Wooden Hexagon Pen Holder

Six sides, one perfect shape. This wooden hexagon pen holder brings clean geometry to your desk while keeping your pens, pencils, and markers neatly organized. Simple, modern, and endlessly satisfying to look at.

Why You'll Love This Project

Striking geometric design – The hexagon is nature's most efficient shape
Modern desk accessory – Clean lines that fit any workspace
Functional storage – Holds pens, pencils, scissors, and more
Great for gifts – Perfect for students, professionals, or anyone who loves good design
Beginner-friendly – Simple angled cuts with beautiful results

Materials & Tools

Wood Suggestions:

Walnut (rich, warm, elegant)
Maple (light, clean, modern)
Cherry (warm, traditional)
Oak (strong, classic)
Beech (hard, smooth, good for boxes)

Basic Supplies:

½" or ¾" wood (for the six sides)
¼" wood (for the bottom)
Wood glue
Sandpaper (120–400 grit)
Wood finish (oil, wax, or polyurethane)

Tools You Might Need:

Table saw or miter saw (for 30° angled cuts)
Clamps (band clamp works best)
Sander
Square

Design Inspiration

Let your desk space and pen collection guide the size.

Think about these elements:

Feature	Inspiration
Height	4–5 inches (fits standard pens)
Width	3–4 inches across (holds a handful)
Wood	One wood or contrasting species
Finish	Natural wood or painted

Two ways to approach this:

Six separate sides – Cut six identical pieces with angled edges (classic)
Solid block, carved – Start with a block, carve the hexagon shape (more advanced)

Option 1 is easier and works beautifully.

Step-by-Step Inspiration

1. Picture Your Hexagon

Imagine it on your desk. Will it hold your daily pens? Sit by your computer? Be a gift for someone who loves clean design? Let its use guide the size.

2. Cut the Six Sides

Dimensions for each side:

Height: 4–5 inches
Width: 2–3 inches (determines the final diameter)
Thickness: ½ inch

Angled cuts:

Each side needs 30° angles on both long edges
When assembled, the angles form 120° corners (a perfect hexagon)

Test the angle on scrap wood first.

3. Assemble the Hexagon

Assembly method:

Apply glue to the angled edges
Use a band clamp or rubber bands to hold the shape
Check that all angles meet evenly
Wipe away excess glue

The hexagon should be symmetrical and stable.

4. Create the Bottom

Trace the hexagon onto ¼" wood
Cut slightly larger than the opening
Glue to the bottom of the assembly
Sand flush

The bottom should be flat and stable.

5. Add Details (Optional)

Modern touches:

A slight chamfer on the top edges
A subtle groove around the middle
Contrasting wood for the bottom

Keep details minimal—the hexagon shape is the star.

6. Sand Thoroughly

Sand all surfaces:

120 grit (remove tool marks)
220 grit
400 grit (for a silky finish)

Pay special attention to the inside—pens will touch it.

7. Apply Finish

Choose a finish that protects and warms the wood:

Finish	Effect
Danish oil	Warm, matte, brings out grain
Beeswax	Soft glow, natural feel
Matte polyurethane	Durable, protective
Tung oil	Rich, warm, water-resistant

Apply to all surfaces, inside and out.

8. Fill with Pens

Arrange your writing tools in the hexagon. Step back. Admire the geometry.

Creative Variations

Variation	Idea
Two-tone	Alternating wood species for the six sides
Tall hexagon	6–8 inches tall for longer tools
Hexagon set	Two sizes (one for pens, one for clips)
Painted	Bright color makes it a statement piece
Inlaid bottom	Contrasting wood in the bottom

Pro-Tips to Keep in Mind

Precision angles – 30° cuts must be accurate
Even pressure – Band clamps work best for hexagonal assemblies
Smooth interior – Pens will touch the inside; sand it smooth
Stable bottom – The holder should not wobble
Test fit – Dry-assemble before gluing

A Few Thoughts Before You Start

The hexagon is one of nature's favorite shapes. Honeycombs, basalt columns, snowflakes—they all use it. When you make a pen holder from this shape, you're connecting to something ancient and efficient. It holds your pens, yes. But it also holds a quiet beauty: six sides, one perfect form, sitting on your desk.

