Every woodworker approaches their projects differently, and what to build is always a personal decision that requires great thought and inspiration.  However, there are a few do it yourself plans that every craftsman should have in their shop; no matter what it is that they usually like to build.  These staple projects will keep your skills fresh.  They’re also quite a bit of fun, to be completely honest!  We found all five of these great projects at Woodworking4Home.

Click here for amazing Do It Yourself Plans every woodworker needs in your collection

Teddy Bear Bank
This project is an awesome take on a classic children’s toy.  In it, you’ll build a working bank that features a lever-operated coin slot; each time someone puts a coin in and pushes the lever the wooden bear on top of the bank will nod his head and give a friendly wave.  Though it is a bit more complicated than other do it yourself plans, if you follow the guide step by step you should have no problem getting it assembled.

Heart-Shaped Cheese Board
Ever wondered what to do with all the off-cuts and wood scraps lying around your shop after you finish a project?  So did the folks over at Woodworking4home.  They figured out that cutting the scraps down to uniform size then adding a bit of glue is an economical way to make beautiful cutting boards.  In this specific example, you’ll learn to make one of these boards in the shape of a heart; these make great presents to loved ones or crafts for a local market.

Swivel-Head Duck Decoy
You may not be a hunter and it’s possible you don’t have any real need for a decoy, but there’s a certain charm in having a wooden duck sitting in your shop (at least, we think so).  Using detailed do it yourself plans; you can carve a custom duck then hand-paint the fine details however you see fit.  It might not fool the ducks, but you’ll feel great once you see the finished product.

Desk Set with Letter Opener
This beautiful project entails building a pen case and a wooden letter opener.  Letter openers are hard to find nowadays, and hand crafted wooden letter openers are even more rare.  Build your own set with just a few materials, a relatively low cost, and a bit of basic carving and cutting.  Who needs metal when you can use these do it yourself plans to build an intriguing natural desk set?

Carved Fruit Bowl
Sure, it might not be the most complex or impressive thing a crafter can make.  However, carving a bowl is oddly one of the most satisfying things a crafter can do.  It’s strange to imagine how the value of something so simple can change as time goes on – carve your bowl out, give it to your children and watch as it becomes a family heirloom.  Sometimes the small things are the best.

All of these projects represent the beauty and ingenuity of woodworking.  While do it yourself plans are often limited in their imagination, thanks to all of the great finds at Woodworking4home we were able to locate some projects that can turn into real household classics.

Click here for amazing Do It Yourself Plans every woodworker needs in your collection