50+ Easy Woodworking Projects for Beginners (With Free Plans)
Are you new to woodworking and wondering what you can create? Maybe looking for inspiration or projects that suit beginners?
This article is here to help. It shares a collection of easy wood projects perfect for beginners. We’ll also provide free plans for each project to remove the guesswork and make it easier for you to start a design you love.
In This Article
- Woodworking Projects for Home Decor
- Woodworking Projects for Kitchen & Dining
- Woodworking Projects for Storage & Organization
- Woodworking Projects for Gaming
- Woodworking Projects for Gifting
Woodworking Projects for Home Decor
Décor is a key area to explore with your DIY wood projects. With a laser machine, you have plenty of options to create, from wall art to personalized welcoming signs. Here’s a list that might inspire you:
1. Welcome Door Sign
Get the tutorial at Designfind.com
Want to create something that instantly makes your home feel more welcoming? Well, a door sign, probably an event-themed sign, maybe something you should try.
Start with a 3mm basswood plywood, and laser cut it according to the design files. You can also tweak the design files within the laser cutter software, XCS.
The real fun begins after cutting – choose colors according to your interior theme and event. Assemble all parts and add the final ribbon before hanging. Our users made this woodworking project with xTool S1, you follow the design steps to recreate one.
2. Boho Wall Art
Get the tutorial at Designfind.com
Boho art, like this one, brings a relaxed and earthy vibe to the space. This woodworking project features a simple arched backdrop, paired with a vibrant vase design.
The layered look adds depth, while the smooth curves keep it elegant. You can hang in your living rooms, home offices, or reading nooks. It’s a perfect beginner project to enhance your walls.
3. Hanging Plant Holder
Get the tutorial at Designfind.com
Do you love plants and need a creative way to display them indoors? This DIY hanging plant holder is a simple yet stylish solution. Made from 3mm basswood, it holds small pots that securely hold the plants, bringing greenery to your house. It’s something you could use to showcase plants in balconies or kitchens.
4. Rainbow Wall Clock
Get the tutorial at Designfind.com
This colorful wall clock brings a cheerful vibe to your space. The design features a rainbow with soft clouds and wooden numbers – making it an eye-catching piece to be used in kids’ rooms.
For a 3D effect, laser cut the numbers and rainbow out of wood, separately. And then glue them onto the clock face.
5. Summer Topper with Beads
Get the tutorial at Designfind.com
Another simple yet elegant craft, featuring wooden beads arranged in a circle with the word “Summer” placed at the center. Considering the simple nature of designs and cutouts, it’s a woodworking project beginners can easily try.
You can use this craft as a wall hanging in living rooms, porches, or entryways. It also works beautifully as a seasonal addition to your gallery wall.
6. Spiral Bowl
Get the tutorial at Designfind.com
This isn’t an ordinary fruit bowl but rather a decorative piece. Our community member crafted this project with M1. You can replicate it by following their detailed steps.
7. Spring Flowerbox
Get the tutorial at Designfind.com
You may haven’t seen such a delightful miniature version of a classic flower box. It has a picket fence adorned with colorful flowers and butterflies, making it a lively decor piece.
This flower box can be used both indoors and outdoors. Indoors, it can serve as a cheerful centerpiece for tables. Outdoors, it is best for decorating patios or garden tables.
8. Mini Pine Tree
Get the tutorial at Designfind.com
It is another miniature craft, perfect for decorating desks, shelves, and small corners. It is a wooden version of a pine tree featuring textured branches arising from a small pot – the whole scene gives it a natural yet artistic look.
9. "Wifi Is on the House" Sign
Get the tutorial at Designfind.com
It is a practical sign, ideal for shop owners, cafes, or even homes that want to share their WiFi credentials in a creative way. The house-shaped wooden design, paired with elegant lettering, adds a welcoming touch. You could place it near billing counters or individual tables, where customers could easily see and connect.
