Wood projects can be an activity for most individuals who are interested in sanding and painting. The projects are intended to take several days to complete as there are several steps in the completion process.
First, all wooden pieces must be sanded. For participants who have difficulty holding sandpaper, use a soft sanding block.
Next, all the pieces are painted with a white undercoat. This does three things: It will make the top coat a brighter color, it will birng up the “wood whiskers” which then can be sanded off, and it will smply provide another step for the participant.
After the whit coat dries, the pieces should be sanded again to remove the whiskers. Colors can then be chosen and the top coat painting may begin. Often, two coats of top paint are required.
When all the pieces have been painted, the project can be assembled. Elmer’s Wood Glue is a good sticking agent, but other wood glues work just as well.
Always cover the participants work surface with newspaper, cover the individual with a protective cloth (We used old protectors from a beauty shop. If you can get the plastic covers, they can be easily cleaned and used over and over.)and when painting, we have the participant wear plastic gloves.
There are supplies you will need before undertaking a wood projects activity. First, you need wood. All projects are cut from one of three different thicknesses; 1″ pine, 1/2 inch craft board and/or 1/4 inch craft board. Lay in a supply with the individual who will be cutting the pieces.
You can buy precut wood for projects. Purchased “kits” of wood projects have some drawbacks. They are all presanded, taking that whole process away from the resident. They are often small, simple projects that take little time to complete. They provide fewer opportunities for the resident to be involved in making choices, and therefore, offer less satisfaction and pride. Many of our wood projects come about after a discussion with the wood worker!
You will need sanding blocks, body covers (as mentioned before, beauty shop cover-ups work well), plastic gloves, old newspapers to cover the work area, paints, (we use craft paint), brushes, and wood glue.
The individual who cuts the parts can spend one afternoon at a band saw or scroll saw and complete enough kits to last several months.
We have taken completed items to our county fair and entered them into the craft show. Several residents have won ribbons!