Share Your Creation

We'd love to see your hexagon pen holder on a desk.

A small drawer that appears to float on your wall—clean, minimalist, and surprisingly useful. This floating wall drawer box hides your small treasures behind a seamless face, opening with a gentle pull to reveal a secret compartment.

Why You'll Love This Project

Floating illusion – Mounts flush to the wall with no visible supports
Hidden storage – Keeps small items out of sight
Modern design – Clean lines, minimalist face
Conversation starter – Guests will wonder how it floats
Beginner-friendly – Simple box construction with a clever mounting system

Materials & Tools

Wood Suggestions:

Walnut (rich, warm, elegant)
Maple (light, clean, modern)
Cherry (warm, traditional)
Oak (strong, classic)
Beech (hard, smooth)

Basic Supplies:

½" or ¾" wood (for drawer box)
¼" wood (for drawer bottom)
Wood glue
Sandpaper (120–400 grit)
Wood finish (oil, wax, or polyurethane)
Small knob or finger pull
French cleat or keyhole hanger (for mounting)

Tools You Might Need:

Table saw or circular saw (straight cuts)
Router (for drawer groove, optional)
Drill (for knob and mounting)
Clamps
Sander

Design Inspiration

Let your wall space and storage needs guide the size.

Think about these elements:

Feature	Inspiration
Box size	6–10 inches wide, 4–6 inches tall, 3–4 inches deep
Drawer face	Seamless (flush with box) or slight overhang
Pull	Small knob, leather tab, or finger hole
Mounting	Hidden French cleat or keyhole slots

Two ways to approach this:

Sliding drawer – A simple box with a drawer that pulls out (classic)
Drop-front box – The front panel hinges down (like a small cabinet)

Sliding drawer is easier and more intuitive.

Step-by-Step Inspiration

1. Picture Your Floating Box

Imagine it on your wall. Will it hold keys by the door? Jewelry in the bedroom? Small supplies in the office? Let its use guide the size.

2. Build the Box Body

The box is an open-front frame that holds the drawer.

Components:

Top panel
Bottom panel
Two side panels
Back panel

Assembly:

Glue and screw the sides to top and bottom
Attach the back
Leave the front open for the drawer

3. Create the Drawer

Drawer components:

Front panel (slightly larger than the box opening)
Two side panels
Back panel
Bottom panel

Assembly:

Glue and screw the drawer together
Attach the bottom
Sand the drawer sides for smooth sliding

The drawer front should sit flush with or slightly proud of the box.

4. Create the Floating Mount

This is the secret to the floating look.

French cleat method (recommended):

Cut a 45° bevel on two pieces of wood
Attach one to the wall (into studs)
Attach the matching piece to the back of the box
The box hangs flush against the wall

Keyhole slot method:

Router keyhole slots in the back of the box
Screws in the wall hold the box
Flush against the wall

The mounting hardware is completely hidden.

5. Add the Pull

Pull options:

Small wooden knob
Leather tab
Finger hole (drilled or carved)
Metal pull

Keep it minimal—the floating illusion is the star.

6. Sand Thoroughly

Sand all surfaces:

120 grit (remove tool marks)
220 grit
400 grit (for a silky finish)

Pay special attention to the drawer sides—they slide against the box.

7. Apply Finish

Choose a finish that protects and warms the wood:

Finish	Effect
Danish oil	Warm, matte, brings out grain
Beeswax	Soft glow, natural feel
Matte polyurethane	Durable, protective
Tung oil	Rich, warm, water-resistant

Apply to all surfaces, inside and out.