10. Curtain Holder
Get the tutorial at Designfind.com
Have curtains and want a stylish way to hold them back? This DIY curtain holder, made from lightweight balsa wood, is both functional and decorative. Its circular design with intricate engravings, adds a unique flair. It’s simple to craft and easy to use. You just have to create a circular laser cut-out, engrave and paint.
11. Tea Light
Get the tutorial at Designfind.com
This Tea light is a romantic and decorative piece, perfect for setting a mood or as a thoughtful gift, especially for occasions like Valentine's Day. It features silhouettes of a couple almost kissing, with a space for a tea light candle that casts beautiful shadows, creating an intimate atmosphere.
The project starts with a digital design of the statue style. The best part: the design was generated by our software’s AI feature, AImake. You can use it to create new designs or use this one for your woodworking project. Check out the steps for making this tea light.
12. Bird House
Get the tutorial at Designfind.com
This one’s for bird lovers—a charming birdhouse that provides a safe haven for wild birds. Its whimsical design and cozy structure make it not only a comfy shelter but a décor piece that adds character to your outdoor space. You could place it in your garden, on a balcony, or hang it from a tree.
13. Christmas Mail Box
Get the tutorial at Designfind.com
It’s a fun and nostalgic project that celebrates the spirit of giving. The cheerful red exterior is adorned with snowflakes, reindeer, and a bold “Merry” greeting – all make it very classical.
This wood project revives the traditional charm of the mailbox, once a centerpiece for sending heartfelt letters and cards. You may place it by your entryway or on a mantel to spread holiday cheer.
14. Christmas Wishing Tree
Get the tutorial at Designfind.com
A unique way to decorate, greet, and celebrate Christmas, this wishing tree combines festive words and design into a charming centerpiece. You can create this by laser-cutting the wishing message into a tree shape, as shown here. The colorful lettering and small decorative details (stars and snowflakes) make it stand out.
15. Merry Christmas Door Sign
Get the tutorial at Designfind.com
Another festive craft – simple yet impactful. The bold “Merry Christmas” text and colorful string light design give a very inviting vibe – something that sets the mood, right from the doorstep. Ideally, it’s perfect for entrance doors but you could also try hanging it above a fireplace that faces the entrance.
Woodworking Projects for Kitchen & Dining
Besides DIYing, if you enjoy cooking or spending time in the kitchen, these crafts can enhance your space and elevate presentation:
1. Happy Thanksgiving Napkin Holder
Get the tutorial at Designfind.com
This napkin holder is a fun and practical way to keep things organized. It makes your table look super put-together, making sure napkins are always within reach. A little detail like this shows you have thought of everything, and it’s sure to catch your guests’ attention.
2. Turkey Candle Holder
Get the tutorial at Designfind.com
A craft perfect for Thanksgiving, this candle holder features a cute turkey design that instantly brightens up any table setting. Its festive vibe fits right into the holiday season. But it’s not just for Thanksgiving. Swap the turkey candle for something simpler, and you get a charming piece for a romantic dinner.
3. Ice Cream Cone Serving Tray
Get the tutorial at Designfind.com
This tray is such a cool idea for anyone serving ice cream cones. With spots cut out for the cones and space in the center for your logo or a fun message, this tray stands out. It is super simple to make and a great presentable option for serving cones in shops or even parties.
4. Table Salt and Pepper Rack
Get the tutorial at Designfind.com
This little rack is such a handy addition to your dining table. Made from just three wooden pieces, it’s simple to assemble and gives a neat and organized look. The compact design keeps salt and pepper shakers in place, so you can easily grab them during meals.
5. Wine Holder
Get the tutorial at Designfind.com
Another simple yet elegant craft that shows how a flat wooden piece can be transformed into something functional and beautiful. This wine holder is designed to rest securely on the bottle while holding two glasses. It can easily elevate the presentation of your wine bottle and glasses.
