I don’t wish to alarm you…but if you’re planning to put your woodworking skills toward making holiday gifts, it might be time to at least start planning. Hanukkah starts in seven weeks, and Christmas and Kwanzaa are just 10 weeks away.
Years ago, I made my mom a spice chest for Christmas. I started in late November, making my first-ever ogee bracket feet with the help of Glen Huey. And while the case isn’t half-bad (because I took my time on it), the small half-blind-dovetailed drawers and finish were super-rushed. I was gluing drawers the week of December 25, and sprayed a rattle-can lacquer finish on Christmas Eve. In short, it all took a lot longer than I’d assumed and looks a lot less tidy than I’d wanted.
So this year, I’m getting started early on handmade gifts. And I’m making “smalls.” But, because woodworking projects are like a gas that expands to fill all available space, I’ll bet I’m still rushing to finish them by the end of December.
– Fitz
p.s. If your loved ones need gift ideas, perhaps a class at the new Workshop Covington might appeal? Registration is now open for the first half of 2026!
Lost Art Press Blog
For Sale: A Stick Chair & a Shelving Unit
Christopher has a seven-stick elm and ash stick chair available, and Kale is offering the walnut shelving unit they made to display wares for a friend’s recent ceramics show. Both are being sold via random drawing – entries due this Thursday by 3 p.m. Eastern.
LAP Open Wire, Oct. 10, 2026
All day on Saturday, we fielded woodworking questions. But don't fret if you weren't able to join us; the Q&A is saved on the blog for your reading pleasure.