8. Mount on the Wall

Locate studs or use heavy-duty anchors
Attach the wall cleat
Hang the box
Level it carefully

The box should sit flush against the wall with no visible gap.

9. Fill and Enjoy

Add your small treasures—keys, jewelry, notes, or whatever needs a hidden home.

Creative Variations

Variation	Idea
Two-drawer set	Stack two boxes for more storage
Colored front	Paint the drawer front a contrasting color
Secret compartment	A hidden drawer inside the drawer
Matching set	Floating box + floating shelf
Magnetic closure	Magnets keep the drawer closed

Pro-Tips to Keep in Mind

Sturdy mounting – The box + contents = weight. Use proper anchors.
Smooth drawer – Sand the drawer sides well
Stop block – Add a small block to prevent the drawer from pulling out completely
Flush face – For the cleanest look, make the drawer front flush with the box
Hidden hardware – All mounting should be invisible

A Few Thoughts Before You Start

A floating box is a magic trick. It shouldn't be there, but it is. It holds your things without taking up floor space. It looks like art but works like furniture. And every time you pull it open, you feel a small satisfaction: something hidden, revealed. Something useful, made beautiful.

Share Your Creation

We'd love to see your floating drawer on a wall.

A cutting board that thinks ahead. This design features a built-in vegetable grip holder—a small recessed area that keeps carrots, cucumbers, and zucchini steady while you slice. No more rolling vegetables, no more near-misses. Just safe, steady chopping.

Why You'll Love This Project

Clever design – A built-in grip solves a real kitchen problem
Practical function – Keeps vegetables steady while cutting
Beautiful wood – Warm, natural, and food-safe
Great for gifts – Perfect for home cooks, chefs, or anyone who loves kitchen tools
Intermediate project – Simple construction with a smart detail

Materials & Tools

Wood Suggestions (Food-Safe):

Maple (hard, light, classic cutting board wood)
Walnut (rich, dark, beautiful)
Cherry (warm, traditional)
Beech (hard, durable, food-safe)
Acacia (hard, water-resistant, beautiful grain)

Basic Supplies:

¾" or 1" wood (for the board)
Wood glue (food-safe, if joining pieces)
Sandpaper (120–400 grit)
Food-safe finish (mineral oil, beeswax, or board butter)

Tools You Might Need:

Table saw or circular saw (for cutting board)
Router (for the grip recess)
Drill (for hanging hole, optional)
Sander
Clamps

Design Inspiration

Let your kitchen and cooking style guide the board's size and grip design.

Think about these elements:

Feature	Inspiration
Board size	12–18 inches long, 8–12 inches wide
Grip style	V-shaped groove, U-shaped channel, or recessed corner
Grip placement	One corner, one side, or both ends
Thickness	¾–1 inch (sturdy but not heavy)

Two ways to approach this:

V-groove grip – A V-shaped channel carved into the board (holds round vegetables)
Recessed corner grip – A shallow recess in one corner (holds vegetables while you slice)

V-groove is more versatile; recessed corner is simpler.

Step-by-Step Inspiration

1. Picture Your Cutting Board

Imagine it on your counter. Will it hold big vegetables? Small herbs? Be a gift for someone who loves to cook? Let its use guide the size.

2. Prepare the Board

If using a single piece of wood:

Cut to your desired size
Sand all surfaces smooth

If joining pieces:

Glue boards together (edge to edge)
Clamp tightly
Sand smooth after drying

Maple is the classic cutting board wood—hard, light, and food-safe.

3. Create the Grip Holder

V-groove method:

Mark a V-shape on one corner or side
Use a router with a V-groove bit
Cut a channel about ½ inch deep
Sand the groove smooth

Recessed corner method:

Mark a rectangle or square in one corner
Use a router to remove ¼–½ inch of wood
Sand the recess smooth

The grip should hold a carrot or cucumber steady without crushing it.

4. Add a Juice Groove (Optional)

A juice groove catches liquids from tomatoes or juicy fruits.

