Recap – Creative workshop: How to make a wooden side table

Past weekend I had the pleasure again to host another creative workshop. This was the third workshop I did with Ruchenne Martina of Blue33 Woodworks. And once again we joined the community of Passionistas. The Passionistas pop-up fair was held in a cozy garden, what we call here on the island ‘Hòfi’. Surroundedby trees, it was the greatest setting to do some DIY. The weather wasn’t very hot, so perfect timing to spent the afternoon there.

We decide this time that we wanted to make a side table. Actually I did a poll on my facebook and instagram and asked the audience what they wanted to make if they participated. Many voted for the side table, so we went for the side table. Something very practical, as it can be used in every room of your home. I even decided to put my in my bathroom so I can store my toilet papers, as it has like a littlestorage space. Adding ofcourse a little snake plant on the top with a candle. Perfect setting for in the bathroom.

We had two groups: one with 7 people and the second one with 9 people. I like to hold the workshop at the fair, as others that had no idea about the workshop are now interesting to participate for the next one we are going to have. It’s like free advertisement.

We always pre-cut the wood ofcourse, otherwise it will be a 5 hour workshop instead of a 1,5 hour workshop.

And we had some who attended the past workshops also. So that means we are doing it right if they are coming back. The first group wanted to paint their table, as they had the option to white- or grey wash paint their table. Many found it very therapeuticto paint and be in a relaxing atmosphere.

The great thing about these workshops are that friends join together. They come in groups of 2, 3 or 4 even and enjoy each other time together. Strangers helping each other out is also a great way to bond with each other at this workshop. Everyone is so kind to each other it’s just crazy. Actually we island people, especially from Curacao, are just the most fun to hang with. (laughing out loud while typing this, but it’s true).

It’s always a challenge as you don’t know what kind of people will come. Are they handy? Are the excited to be there? Are we doing it right? Many questions. But I’m happy to say that we had two groups with very handy and excited ladies. One even came with her son. He was a bit quiet and didn’t want to share a picture moment.

Everyone got the chance to make their own little side table. Very handy to place anywhere in the interior. So, i’ll like to share with you how to make your own.

What you need:

1. Wood planks. You can choose whatever kind of wood. We used pallet wood for this workshop.
2. Nails
3. Wood glue
4. Hammer

Measurements:

1. 4 pieces of 50 centimeter long
2. 3 pieces of 30 centimeter long
3. 2 pieces of 25 centimeter long
4. 4 pieces of 8 centimeter long

Instructions:

1. First we start by making the top of the table. Lay the three pieces of 30 cm long next to each other. The rough side will be on the upside right now.
2. Add glue to the piece of 25 cm long and lay it across the 3 piece planks.
3. For some extra firmness, hammer 6 nails into the piece of 25 cm. Two nails each will be hammered into each of a 30 cm long plank.
4. Than glue and hammer two pieces of 8 cm at each side of the piece of 25 cm. One up and underneath the plank. It will form a cross underneath the table top. Hammer for each 2 nails in a diagonal form. You’ll have like 2,5 cm on each side now. This space will be free so you can place the longer pieces on the side.
5. Now take on of the longer pieces of 50 cm and glue it against the another 25 cm plank. The 25 cm plank needs to be glued on the inside of the 50 cm plank. When glued, you hammer 2 to 3 nails on the outside of the plank.
6. Take now another 50cm long plank and glue and hammer it on the other side of the 25 cm plank. You formed now a big U.
7. This part will be now hammered and glued to the table top. This will be placed at the space you held free when making the cross to hold the 3 pieces together.
8. Glue and hammer now the two other long pieces of 50 cm on the other side of the cross. Now you have all the legs of the table steady underneath the top.
9. Glue the two other 8cm pieces between the legs and the middle plank of 25 cm, so you can form the cross at the table legs end.
10. This part is a bit tricky as you have to hammer the nail diagonal into the 8cm so it reaches the 25 cm plank.
11. When everything is firm together, sand down the table with a piece of sandpaper. If you would like to have it very smooth, you can also use a sander.
12. Finally grey or white wash the table to give it a bit of a rustic look.

And there you have it. Now you can make your own. Making something yourself gives you such a satisfaction.

We are planning to have another workshop soon, but with a bit extra flair to it. You can imagine how many ideas come alive when people give you feedback.

Thank you to everyone that attended the workshops and we are very grateful for the opportunity once again.

Stay tuned for the next one!

Happy hump day y’all.