6. Pumpkin Napkin Ring
Get the tutorial at Designfind.com
The Pumpkin Napkin Holder is a festive and functional project perfect for autumn picnics or seasonal table settings. This project not only adds a decorative touch to your dining experience but also serves a practical purpose by securely holding napkins on windy days.
The project is made using 3mm basswood plywood. You can design the pumpkin using design tools, then import it to xTool Creative Space. The rest process is straightforward, as you just have to enter laser cutting parameters – the cutter does its job automatically.
7. Personalized Drink Charm
Get the tutorial at Designfind.com
This delicate drink charm is a wonderful way to add a personal touch to any gathering: weddings, birthdays, and dinners. It can snugly fit onto the glass.
For styling, you have endless options – experiment with shapes, and fonts, or engrave special messages to suit different occasions.
8. Protect My Drink Coaster
Get the tutorial at Designfind.com
This vibrant coaster is more than a drink accessory – it’s a statement piece. This one features a playful design with bold lettering and radiant colors. The central cut-out for a straw adds functionality, keeping the drink protected from unexpected spills or curious bugs during outdoor gatherings. You can make it for summer picnics, hangouts, and themed parties.
Woodworking Projects for Storage & Organization
Looking to declutter and organize your space? Woodworking offers customized storage solutions. Here are some projects that can assist:
1. Wooden Wine Rack
Get the tutorial at Designfind.com
This one’s for wine lovers. The rack has a two-layered design that provides ample space for holding multiple bottles. The intricate grapevine cutouts on the side panels add a decorative touch. This rack is a must-have for hosting dinner parties.
2. Wooden Tree Jewelry Rack
Get the tutorial at Designfind.com
Let’s talk about another project that's as functional as it is beautiful—the Wooden Tree Jewelry Rack. Not only does this rack keep your jewelry organized, but it also adds a touch of natural, vintage charm to your room. It’s a project that proves DIY woodworking projects can be both easy and rewarding.
To create this jewelry rack, all you need is a 3mm basswood and a design file. Place the wooden sheet, import the design file, and laser cut wood in the shape of the tree. Ready to give it a try? Follow the step-by-step guide and get the design files at Designfind.com.
3. TV Remote Control Holder
Get the tutorial at Designfind.com
With so many wireless gadgets like TVs, air conditioners, and fans, keeping track of remotes can become a challenge. This TV remote control holder offers a practical solution to organize them all in one place.
The design is simple, featuring multiple compartments to neatly store remotes. This holder is not only a great addition to living rooms or bedrooms but also helps declutter spaces effectively.
4. Coffee Pod Stand
Get the tutorial at Designfind.com
For coffee enthusiasts or café owners, this coffee pod stand is an aesthetic way to display coffee options. Since it can hold multiple pods, it keeps counters tidy.
This project has a ‘Fresh coffee’ cut out but you can personalize it by adding the shop's name or adding a creative call-to-action that prompts the consumer to try something new.
5. Grocery Bag Holder
Get the tutorial at Designfind.com
This is a quirky addition for anyone needing a compact bag storage solution. The playful “Emotional Baggage” engraving gives it a humorous twist.
As a door holder, it can help you collect and organize grocery bags instead of letting them clutter your kitchen. You could also repurpose it for other uses, like holding small items near your entryway or as a creative trash bag holder in tight spaces.
6. Book Display Stand
Get the tutorial at Designfind.com
Here’s a straightforward craft perfect for book lovers or collectors who want to showcase their favorite reads. It could sit on your personal desk and highlight special editions, signed copies, or new arrivals in a personal library. Beyond books, it doubles as a sleek photo frame holder.
7. 6-Drawer Shelf
Get the tutorial at Designfind.com
This compact storage shelf is a practical craft for anyone who wants to organize small items. In the six drawers, you can store beads, screws, stationery, or jewelry – ideal for crafters, hobbyists, or those managing small office supplies.
8. Paint Marker Holder
Get the tutorial at Designfind.com
If pens and markers are scattered all over your drawers, this marker holder can bring order to the chaos. With multiple compartments, it systematically organizes markers, pens, and other similar tools. Whether you’re an artist, teacher, or office worker, this DIY project is a must to try on.