Router a shallow channel around the perimeter
½ inch from the edge
¼ inch deep

This keeps your counter clean.

5. Add a Hanging Hole (Optional)

Drill a ½ inch hole in one corner
Sand smooth
Allows hanging for drying

6. Sand Thoroughly

Sand all surfaces:

120 grit (remove tool marks)
220 grit
400 grit (for a silky finish)

The board should feel smooth to the touch.

7. Apply Food-Safe Finish

Food-safe finishes:

Finish	Effect
Mineral oil	Penetrates, protects, easy to reapply
Beeswax	Soft glow, water-resistant
Board butter (oil + wax)	Best of both
Coconut oil	Natural, food-safe

Apply generously. Let soak in. Wipe off excess. Repeat until the wood stops absorbing.

8. Test Your Board

Place a carrot in the grip. Slice. It should stay steady.

Creative Variations

Variation	Idea
Two grips	One at each end (for different sizes)
Juice groove + grip	Both features in one board
Handle cutout	A hole for easy carrying
Small board	10 inches long (for small kitchens)
Matching set	Board + serving platter + coasters

Pro-Tips to Keep in Mind

Food-safe everything – Wood, glue, finish—all must be food-safe
Smooth grip – Any roughness will damage vegetables
Test with real vegetables – Carrots, cucumbers, zucchini
Re-oil regularly – Every 1–2 months, depending on use
Hand wash only – Never dishwasher

A Few Thoughts Before You Start

A cutting board is a workhorse. It gets used every day, chopped on, wiped down, and put away. But a cutting board with a built-in grip? That's a board that cares about your fingers. It says: I've got this. You focus on the knife. The vegetable won't roll. You won't slip.

It's a small thing—a groove in a board. But in the kitchen, small things matter. They keep you safe. They make the work easier. They turn a chore into a pleasure.

A simple wooden box with a drawer—stackable, beautiful, and endlessly useful. Start with one, add more as you need them. Each box is a small home for small things: jewelry, office supplies, tea bags, or treasures you haven't decided what to do with yet.

Why You'll Love This Project

Stackable design – Build one, then another, then another
Simple and functional – A drawer that slides smoothly
Endlessly useful – Perfect for jewelry, desk supplies, tea, or keepsakes
Great for gifts – Start someone's collection
Beginner-friendly – Simple box construction with a sliding drawer

Materials & Tools

Wood Suggestions:

Walnut (rich, elegant)
Maple (light, clean, modern)
Cherry (warm, traditional, ages beautifully)
Oak (strong, classic)
Beech (hard, smooth, good for boxes)

Basic Supplies:

½" or ¾" wood (for box body)
¼" wood (for drawer bottom and back)
Wood glue
Sandpaper (120–400 grit)
Wood finish (oil, wax, or polyurethane)
Small knob or pull

Tools You Might Need:

Table saw or circular saw (for straight cuts)
Router (for drawer groove, optional)
Drill (for knob)
Clamps
Sander

Design Inspiration

Let your storage needs guide the size and number of boxes.

Think about these elements:

Feature	Inspiration
Box size	4–6 inches wide, 3–4 inches tall (fits on a desk)
Drawer pull	Small knob, leather tab, or finger hole
Stacking	Boxes that sit securely on top of each other
Finish	Natural wood or painted to match your room

Two ways to approach this:

Simple box with drawer – The drawer slides in and out (classic)
Stackable set – Two or more boxes that stack neatly (a collection)

Start with one box. Add more as you need them.

Step-by-Step Inspiration

1. Picture Your Box

Imagine it on your desk or dresser. Will it hold jewelry? Office supplies? Tea bags? Let its use guide the size.

2. Build the Box Body

The box is a simple frame—an open front where the drawer slides in.

Box components:

Top panel
Bottom panel
Two side panels
Back panel

Assembly:

Glue and screw the sides to the top and bottom
Attach the back
Leave the front open for the drawer

Sand all surfaces before assembly.

