Holiday Woodworking Safety Tips Every Craftsman Should Know

Hey there,

Matthew Peech here.

I’ve been loving all the holiday projects showing up in our Facebook Group exclusive to our course members — from mini Christmas trees to rustic centerpieces. This season brings out the best creativity in the shop.

But with all the gift-making and last-minute builds, it’s easy to forget the basics. Woodworking is rewarding — but one slip can turn festive fun into a close call.

So before you fire up the saw, here are a few holiday workshop safety tips to keep your projects merry, bright, and injury-free.

🎄 Holiday Shop Safety Essentials

1. Dress for Safety — Protect Your Future Self
Holiday builds mean long hours and distractions. Always gear up — safety glasses, hearing protection, and a proper respirator should be part of your outfit before any tool touches wood.

2. Keep the Workshop Flow Merry and Bright
A cluttered space is the Grinch of productivity. Untangle cords, clear your floor, and separate your finishing area from cutting zones. A clean workspace is a safe workspace.

3. Respect the Red Zone
No project is worth a shortcut. Use push sticks and jigs, especially for small ornaments and décor pieces. Ten fingers working in January is the best Christmas gift you can give yourself.

4. Prep for the Unexpected
Keep a fire extinguisher and first-aid kit close by, and double-check your outlets and cords. Accidents don’t schedule themselves — being ready means you can keep creating all season long.

Looking for inspiration? Try a Halloween candle holder, a Thanksgiving serving tray, or a set of mini wooden Christmas trees. I can’t wait to see your next build shared in the group — the creativity this season has been incredible.

Stay safe, stay creative, and happy holidays,
— Matthew Peech

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If you're ready to build safer, smarter, and more skillfully—this is where it starts.

Stay safe out there and keep making sawdust,
Matthew Peech

^{Born and raised in a small town in Kentucky, I am blessed to be the husband of my wonderful wife Laura and the father of four amazing children. My career path took an interesting turn as I spent 15 years dedicated to nursing, a profession where I learned the importance of care, precision, and patience. However, my true passion has always been woodworking and creating beautiful pieces from raw materials. From a very young age, I was the kid who asked Santa for lumber and tools instead of toys. My father, an inventive soul with a knack for working with metal, always encouraged me to explore and build. Together, we spent countless hours outdoors, and I developed a love for crafting and constructing that has stayed with me throughout my life. The smell of fresh-cut wood, the feel of sanding a piece to perfection, and the joy of seeing a finished project come to life—these are the things that fuel my passion. Living in a small town in Kentucky, the sense of community and the beauty of nature around me have always been inspiring. My father’s inventive spirit and our shared adventures outside taught me to think creatively and embrace the joy of making something with my own hands. These experiences shaped who I am today and instilled in me a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and artistry. After many years of nursing, I decided to follow my heart and turn my woodworking hobby into a full-time career. This wasn’t just a leap of faith, but a leap into a world where I could combine my love for woodworking with my desire to teach and inspire others. Now, as a full-time woodworker and content creator, I dedicate my days to sharing my knowledge, skills, and passion with a wider audience. My goal is to create content that not only educates but also motivates and inspires you to pursue your own creative projects. In this community, I aim to foster a sense of belonging and encouragement. Whether you’re a seasoned woodworker or just starting out, there’s always something new to learn and create. I believe in the power of small projects that bring big joy and satisfaction. Each piece you create is a testament to your skill, patience, and creativity. And I’m here to guide you every step of the way. My content is designed to be accessible and inspiring, offering step-by-step tutorials, tips, and insights to help you on your woodworking journey. I want you to feel confident and capable, knowing that you can achieve great things with your hands and imagination. Remember, “You’ve got this.” Together, we can create beautiful, functional pieces that reflect our passion and dedication to the craft. I have always been deeply connected to the world around me, finding inspiration in the simplest things—nature, the texture of different woods, the intricate patterns found in leaves and trees. These natural elements play a huge role in my designs and projects. I aim to bring a piece of that outside world into every creation, blending functionality with beauty. The transition from nursing to woodworking was a transformative experience. Nursing taught me the value of precision and care, qualities that are incredibly important in woodworking. It also taught me patience and perseverance—skills that are essential when you're working on a complex project or learning a new technique. In many ways, woodworking is a form of therapy for me, a way to express creativity and find peace in the process of making something tangible and lasting. Every project I undertake is not just about the end product, but about the journey—the meticulous planning, the careful selection of materials, the craftsmanship, and the satisfaction of seeing the finished piece. It's about taking a vision and bringing it to life with my own hands. And it’s this journey that I want to share with you all. In this community, we celebrate the joy of making, the beauty of craftsmanship, and the satisfaction of creating something with our own hands. We share ideas, learn from each other, and grow together as makers and creators. I am dedicated to providing you with the best resources, tutorials, and inspiration to help you on your own woodworking journey. Thank you for being a part of this wonderful community. Let’s continue to build, create, and inspire each other. Remember, no matter how big or small your project is, “You’ve got this.”}