I've decided I have a new hobby: woodworking. I need some simple project ideas that

[urban_mom]

kids can do too because I'm thinking of inviting the neighborhood boys over to let them get in on it. Of course, my idea that it would somehow become this great inner city outreach idea, but with me at the helm, it will probably mean that someone's finger gets cut off, I do most of the project for each kid, and the kids will never go home and they'll eat all my food. Do you have any good projects you've made with your kids? Simple is good.

[Happy]

Dh made birdhouses with ds and his best bud a couple of years ago. He had them draw out plans, hand saw the wood, sand, and assemble with glue and nails. Then they painted them wild colors.

Small sturdy stands to hold an aquarium or a lamp are good. Doesn't have to be fancy, but sturdy.

I think woodworking teaches lots of good skills, similar to sewing.

Get thee to a lumber store or a book store and look for ideas in project books.

Personally....I could use some more bookcases.....hint, hint, hint...

[Philothea]

I thought bird houses too. But shelves, small magazine holders, even routered name plates seem popular with young people.

[Sahamamama]

Our family enjoys dreaming about doing some of the projects in this book (if we ever get a bigger house). :D So, we haven't done any of them, but still think this book might give you some ideas. HTH!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/1580174884/ref=sib_dp_srch_pop?v=search-inside&keywords=&go.x=11&go.y=12

[Kathleen in VA]

This site for free wordworking projects was posted in an email newsletter I get:

http://www.freeww.com/index.html

[Rosie_0801]

I was looking for a pattern for the fabulous Roman benches a mate of ours made. Actually, a few friends have made them. Anyway, I can't find them, but did find this: http://www.popularmechanics.com/home_journal/workshop/4209514.html which is basically a bigger version.
:)
Rosie

[Jen3boys]

My boys made string art plaques with boards, nails, and string. That was a nice, easy project.

[In The Great White North]

Are the "neighborhood boys" the same ages as your dc? If they are, I'd go with something smaller.

At school, their first project was a mouse, basically whittled with a Sloyd knife. The next was a huge spoon, salad tong sized. They don't get to furniture (stool) til 8th grade.