Woodworking Project for Beginners

One of the most basic woodworking projects is building a model teepee. The teepee has set the standard for mobile homes for centuries. Long before the hook and trailer was invented the teepee has was sheltering Indians from the rain and weather. This project is highly simple and can be done by even the most novice of wood workers. Most of the materials you probably have on hand already. We will start by gathering the supply list below.

• one two foot square piece of wood regular particle board works just fine.
• Green felt or artificial grass two feet square.
• dirt (common easy fill dirt)
• Several Rocks one to two inches should be big enough( these are one gonna e used for Decoration so it is really up to you.)

• seven sticks( you could use dowel rod but I suggest using sticks out of your yard ranging form ¼ inches to 1/3 inches in diameter and about 12 inches long . What ever length is better for you to find but make them uniform)

• regular string or twine about 24-36 inches

• Glue any kind will work but good Elmer's glue does a great job
• Woodworking glue.

• brown paper bag.

• Crayons or markers of you own choosing

1. Begin by cutting your wood to size.
2. Second step is to trace a 12" circle in the middle of the board.
3. Now Like the numbers on a clock u need to mark the location for seven holes. The places will be in the 12, 3, 9, 5, 7, 1, 11. now that you have the locations the holes have to be drilled just smaller then the diameter of the stick you are using. The hole has to be drilled on an angel. This you will have to judge by eye aiming all the sticks to meet in ruffly the center of the circle.
4. Once the holes are drilled u need to use some standard wood glue to fill the hole and insert the sticks accordingly.
5. Once glued in place use a small portion of the string to ind the tops together. Then set the whole structure aside to dry according to the directions of the glue you used.
6. Now cut open the paper bag and lay it flat.
7. You now need to trace the measurements unto it. Start with a 24" line now tracing a second line perpendicular to the first 10" above it. For proper placement please refer to the drawing. After connecting the lines together as shown in the drawing provided your ready to cut it out. ( warning this plan and drawings were made by myself and especially on this step should leave room for error.)
8. Now placing the paper on a flat surface decorate it as you see fit.
9. Then using regular Elmer's glue fasten the paper to the teepee.
10. Last step is to decorate the board surrounding and inside the teepee I have listed the materials that I used but I will not go into great detail on how to do this to allow for random creativity.

Congratulations you have now made your very own Native American teepee fit for a child's birthday, Barbie dolls or action figures.