Above is a picture of the "tie rack" I re-purposed into a key holder with one of my mosaics on the shelf. I think it is much better than the previous one I had, but did not take a picture of, so you will just have to believe me.
Above are some wooden painted snowmen that I have had for a few years. Below are some out of 2x4s that my son A and I made for my son Z for Christmas.
We have a sibling gift exchange that went to homemade gifts last year. I think they turned out quite nice and I like the thicker wood because they stand up much better than mine which are out of 1" thick wood. We decided that if they make something maybe the gifts will mean more to the maker and the receiver. It seems that while they were given the money to buy something for each other, very little thought went into the gift. Now they think about it a long time and at least put some of their own effort into the gift.
