EP. 13 Make Money Woodworking Batch Out Wooden Pumpkins & Christmas Presents-Simple Projects to Sell

[@ChrisFranklyn]

I love seeing ideas I'd have never thought of. To stop the paint soaking in so much at the ends you could have sealed them a bit with some watered down glue (even $store craft PVA). Just an idea.

[@makemoneywoodworking]

That's a good idea, especially if it's only a buck or two. Thanks! (I've pinned your comment)

[@scottbionicnerf8727]

Oh yeah, great job on the video.. Very explanatory. Well done all around. Great work getting into a shop. That can be a good idea for some.

[@makemoneywoodworking]

Thanks for the kind words.

[@vanshavbhalla6210]

Was waiting for you Welcome back

[@makemoneywoodworking]

Thanks for your patience!

[@tylerscott9714]

Good to see you back!

[@makemoneywoodworking]

Thank you! It feels good to post.

[@rodanvsandrew]

Welcome back!

[@makemoneywoodworking]

Thanks. It feels good

[@paulhawboldt6289]

Paul hawboldt from nova Scotia 🇨🇦...awesome was happy to see new video, I just finished a order , oven topper/tray last night another happy customer

[@makemoneywoodworking]

Awesome! I would never want one for my stove but people love them! Glad to hear!

[@rabwilson6974]

Hey I'm from Nova Scotia too👋🤠 Please let us know how you make out selling these. I love your channels theme, great way to keep on a budget... If only I could stick to mine lol

[@danielhanawalt4998]

Nice fall decorations. I noticed when you were drilling the holes out for the stems on the pumpkins holding the wood by hand and thought I'd share what I did to stop the piece from twisting my wrist. I took a couple cut off pieces and screwed the on the bench against two sides of the piece I was cutting holes in so the piece I was cutting didn't twist which freed up both hands to hold the drill. Nice work and video.

[@makemoneywoodworking]

Thanks for the advice. I think when I'm in video mode, I tend to forget to think about simple ways to make things easier. This makes complete sense. Thanks for the comment!

[@JeremyCarlsten]

Awesome, thanks for coming back!

[@makemoneywoodworking]

Thanks for the encouragement!

[@saggioculo5386]

Totally missed this channel. So glad you're back!!

[@makemoneywoodworking]

Thanks buddy!

[@Holli_Sassafras]

Your batching technique is genius!

[@makemoneywoodworking]

Thank you! It is truly the way to make the most out of your money and time. Best of luck to you! -Wes

[@toddfrailey6506]

Just a thought, but when I make these I use pieces of tree branch for the stems. Totally free and gives them a cool rustic look

[@makemoneywoodworking]

That's a great idea! Save money when you can and save time staining them too. Thanks for the comment!!

[@karenhamlow646]

Loved it all. Great idea's.

[@makemoneywoodworking]

Thanks for the encouragement!

[@markabernard]

It's nice to see some product ideas and the batching out process. Great job. Thanks.

[@makemoneywoodworking]

Thank you!

[@charlesharris3896]

It's like you read my mind. Was thinking about wood pumpkins

[@makemoneywoodworking]

Super simple. I might try doing some jack o lanterns if things don't sell well. Let me know how yours go, if you take the plunge. Thanks for the comment!

[@charlesharris3896]

I was going to use 2x4 stacking them and then painting them

[@makemoneywoodworking]

There seems to be tons of ideas already out there. I usually check out Etsy for inspiration. Let me know how it goes.

[@charlesharris3896]

Will do.

[@charlesharris3896]

How about birdhouses?

[@HillyBillyWoodworks]

That was great video👍👍🇺🇸

[@makemoneywoodworking]

Thank you for the encouragement! Murica!

[@knottytater]

Those are awesome!!!

