🐿️💰My Kids' Squirrel Feeder Success Story!

You won't believe this. . .

Author

Matthew Peech
February 20, 2024

Hey Woodworking Family!

Matthew here, and before we dive into the mighty world of smalls, let me tell you a story that might just crack you up (or at least make you look at your scrap wood pile differently).

So there I was, working on these grand furniture tables and picnic table builds for clients. You know, the kind of projects that make you feel like a woodworking superhero. But here's the twist – my kids, armed with nothing but scraps and a bucket load of creativity, started making squirrel feeders. Yes, you heard that right, squirrel feeders!

"Through a child's eyes, we rediscover forgotten truths."

Now, get this – those little rascals (my kids, not the squirrels) started selling these feeders and, hold your saws, they were making more money than I was with my big projects! At first, I thought it was just cute, but then my 'woodworking brain' kicked in. I realized these tiny feeders took about 15 minutes to build, were way easier to sell, and had higher profit margins than my massive tables. Talk about an "aha" moment!

It was like discovering a secret woodworking treasure chest hidden in plain sight. So, inspired by this, I whipped up some plans for small projects and guess what? Our community has been turning these plans into amazing creations. Let's check out some of incredible projects created by you all!

🏆 Top Woodworking Wednesday Builds

We got some really talented folks out there!


🛠️📈 The (Big) Smalls Advantage

  1. High Profit Margins: Small items often have low material and production costs but can be sold at a significantly higher price. This gap between cost and selling price leads to higher profit margins.

  1. Quick Production Time: Smaller projects typically require less time to complete. This efficiency allows you to produce and sell more items in a shorter period, increasing your overall productivity and profit.

  1. Wide Market Appeal: Small woodworking projects often appeal to a broader audience. Items like decorative pieces, practical gadgets, or personalized gifts cater to various customer needs and preferences.

  1. Ideal for Online Sales: Smaller items are easier to ship and handle, making them ideal for online sales. This expands your market reach beyond local customers to a potentially global audience.

  1. Great for Building Customer Relationships: Offering a range of small, affordable items can attract repeat customers. These smaller purchases can lead to larger, custom orders as customers grow to trust your craftsmanship and creativity.

  1. Lower Risk: With lower material costs and time investment, small projects represent a lower risk. This makes them an excellent option for woodworkers who are starting out or experimenting with new ideas.

The One Picket Chicnik Table

As we continue our journey into the world of smalls, I'm excited to share some top trending smalls plans from my Etsy shop. And here's a special treat for you: as a member of our newsletter family, you get an exclusive 10% off on these plans! Just use the code NEWS10 at checkout. These projects are not just popular; they're perfect for getting your hands busy and your creativity flowing. Let's check them out:

  1. One Picket Chicnik Table Plans: Who said chic and picnic can't go together? This Chicnik table plan is a stylish twist on the classic picnic table, and it's just the right size for those cozy backyard cluckers. Check it out here

  2. Squirrel Adirondack Chair Feeder: Give those squirrels a taste of the good life with this adorable Adirondack chair feeder. It's like a mini vacation for your furry friends. Grab the plan here

  3. Martin Box Plans - Purple Martin Box: For the bird enthusiasts, this Martin box is a perfect project. It's a beautiful home for our feathered friends and a great addition to any yard. Get the plan here

  4. One Picket Garden Flower Basket Build: Bring a burst of bloom to your garden with this charming flower basket plan. It's a simple, elegant way to showcase your favorite flowers and add a touch of nature's beauty to any space. Grab the plan here

  5. Slatted Three Picket Planter Plans: This planter is a fantastic way to add some greenery to your space. It's perfect for those who love gardening and woodworking. A great project to bring a touch of nature to your home or garden. Check it out here

  6. One Picket Three Lanterns Build Plans: Light up your evenings with this unique plan for a three-lantern holder. It's a wonderful project to add a warm, welcoming glow to your outdoor or indoor spaces. See the plan here

Each of these plans is designed to be fun, easy to build, and great for selling or adding a personal touch to your home. So, grab your tools, pick a plan, and let's turn those smalls into big wins!

Carhartt HQ - Dearborn, MI

In early 2023, I had the distinct honor of collaborating with Carhartt, a brand whose work ethic deeply resonates with my own. They invited me to create a piece of art for their Detroit headquarters, offering me a unique opportunity to blend my craft with their storied legacy.

In creating this piece, I wanted it to be deeply rooted in both local heritage and Carhartt's storied history. I used pine from a local rickhouse and poplar wood from Indiana, along with saw blades from my family’s old sawmill. The centerpiece was Carhartt's iconic “C” logo, blending their original 1800s logo with the contemporary one. The design also incorporated elements of the train depot and train cars, symbolizing Carhartt's enduring legacy.

The materials speak of resilience and a rich, often unseen history, mirroring the enduring legacy of the Carhartt brand. But this piece is more than a fusion of past and present. It encapsulates my personal history with Carhartt, a brand that has been with me through every chapter of my life.

From working with my family to reclaim these woods, to the saw blades from the mill where I grew up, every element of this artwork is steeped in memories and lessons learned. It's a tribute to the past, a nod to the present, and a beacon for the future.

Your journey in woodworking is just as much about the process as it is about the final product. So, stay curious, keep experimenting, and never hesitate to push the boundaries of your craft.

Until next time, keep those saws buzzing and your imagination soaring. Let's continue to build, create, and inspire together.


Happy Making,
Matthew Peech

P.S. Remember, in the world of woodworking, it's not just about the size of the project, but the size of the imagination behind it. Let's keep making those dreams a reality! 🌟🛠️