to the router table and use it to align the fence.
3. Cut the dovetail using an eight degree dovetail bit at the router table.
4. Set the table saw blade to just under the depth of the bit height and hog out the material for the tail.
   • This will leave a minimal amount the remove at the router table.
5. Carefully cut the tail out at the router table.
   • I ended up using a sacrificial fence to help guide the block against the fence.
6. Remove excess material with a chisel.
7. Using the tail block as a guide, set the height for the router table saw blade.
8. Remove all material between the pins.
   • Make sure to use a flat bottomed blade for these cuts or you will end up with grooves in your box top.
9. Set the cut at the router table, cutting left to right, since the bit is cutting the inner portion of the wood.
   • I added a feather board to help keep the piece against the fence during the cut.
10. Lightly sand it down a bit to help the dovetail slide smoothly.
11. Trim off 1/16” off each end of the box.
12. Add an 1/8” round over to all edges.
13. Sand the box to 220.

1. At the drill press, add two 1” relief holes to hold the rings using a forstner bit.
   • Make sure the clamp the piece to the table.
2. Add a drop of CA glue to fill the impression left by the tip of the Forstner bit.
3. Sand the glue flush to the bottom.
4. Mask off the box with blue painters tape and cut out the circles.
5. Add a coat of shellac to the ring holders.
   • This will seal the area for the flocking adhesive.
6. After about 12 hours, paint in the flocking adhesive and liberally apply the flocking.

1. Sand everything to 220.
2. Finish you pieces, I used walrus oil.
3. Add the candle ferrules.

Your gifts are ready for packaging!