Graduate Picture Frame and Tassel Holder Project

My son is graduating from high school this year, so I made him a Graduation Picture Frame and Tassel holder.  Check out the video below and download my template if you know a 2017 graduate who deserves one.

The picture and glass are held in by a thin mitered frame in contrasting wood.  I used a plywood backer board and hot glue to secure the picture.

I used a brass cuphook to hang the tassel.  Pre-drilling a small hole into the wood was a little tricky, but made screwing in the hook really easy.

Drill small starter holes in each letter and number, then cut them out with a scroll saw.  I used a #3 blade, which cut through the maple nicely leaving a smooth finish.  If you have a graduate from another year, just use MS Word to print the year and replace the 2017.

This was a fun project that was easy to complete in a weekend.  If you would like to make one of these for your graduate, please subscribe to my newsletter and download the template below.  When printing the template, select the ACTUAL SIZE option in printer settings to maintain scale.  Have fun!

• Class of 2015 Template
• Class of 2016 Template
• Class of 2017 Template
• Class of 2018 Template
• Class of 2019 Template (including extra numbers)

Making a Shadow Box Display Case for a US Army Veteran's Cane

This week I had the honor of making a Shadow Box Display Case for a cane that belonged to a United States Army P.O.W.

This project was made from Poplar with Western Red Cedar splines.  I cut a rabbet on one side of each board to accept the 1/4" plywood back.  I also cut a groove on the other side of each board to accept the front clear acrylic panel.

This U.S. Army Veteran was a Staff Sergeant, so I added a stripes emblem made from Poplar and Walnut.

The family provided me some information to make a small plaque for the display case.  I used my Inventables X-Carve to carve the plaque.  It does a much better job at carving letters than I ever could.  I sprayed the plaque with a few coats of lacquer, then sprayed flat black paint into the letters.  I wiped off the surface paint with mineral spirits and sanded any remaining paint off, then sprayed a few more coats of lacquer to seal it.

I found the perfect U.S Army fabric for the background at Walmart of all places, and attached it with spray adhesive.  I attached a picture hanging wire to the back for easy hanging.  There is room for the family to add pictures or other items into the shadow box.  This was a fun and inspirational project.  Thank you Mr. Perkins for your service!

Polkadot Paddle of Love

I received a custom order for a Polkadot Paddle.  Apparently custom wooden paddles are a thing!  This was a quick and easy project that I was able to make and ship in just two days.   Check out the video!

The paddle is 5.5" wide and 24" long.  If you or someone you know would love to have a Polkadot Paddle, click here to download my free template!