3. Create the Drawer

Drawer components:

Front panel (slightly wider than the box opening)
Two side panels
Back panel
Bottom panel (¼" wood)

Assembly:

Glue and screw the drawer box together
Attach the bottom
Sand the drawer sides smooth (so it slides easily)

Test the fit—the drawer should slide smoothly but not be loose.

4. Add the Drawer Pull

Pull options:

Small wooden knob
Leather tab
Finger hole (drilled or carved)
Metal pull

Attach with glue and a screw from inside the drawer.

5. Sand Thoroughly

Sand all surfaces:

120 grit (remove tool marks)
220 grit
400 grit (for a silky finish)

Pay special attention to the drawer sides—they slide against the box.

6. Apply Finish

Choose a finish that protects and warms the wood:

Finish	Effect
Danish oil	Warm, matte, brings out grain
Beeswax	Soft glow, natural feel
Matte polyurethane	Durable, protective
Tung oil	Rich, warm, water-resistant

Apply to all surfaces, inside and out.

7. Stack Your Boxes

If making multiple boxes:

Same size (a neat tower)
Different sizes (a stepped stack)
Different woods (a beautiful mix)

Stack them on a desk, dresser, or shelf.

Creative Variations

Variation	Idea
Two-drawer box	One box, two small drawers side by side
Colored fronts	Paint the drawer fronts different colors
Labeled drawers	Wood-burn or paint labels on each drawer
Matching set	Three boxes, same wood, different sizes
Hidden drawer	A secret compartment in one box

Pro-Tips to Keep in Mind

Smooth drawer – Sand the drawer sides well; it should slide easily
Stop block – Add a small block inside to prevent the drawer from pulling all the way out
Stacking – Add a small lip or groove to keep stacked boxes aligned
Knob placement – Center it on the drawer front
Consistent size – For a neat stack, keep boxes the same width and depth

A Few Thoughts Before You Start

A small drawer box is a quiet thing. It sits on a desk, holding the little things that don't have a home. But when you stack them—two, three, four—they become a system. A collection. A place for everything. And every time you slide a drawer open, you feel a small satisfaction: things in order, wood in hand, a small piece of calm in a busy day.

Share Your Creation

We'd love to see your stackable drawers.

Bring the calm of the forest to your wall with this beech wood pine tree and mountain wall hook set. Each hook is a small scene—a pine tree, a mountain peak, or both together—offering a place to hang coats, hats, and bags while adding a touch of woodland charm to your home.

Why You'll Love This Project

Nature-inspired design – Pine trees and mountains bring the outdoors inside
Practical function – Holds coats, hats, bags, and scarves
Beautiful empty – Looks like wall art even without anything hanging
Great for gifts – Perfect for cabin owners, nature lovers, or anyone who loves the woods
Beginner-friendly – Simple shapes with creative details

Materials & Tools

Wood Suggestions:

Beech (light, hard, smooth)
Maple (light, clean, modern)
Oak (strong, classic)
Walnut (rich, warm, elegant)
Cedar (aromatic, rustic)

Basic Supplies:

¾" wood (for the hook shapes)
Wooden pegs or dowels (for the hooks)
Wood glue
Sandpaper (120–400 grit)
Wood finish (oil, wax, or polyurethane)
Hanging hardware

Tools You Might Need:

Jigsaw or scroll saw (for tree and mountain shapes)
Drill (for peg holes)
Sander

Design Inspiration

Let your wall space and entryway style guide the set.

Think about these elements:

Feature	Inspiration
Shapes	Pine tree, mountain peak, or both together
Size	3–5 inches tall (fits a wall nicely)
Number in set	2–4 hooks (a small forest on your wall)
Peg style	Wooden dowel, metal hook, or carved peg

Three ways to approach this:

Pine tree only – Simple tree shape with a peg (classic, clean)
Mountain only – Peak shape with a peg (modern, dramatic)
Tree + mountain together – A combined scene (storytelling, charming)

Mix and match shapes for a dynamic set.