[@makemoneywoodworking]

Thanks! Super simple too

[@scottbionicnerf8727]

I was watching a crafting video the other day and the lady that was painting wood, was using a hair dryer to help dry the paint when spraying paint on wood which was greatly speeding the process of drying the paint. Regular aerosol spray paint tends to separate into base parts(ingredients) when applied to wood because of wood's porosity and actively separates the solvents from the paint pigments and other ingredients. Unlike spraying the exact same paint on a metal surface. I realize you're using a different style of paint, probably much more suitable for wood application. I've also used clear spray paint that was equipped with an activator-charge. The spray paint with the activator(hardener) I think I bought it at the Sherwin-Williams paint store. Anyways, I hope this helps you if you're running into same issues I've been having trying to paint wood.

[@makemoneywoodworking]

Thank you so much for taking the time to explain this so in depth. There's a Sherwin Williams about 20 mins away. I'll definitely have to check it out should I decide to embark on this project again. Again, I appreciate the support! -Wes

[@nickmyatt]

I'm curious how well these sell? Welcome back. This is one of my favorite channel concepts.

[@makemoneywoodworking]

Me too. I'll definitely let you know as the season approaches.

[@dalebacino]

@@makemoneywoodworking How well did these sell last year?

[@makemoneywoodworking]

I didn't sell much. I sold one flag, one tea tray and one rectangular box.

[@markb8954]

@@makemoneywoodworking but what about the pumpkins & presents?

[@makemoneywoodworking]

At this specific event, I didn't sell any of the presents OR the pumpkins. I think it was bad timing with the pumpkins, and I think the presents weren't "sold" well by me. In other words, people weren't informed on the product...which was definitely on me.

[@jimharrris539]

What type of paint did you use for the Christmas presents? Matte finish, gloss or semi gloss

[@makemoneywoodworking]

Matte. Thanks for the question.

[@krystinelewis4460]

You did an awesome job!

[@makemoneywoodworking]

Thank you! I sincerely appreciate all the encouragement I get. Take care!!

[@tobedetermined4180]

Don’t forget to consider your labor into the calculations

[@donnalambert8133]

Great idea!!!! What do you sell them for?

[@makemoneywoodworking]

I've had more success within the $20-25 range.

[@gizmo7877]

I’ve seen these on other channels, easy to make and great decorating for in or out. However as a first timer in your channel I don’t feel there was much information that I needed to make these. Was that a Forster bit for the hole? Couldn’t see the edging with the router, what bit did you use? As a crafter who doesn’t use a burner, it’s easier and safer for me to dry brush a burn mark, we like to call it distressing. Did you use a sealer? Without this info, I’d have to grope through the process on my own. I love working with wood, but I need more instruction for the best results.

[@makemoneywoodworking]

Thanks for the comment. Yes, it was a forstner bit. Since my channel is based upon only using the tools I've purchased in previous projects, I only have one forstner bit as it's the one I have used/purchased on a previous episode. I think it first appeared on Episode 5, Pallet Wood wine racks. The same goes for the router bit as I only have two router bits (1/8" round over and a 45 degree chamfer bit), both purchased in previous episodes. For these pumpkins, either router bit would do the job. With regards to "we like to call it distressing" who's the "we" you are referring to? A woodworkers' guild of sorts? I'd have to look through my video again, but I don't remember finishing them with anything, just used paint and that was it as it helps with the distressed look. My videos, as you've probably seen, aren't the best in quality or best practices as I'm limited in both tools and experience. However, I do think I could have been more detailed in my narration throughout the video. Something to consider, moving forward.

[@gizmo7877]

@@makemoneywoodworking the “Who” are all the many, many crafters and DIY ers out there who craft for pleasure and selling., just like you. That includes Moms, grandmas, kids and men of all ages who want to make anything from scratch to save money and enhance their homes. I’ve learned from so many wonderful people and am subscribed to so many of them. You tube has a plethora of great artisans who have inspired me to create and expand my imagination and creativity. I have grown so much through them.

[@makemoneywoodworking]

Did I call these something else? Did I not use the word "distressed"?

