Christmas Presents #4 – Bird doorstop

This is the fourth in a series of five present ideas I made out of wood this Christmas. I started with a heart shaped candle holder, then a cat shaped mobile phone holder, and an elephant shaped mobile phone holder. I wanted to make this present idea both because I enjoy making things and this seemed like a fun little project, but also so we had something as a spare gift in case we weren’t able to get the things that people had asked for or they weren’t delivered in time. So I started, as with all of my most recent projects, with a plan and then an MDF template, to give me the option of reusing it in future if I want to make this again when I am able to set up a proper workshop and maybe start selling some of my projects!

I then transferred the template onto some scrap pine (I still have a lot which I got from someone getting rid of a load a few months back) and cut out the shape relatively roughly with my jigsaw.

Although I am getting better at using my jigsaw, I used my coping saw to refine the curves more accurately and the bird was starting to take shape!

I then spent a good long time sanding the bird all over, to smooth out the curves and soften the edges to make it a less harsh shape. This took quite a while but I took my time and worked up through the grits. I then, as I’ve done for the previous projects, wiped over the bird with a damp cloth to raise the grain, and then re-sanded to get a completely smooth finish.

I also rounded the edges over more than on the previous projects, as I liked how it looked and it seems to fit with the smoother more rounded shape of the bird too. I didn’t actually end up giving the bird doorstop to anyone for a Christmas present this year, so I can now keep it for us (unless any urgent present needs suddenly arise!) and it can be used in our new house when we hopefully move in shortly! 🔨