Step-by-Step Inspiration

1. Picture Your Hook Set

Imagine them on your wall. Will they greet you at the entryway? Hang by the back door? Be part of a cabin-themed room? Let their use guide the shapes.

2. Cut the Shapes

Pine tree shape:

A tall triangle for the main body
A small trunk at the bottom
Optional: layered tiers for a more detailed tree

Mountain shape:

A triangle with a snow cap
Slightly irregular (mountains aren't perfect)
Optional: a small sun or moon behind

Combined shape:

A tree next to a mountain
Or a tree on a mountain slope

Cut with a jigsaw or scroll saw, then sand smooth.

3. Add Details

Pine tree details:

Carve or burn horizontal lines for branches
Add a star on top (optional)
Paint or stain a darker green (optional)

Mountain details:

Paint or stain a snow cap (white or lighter wood)
Add a tree line at the base
Carve subtle ridges

Keep details simple—the wood grain is beautiful on its own.

4. Add the Peg

Peg placement:

One peg per shape
Positioned where it won't split the wood
Angled slightly upward (holds items better)

Peg options:

Wooden dowel (simple, available)
Turned peg (decorative)
Metal hook (contrasting material)

Attach with glue and a dowel for strength.

5. Sand Thoroughly

Sand all surfaces:

120 grit (remove tool marks)
220 grit
400 grit (for a silky finish)

Pay special attention to edges—coats will brush against them.

6. Apply Finish

Choose a finish that protects and warms the wood:

Finish	Effect
Danish oil	Warm, matte, brings out grain
Beeswax	Soft glow, natural feel
Matte polyurethane	Durable, protective
Tung oil	Rich, warm, water-resistant

Apply to all surfaces, including the back.

7. Mount on the Wall

Mounting methods:

Keyhole slots (flush, clean)
Sawtooth hangers (easy)
Screws through the back (hidden)

Check that each hook feels secure before hanging anything.

8. Arrange Your Set

Arrangement ideas:

A row (trees and mountains alternating)
A cluster (grouped like a small range)
Staggered heights (dynamic, natural)

Step back and adjust until the arrangement feels balanced.

Creative Variations

Variation	Idea
Forest set	Three pine trees (different heights)
Mountain range	Three peaks (different shapes)
Tree + mountain pairs	One of each, side by side
Night scene	Dark wood, silver moon painted
Seasonal	Add snow caps for winter, green for summer

Pro-Tips to Keep in Mind

Sturdy mounting – Coats are heavy; use strong anchors
Peg strength – Pegs should be securely attached
Peg spacing – Leave room for overlapping coats
Smooth edges – Avoid snagging fabric
Consistent style – Keep the set unified

A Few Thoughts Before You Start

A hook is a simple thing. But when it's shaped like a pine tree or a mountain peak, it becomes a tiny landscape on your wall. Hanging your coat becomes a moment of connection—to the forest, to the mountains, to the quiet places you love. And every time you reach for your jacket, you're reaching into a little piece of wilderness.

A charming puppy-shaped pen holder, carved from warm walnut, sits on your desk waiting to hold your pens. With its friendly face and practical function, it brings a smile every time you reach for a pen.

Why You'll Love This Project

Adorable desk companion – A puppy that also organizes your pens
Practical function – Holds pens, pencils, scissors, and more
Beautiful wood – Walnut's rich tones warm any workspace
Great for gifts – Perfect for dog lovers, students, or anyone who needs a smile on their desk
Beginner-friendly – Simple shaping with creative details

Materials & Tools

Wood Suggestions:

Walnut (rich, warm, elegant)
Cherry (warm, traditional, ages beautifully)
Maple (light, clean, modern)
Oak (strong, classic)
Basswood (soft, easy to carve)

Basic Supplies:

A block of wood (3–4 inches tall, 2–3 inches wide)
Drill (for pen holes)
Sandpaper (120–400 grit)
Non-toxic finish (beeswax, mineral oil, or polyurethane)

Tools You Might Need:

Jigsaw or band saw (for rough shape)
Carving tools (optional, for details)
Sander

Design Inspiration

Let your desk space and your love for dogs guide the design.