[@lorisamuelson8949]

Can you please tell me if the router you used was a Makita? If so can you please tell me the model? Thx

[@makemoneywoodworking]

Makita 6.5 amp, 1-1/4 HP Corded Fixed Base Compact Router with fixed base. www.homedepot.com/p/Makita-6-5-Amp-1-1-4-HP-Corded-Fixed-Base-Variable-Speed-Compact-Router-with-Quick-Release-RT0701C/204247210?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&pla&mtc=SHOPPING-BF-CDP-GGL-D25T-025_009_PORT_POWER-NA-Multi-NA-PMAX-NA-NA-NA-NA-NBR-NA-NA-NA-PortPower&cm_mmc=SHOPPING-BF-CDP-GGL-D25T-025_009_PORT_POWER-NA-Multi-NA-PMAX-NA-NA-NA-NA-NBR-NA-NA-NA-PortPower-71700000113152329--&gclid=CjwKCAjw3oqoBhAjEiwA_UaLtjX-Yt98I6YLhQ6O6bwzEcl0FkGdMjBMv425rS5dm-6IEeKC-0ptHBoCwI8QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

[@brigette3004]

4x4x8 at my local big box store is $16.12. The price has not come back to reasonable yet. I am waiting on all my builds.

[@makemoneywoodworking]

If you bought 4, 4x4s for $16 a piece, you'd only be adding $32 to your cost (everything else being equal), if you were able to keep the time to 14 hours like I did, you still make around $30 per hour (again, everything.else being equal). Just a thought.

[@reclaimwoodworking7538]

You under the weather, buddy? Voice is sounding bit rough. Nice, simple project! Sure to be good margins on these.

[@makemoneywoodworking]

Coming off a sickness of the can't taste anything variety. My rapid test was negative and I got vaccinated back in February. I'm pretty sure I had "it" though. Taste is back, voice, not 100% though. Thanks for asking and the encouragement!

[@reclaimwoodworking7538]

@@makemoneywoodworking Oh, crap! Glad that you're on the mend! It must've been exhausting doing that VO while feeling that way, you sounded so tired. I hope you're 100% soon. Thank you for your content and inspiration!

[@makemoneywoodworking]

I'll get back sooner or later. I'm a pretty big baby when it comes to sicknesses of any kind.

[@reclaimwoodworking7538]

@@makemoneywoodworking Totally understandable. Just take care, and get well. 😊

[@osumoose11]

What about making some of the pumpkins jack-o-lanterns?

[@makemoneywoodworking]

How should I go about doing that? A stencil on the front or are you thinking using a Dremel tool of sorts? Thanks for the comment!!

[@kevinjones340]

@@makemoneywoodworking do you have a vinyl cutter, if so design the faces and cut out with permanent vinyl???

[@makemoneywoodworking]

At some point I was thinking of buying a vinyl cutter for signs but jack o lanterns would be another use of out it. Thanks for the suggestion!!

[@JasonPeltier]

@@makemoneywoodworking maybe try a wood block stamp... I'm trying to think of the quickest and easiest way... I have a vinyl cutter, but it could bleed under the edges since the wood is rough, but you could seal it with mod podge first... that adds to the labor time though... and the stencils are kind of 1 use... I'm thinking a carved wood block stamp would be reusable forever... and you could get that handmade look with each application being a little different, and the time involved would be almost negligible

[@makemoneywoodworking]

I wonder if you can buy a wood burning tool with different basic shapes (triangles, squares, circles etc.)

[@DailyStrike]

May I ask what palm router you’re using and do you like it? I’m currently researching for purchase

[@makemoneywoodworking]

Yes, it's a DeWalt palm sander. It does the job. If I had a chance to do it over again, I'd probably buy a battery powered one and maybe one with a slightly smaller handle. I do like the weight of it though and the price wasn't too bad. I hope this helps! -Wes

[@DailyStrike]

@@makemoneywoodworking Palm sander? And it takes router bits?

[@makemoneywoodworking]

Oops. ( I misread your first comment/question) I really like the Makita router. I probably would have wanted a battery powered one as well, but this is small enough to hold with ease as opposed to the sander.

