I am not a pro, finish carpenter so my creations are primarily rustic, outdoor patio/deck style pieces that should last a very long time if the end user takes care of them. I lean to over-building something instead of leaving it to chance that a child (or inebriated person) will use it in a way for which it was not designed. I have twin 4 year-olds so I KNOW that stuff happens.

My wife is waiting patiently for me to build a headboard creation for her, as well as a multi-purpose entertainment center, drawing on the style and design of the bookcase I built for a client earlier in 2012. I just worry my skills are not up to the task of my ambition. And time is forever at a premium (note, earlier mention of twin four-year olds) and my 13 year old son does not show any real interest in learning either. Oh, and work…to actually pay the bills.

So I am wondering what are small, easy projects that I can do to practice my woodworking craft but not command so much time. Does anything like that exist? And things that can be sold, too, to help fund my woodworking hobby.

Thoughts? Input? Just throwing it out there for the ever-expanding internet to perhaps circle back with some insight and suggestions.