Think about these elements:

Feature	Inspiration
Dog pose	Sitting (classic), lying down (relaxed), or head only (simple)
Pen holes	On top of the head, in the back, or in the body
Size	3–5 inches tall (fits on a desk)
Expression	Friendly, happy, or sleepy

Two ways to approach this:

Head-only holder – A puppy face with pen holes on top (simpler, more desk-friendly)
Full body holder – A sitting puppy with pen holes in the back or body (more detailed, more charming)

Head-only is a great starting point.

Step-by-Step Inspiration

1. Picture Your Puppy

Imagine it on your desk. Will it hold your daily pens? Sit by your computer? Be a gift for a dog-loving friend? Let its use guide the size.

2. Shape the Body/Head

Head-only approach:

A rounded oval or rectangle (like a dog face)
Two ears on top
A flat top for pen holes

Full body approach:

A sitting dog shape
The body is the base
Pen holes go in the back

Start with a simple head; full body is more advanced.

3. Create the Pen Holes

Hole placement:

On top of the head (for head-only)
In the back (for full body)
Spaced evenly for a neat look

Drilling:

Drill holes at a slight angle (pens stay put)
Deep enough to hold pens securely (1–2 inches)

Test with a pen before finalizing.

4. Shape the Face

Puppy features:

Two ears (floppy or perky)
Two eyes (gentle dots or carved circles)
A nose (a small round bump)
A smile (a gentle curve)

Keep it simple:

The face should be friendly, not detailed
Wood grain adds warmth
A little expression goes a long way

5. Add Details (Optional)

Extra touches:

A collar carved or burned around the neck
A small tail on the back (full body only)
A paw resting on the side
A tongue sticking out (playful)

Details should be subtle—walnut's grain is beautiful on its own.

6. Sand Thoroughly

Sand all surfaces:

120 grit (remove tool marks)
220 grit
400 grit (for a silky finish)

Pay special attention to the face—hands will touch it.

7. Apply Finish

Choose a finish that warms the walnut:

Finish	Effect
Danish oil	Warm, matte, brings out grain
Beeswax	Soft glow, natural feel
Mineral oil	Safe, easy to apply
Matte polyurethane	Durable, protective

Apply to all surfaces, especially inside the pen holes.

8. Place on Your Desk

Fill the holes with pens. Place your puppy on the desk. Smile.

Creative Variations

Variation	Idea
Puppy family	Mama dog + puppy (two holders)
Colorful collar	Paint a bright collar on the neck
Name tag	Wood-burn a name on the front
Matching set	Puppy + kitten (two holders)
Large puppy	Taller for longer pens and scissors

Pro-Tips to Keep in Mind

Smooth holes – Pens will touch the inside; sand smooth
Stable base – The puppy should not tip when pens are removed
Friendly expression – A gentle face is more welcome on a desk
Weighted bottom – Add weight if the holder is top-heavy

A Few Thoughts Before You Start

A puppy on a desk is a small thing. But every time you reach for a pen, you'll touch warm wood and see a friendly face. It's a reminder that even the most practical objects can bring joy. Walnut, rich and warm, makes the perfect puppy—solid, friendly, and always happy to see you.

A simple stacking toy with five safari animals—elephant, giraffe, lion, zebra, and rhino—each one a wooden disc with a friendly face. Stack them in any order, watch them wobble, and knock them down to start again. A classic toy that builds coordination and brings joy.