[@DailyStrike]

@@makemoneywoodworking cool. Thank you for clarifying

[@b3arwithm3]

What kind of paint do you use? You got so much coverage from that little bottle.

[@makemoneywoodworking]

Yeah, it's acrylic paint in the arts and craft department at Walmart. The smaller bottles (6 or 8oz, I think) cover a lot of area, and are super cheap.

[@christophermckinney984]

Can you do a video on how to tie using the bunny 🐰 ears technique?!

[@makemoneywoodworking]

It would get too many views and break the internet 😂

[@Calaxt01]

Did you put one of every size into a set? So three pieces per set?

[@makemoneywoodworking]

Yes & yes.

[@NicTda]

Nice to see another of your project :) Out of curiosity, how does one go about selling things like these to a shop?

[@makemoneywoodworking]

I live in a town of about 10k. This gal that opened the store knew me as I gifted her a different woodworking project years ago through a local Facebook group as a contest. For me, this gifting finally circled back around to my benefit. She was, however, soliciting a variety of vendors through Facebook before her opening. It's a high cut that she takes but maybe it'll pull more traffic to my items that I wouldn't otherwise be privy to. I'd say, keep your eyes peeled for shops around your area and be willing to hear NO. It's also on consignment. I pick the price, they take a percentage.

[@richrosing]

Why not do a first sand on the whole 4x4 before you cut? That way you are doing touch up sanding on the smaller pieces. It seems like the sanding would go faster.

[@makemoneywoodworking]

That may be true. I suppose I was trying to make sure to get the edges and corners when sanding.

[@richrosing]

That would be the touch up after they are cut. Then you just to the edges.

[@WellnessUncovered]

Could you give us an update of how these sold for you? Will you be doing them again this year? Thanks 😊 Hope all is well.

[@makemoneywoodworking]

Thanks for the question. At this specific event, I didn't sell any. Overall I've sold only two sets of the pumpkins and one set of the presents. I'm not sure if I'm going to participate in the booth again this year as I haven't done a great job this year in increasing my supply of products. I definitely need more variety of items at a booth.

[@brianbice1427]

wood is so cheap over there, one 4.8mt length Merbau here at large chain hardware $224.00, 88x88x4.8mt treated pine $145.20

[@makemoneywoodworking]

I've never heard of that wood before. Is it popular where you are?

[@thesnoopy1009]

Can make dice with some of them cubes

[@makemoneywoodworking]

Very true. Any chance you know where I can find free templates for numbered dice?

[@andrewbrown8148]

@@makemoneywoodworking I found one on Pinterest when I made the yard Yahtzee dice for my family.

[@makemoneywoodworking]

Awesome! I try to stay away from Pinterest but I may have to cave. Thanks!

[@b3arwithm3]

$11 for a 4x4x8 is a steal. Who said they got cheaper? Even Fir cost more than $11

[@makemoneywoodworking]

Someone said they got some pressure treated 4x4x8s for just under $8

[@b3arwithm3]

@@makemoneywoodworking Lol pressure treated...okay. they should have taken the 4x4x8 walnut for $8.50...just 50c more 😂

[@sflagg0817]

Glad to see you making sawdust again as always great video.

[@makemoneywoodworking]

Glad to see you're still a subscriber!

[@arrowezing]

What sizes did you cut your dowels at for the pumpkins?

[@makemoneywoodworking]

I wouldn't go any shorter than 1.5 inches. You can definitely go longer to give variety in your pumpkins, but 1.5 allows enough room for ribbons and sinking the dowel a little bit below the surface of the top. I hope this helps.

[@pepperman9]

Great ideas, but total lack of safety when working with tools. You need to rethink how you use power tools.

[@makemoneywoodworking]

Duly noted. Thanks for the comment

[@steelsunpi]

Wow, your cost is cheap for cedar. Around here (SE Texas) an 8' 4x4 is going for $35-37 each. Almost 4 times your cost.