9. Sunglasses Stand
Get the tutorial at Designfind.com
This woodworking project is ideal for organizing and showcasing your sunglasses collection. The stand slots for holding multiple sunglasses – it’s something you could use for your personal space or even retail shops. With engraving, you can also personalize it with a brand name or logo.
10. Hat Rack
Get the tutorial at Designfind.com
This wooden hat rack is a very practical option for keeping hats organized and accessible. With its multiple hooks, it is perfect for those who own multiple caps or even for shops looking to display their merchandise neatly. It could also work as a clothing hanger. For making, just laser cut the back section, and then attach the hooks.
Woodworking Projects for Gaming
This section covers unique board and puzzle games you can craft to entertain kids and keep them off screens. These may look challenging, but design files simplify the process for each craft.
1. Wooden Aircraft Model for Kids
Get the tutorial at Designfind.com
Turn playtime into a creative activity with this wooden aircraft toy. You can laser-cut the pieces and let kids enjoy assembling themselves. Projects like these aren’t just fun – they also nurture problem-solving and motor skills in children.
You can create multiple toys following a similar design approach. All you need are design files, which can easily sourced online from Etsy or DesignFind.
2. Settlers of Catan Game Board
Get the tutorial at Designfind.com
For those who enjoy board games, Settlers of Catan needs no introduction. It is a strategy-based board game where players gather resources and build settlements, roads, and cities to dominate the board.
This custom-crafted board is laser-cut, with intricate engravings that enhance the aesthetic appeal of each tile. When not in use, it could act as a great décor piece.
3. Back to School Emotion Chart Game
Get the tutorial at Designfind.com
Curious about how your kids are feeling? This emotion chart is an engaging way to track their moods throughout the week. Designed with fun emojis, it’s interactive and encourages children to communicate their emotions creatively.
To make one, you can use a laser cutter to engrave the chart and emojis on a wooden panel. Then make a sliding mechanism at the bottom, so kids can select an emoji that matches their mood for each day.
4. Ticket to Ride Train Keeper
Get the tutorial at Designfind.com
Fans of the classic board game “Ticket to Ride”? This craft takes gameplay to the next level of organization and style. The tray arranges game pieces, making play smoother and more engaging. Plus, the recessed sections in the tray are numbered, so players can quickly see how many train cars they have left.
5. Tetris Puzzle
Get the tutorial at Designfind.com
Recreate the nostalgic charm of Tetris with this handcrafted wooden puzzle. This project blends the love of gaming with the creativity of physical craftsmanship. The puzzle has a rounded frame for the safety of the kids.
The other highlight of this design lies in its clever customization—special pieces spell out “DAD” and can fit into multiple configurations. The puzzle even has the potential as a competitive game – family members can race for the highest score by creating full lines.
6. Connect it Game - Spring Easter Edition
Get the tutorial at Designfind.com
This is a fun and lively ‘Connect it’ game. The goal is simple – line up four tiles in a row, column, or diagonal, and claim the win.
What makes this game special are its adorable ducky and bunny tokens. It’s made from plywood and painted in bright, festive colors, making it quite visually appealing.
7. Hexagon Puzzle
Get the tutorial at Designfind.com
This hexagon puzzle is designed to captivate both young and older minds. It features a large hexagonal frame filled with brightly painted wooden tiles in various colors.
The project is flexible too – you can resize it to make a smaller travel-friendly version or keep it large for playtime at home. It also serves as a colorful art piece when not in use.
8. 2-Player Pucket Game
Get the tutorial at Designfind.com
Here’s a thrilling way to enjoy friendly competition – a handmade, addictive 2-player pucket game! The goal is simple: sling all your pucks across the center line using a spring-loaded slingshot before your opponent does. The game promises endless fun while improving hand-eye coordination.