Why You'll Love This Project

Classic toy, timeless play – Stacking toys have delighted children for generations
Five friendly animals – A whole safari on your child's play mat
Developmental benefits – Builds hand-eye coordination, balance, and fine motor skills
Simple and durable – Solid wood pieces that last
Great for gifts – Perfect for birthdays, baby showers, or just because

Materials & Tools

Wood Suggestions:

Beech (hard, durable, smooth)
Maple (strong, light, clean grain)
Birch (affordable, good for toys)
Poplar (smooth, paints well)
Pine (soft, easy to work with)

Basic Supplies:

¾" wood (for animal discs)
¼" or ½" wood (for base)
Wooden dowel (for the stacking post)
Wood glue
Sandpaper (120–400 grit)
Non-toxic finish (beeswax, mineral oil, or child-safe paint)

Tools You Might Need:

Jigsaw or scroll saw (for cutting animal shapes)
Drill (for center hole)
Sander

Design Inspiration

Let your child's imagination guide the animal designs.

Think about these elements:

Feature	Inspiration
Animals	Elephant, giraffe, lion, zebra, rhino (classic safari)
Size	3–4 inches wide (fits a child's hand)
Number of pieces	4–6 (enough for challenge, not overwhelming)
Base	Wide and stable (keeps the tower standing)

Two ways to approach this:

Disc animals – Round discs with animal faces painted on top (simpler, faster)
Silhouette animals – Cut each animal shape from wood (more detailed, more work)

Disc animals are the classic stacking toy approach.

Step-by-Step Inspiration

1. Picture Your Animals

Imagine them on your child's play mat. Will they stack in a tall tower? Lie scattered for a zoo setup? Be a favorite bedtime companion? Let their use guide the design.

2. Shape the Discs

Disc cutting:

Cut circles from ¾" wood
3–4 inches diameter (fits in a child's hand)
Sand the edges smooth

You can vary the sizes—elephant could be largest, rhino slightly smaller.

3. Add the Center Hole

Drill a hole in the center of each disc
The hole should fit the stacking dowel
Make it slightly larger than the dowel (for easy stacking)

Test with a scrap dowel before cutting all pieces.

4. Paint or Draw the Animals

Option A (painted animals):

Paint each disc a different color (or animal tone)
Add a simple face: ears, eyes, trunk or nose, a smile
Use non-toxic acrylic paint

Option B (wood-burned animals):

Burn a simple animal face into the wood
Natural, classic, no paint needed

Option C (stenciled animals):

Use a stencil for consistent, clean faces

5. Create the Base

Base options:

A flat circle (simple, stable)
A rectangle (more surface area)
A larger disc with a hole for the dowel

The base should be wide enough to prevent tipping.

6. Add the Stacking Post

Post options:

A wooden dowel (glued into the base)
A tapered dowel (easier for toddlers)
A cone (wider at the bottom, narrower at the top)

Tapered posts make stacking easier for little hands.

7. Apply Finish

Safe finishes for toys:

Finish	Effect
Beeswax	Soft glow, natural feel
Mineral oil	Safe, easy to apply
Child-safe paint	Colorful, fun (if painted)
No finish	Natural feel (but less protection)

Apply to all surfaces. Let dry completely.

Creative Variations

Variation	Idea
Colorful safari	Bright, non-toxic colors
Natural wood	Wood-burned animals, no paint
Extras	Add a hippo, monkey, or bird
Travel size	Smaller set, travel bag included
Animal names	Write the animal name below each disc

Pro-Tips to Keep in Mind

Smooth edges – No sharp corners
Non-toxic finish – Children put toys in their mouths
Tapered post – Easier for little ones to stack
Stable base – The tower should not tip easily
Simple faces – Keep animal expressions friendly

A Few Thoughts Before You Start

A stacking toy is one of the first puzzles a child solves. Which disc goes first? How high can the tower go? And the best part: knock it down and start again. This safari set brings a whole world of animals into that simple joy—elephant at the bottom, giraffe in the middle, lion at the top. Or the other way around. That's the beauty of it.

Share Your Creation

We'd love to see your safari animals stacking high.