[@makemoneywoodworking]

I was talking with a logging trucker and he was saying the prices were going to go down this fall, but I fear that is now just something people like to say. Thanks for the support!

[@kevinjones340]

About $40 bucks for a cedar 4x4x8 here NC.... I would go pressure treated instead for outdoor use and maybe a coat of sealant over paint. Pressure treated 4x4x8 here is like $8

[@makemoneywoodworking]

Definitely with your cost savings, pressure treated is the way to go. $8 is not too shabby at all. Provided that I sell all of mine🤞, at some point, I'd make $34 per hour with my costs. Surprisingly a higher per hour money maker than previous projects, especially considering how easy these are to make. Even if I cut my price down by $5 per set, the hourly wage is still over $20/hour.

[@Stoneforth]

@@makemoneywoodworking Logging trucker predicting prices falling is why he is just a logging trucker. Inflation fallout is just getting started

[@JasonPeltier]

Same here. Around 36 for cedar. I went with pressure treated for $7.75 each

[@The_man_himself_67]

Wow, people pay $30 for a block of painted wood that is supposed to look lik a pumpkin. Im in awe.

[@makemoneywoodworking]

It's not for everyone

[@jeroengijs9300]

Glad to see you upload! I'm in my mid twenties, just graduated from university, but I have little interest in finding a job with the degree. So it makes me happy to see your videos because they make me realise that there are other options. Here's a question, how familiar with wood working were you before you started this yt channel?

[@makemoneywoodworking]

Thanks for the kind words! Prior to publishing my first video, I had been doing some woodworking (very limited and simple) for about 2 years prior. Those two years were sporadic and limited by my time and space (I didn't have a basement to work in).

[@yvonnemorehead4159]

What router bit are you using?

[@makemoneywoodworking]

45 degree chamfer

[@Your_Friend_Corey]

Do you have an idea on how many hours were spent making everything?

[@makemoneywoodworking]

I forgot to add that. Thanks for bringing this up. I'd say it took me roughly 14 hours...so around $34/hour. Nothing to be ashamed of for something so easy to make. Only time will tell if the $30 price point fits the bill. I might lower it to $25 but I want to wait until October for the pumpkins and after Christmas for the presents.

[@Your_Friend_Corey]

@@makemoneywoodworking why after Christmas?

[@makemoneywoodworking]

I mean, I don't want to lower my prices until I've exhausted the Christmas season.... meaning maybe next year I'll lower them if none sell. Does that make sense?

[@Your_Friend_Corey]

@@makemoneywoodworking oh, woops, misread what you said. Makes total sense.

[@makemoneywoodworking]

No worries. Thanks for the comment!

[@foxmoulder7724]

If you want the red to show through, just water it down a bit

[@JasonPeltier]

I love seeing your videos! You have everything broken down into specific steps and costs and profits. Even an old blockhead like me can follow. Glad to see you back and I hope you and your family are doing well. :)

[@makemoneywoodworking]

Thanks for the encouragement. Yeah, my projects are too difficult. Maybe one day😁. My family is well, thank you. We are pretty sure everyone in our house got sick but glad to be over it before school starts back up.

[@mnight207]

Dumb question alert: What bit did you use in your router? What bit did you use in your drill?

[@makemoneywoodworking]

Correction: simple question Simple answer: Chamfer bit (router) I believe it was 1-1/8" forstner but to be 100% sure l, check out the wine rack episode as that's where I initially made this purchase. Thanks! -Wes

[@mnight207]

@@makemoneywoodworking Thanks, Wes. That's my brother's name! God bless!

[@MrDarylWhitt]

These are really cool but I cringed watching you with that forstner bit. That should have been done on a press.

[@makemoneywoodworking]

Agreed. Unfortunately, I don't own one.

[@espjason]

Wtf nah not for me

[@makemoneywoodworking]

It's easy money....!

[@adampottmeyer452]

Glad to see you back!

[@makemoneywoodworking]

It's good to be back

[@louislandi938]

Welcome back!

[@makemoneywoodworking]

Thank you! It feels good to post a video.