9. Dice Tower
Get the tutorial at Designfind.com
Love playing board games, especially ones that involve dice? Making a dice tower may be a fun project for you. A dice tower ensures a fair and random dice roll in a fun and visually appealing manner. The tower can also serve as a unique piece of tabletop gaming décor.
You can make it with 3mm plywood and an entry-level engraver, M1. To make the whole project, you’ll need multiple sub-pieces. However, with the plans and detailed construction tutorial, I’m sure you can easily create it.
10. Gift Exchange Dice Game
Get the tutorial at Designfind.com
This game’s a creative twist on the classic Dirty Santa. You can try it during the festive get-togethers and have fun. The game introduces strategy and unpredictability to gift exchanges. Players take turns rolling dice to determine swaps, unwrappings, or exciting twists based on the grid instructions.
Woodworking Projects for Gifting
Woodworking lets you create customized gifts. Although the earlier crafts can be used too, this section includes options focused on personalization.
1. Baby Photo Frame
Get the tutorial at Designfind.com
This baby photo frame is a thoughtful way to celebrate a newborn's arrival. It captures their first precious moments, featuring adorable details like a stork, a baby carriage, and customizable engravings for birth weight, height, and time. You may present it on their first birthday – will be a lasting memory that the child can treasure forever.
2. Whale with Name
Get the tutorial at Designfind.com
If your little one adores sea creatures, this whale-shaped piece is something you must make for them. The hollow whale interior filled with decorative moss gives it a unique look. It could work as a decoration for kids' rooms or nursery walls.
3. Wooden Rose with Name
Get the tutorial at Designfind.com
This wooden rose, delicately carved and engraved with a custom name, is perfect for commemorating special moments –something you can give to your loved one to show affection. It can be presented as a standalone gift or accompanied by a heartfelt note.
4. Christmas Present Gift Box
Get the tutorial at Designfind.com
Presentation speaks volumes, and this wooden gift box is all about making even the smallest surprises feel extra special. It’s a reusable keepsake that holds more than just a gift—it holds memories. You can present jewelry, trinkets or maybe sweets inside it on Christmas.
5. Heart-shaped Magnet
Get the tutorial at Designfind.com
This one was created to show appreciation on Teachers’ Day. However, it can serve on various occasions. You can customize it with different quotes and designs as per the recipient of the occasion. For making, just score the pattern on wood and glue it on a plain base.
6. Personalized Bookmark
Get the tutorial at Designfind.com
A bookmark is an essential accessory for any avid reader and personalization makes it a special one. This simple woodworking project offers a high degree of customization to cater to personal tastes. You can create bookmarks for different events and inspire your loved ones with motivational quotes.
Crafting it is simple with our compact laser cutter, M1, and the pre-made design files. You can further paint to add style to it.
7. Wooden Wine Bottle Tag
Get the tutorial at Designfind.com
Looking for a unique way to present a wine gift? You can try out making a bottle tag like this one. It has different cutout designs and a customizable message area. The small envelope section can hold dried flowers, notes, or mini keepsakes, making this simple bottle into a memorable gift.
8. Graduation Photo Prop Sign
Get the tutorial at Designfind.com
Graduation marks a milestone worth celebrating, and these photo prop signs add a personal touch. They are perfect for creating memories at graduation parties or photoshoots. Make sure to use bold design and vibrant colors so they stand out against any backdrop.
9. Happy Birthday Gift Card
Get the tutorial at Designfind.com
This wooden birthday card design introduces a creative twist, with precisely carved balloons and cake motifs that hold monetary gifts securely in place. Its fine-quality wood ensures it stays with you as a keepsake for years. You may even add heartfelt greetings and wishes through laser engraving.
Conclusion
Working with wood has its own charm; the feeling of making something on your own without any hardcore effort is truly rewarding. If you’re looking to acquire that pleasure, try these 15 easy woodworking projects and share your journey with us at xTool Projects.
For more questions. Please join our community to get inspired!
