Building a wooden notebook holder with a pen slot is a fun and relatively simple DIY project. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Materials:
- A wooden board (preferably softwood like pine or plywood) – around 12″ x 8″ (adjust size as needed)
- Wood glue
- Screws or nails
- Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
- Wood finish or paint (optional)
- A ruler and pencil
- Saw (hand saw or jigsaw)
- Drill with bits (for screws or pen slot)
- Clamps (optional)
Steps:
1. Measure and Cut the Wood:
- Base: Cut a rectangular piece for the main base (e.g., 12″ x 8″).
- Back Support: Cut another piece for the back support (e.g., 12″ x 4″).
- Pen Slot: To make a simple pen slot, cut a groove in the base or back support. A 3/4″ wide groove (or slightly larger, depending on the pens you use) and about 1/4″ deep should be good. You can use a handsaw or jigsaw for this, or you can also drill holes and use a chisel to clear out the space.
2. Create the Pen Slot:
- Mark where you want the pen slot on the base piece or the back support.
- Use a drill bit to create holes (a series of small holes if using a chisel) along the marked area.
- Chisel or saw the area between the holes to create the groove or slot for the pen.
3. Assemble the Pieces:
- Attach the back support to the base using wood glue first. You can reinforce it with screws or nails for extra stability. Make sure it’s aligned and square.
- If you want the back support to be adjustable (to prop up at a slight angle), you could drill holes and use dowels or pegs to set it at different angles.
4. Sanding:
- Sand all edges and surfaces with medium grit sandpaper, then smooth them out with fine grit for a smooth finish.
- Focus on the pen slot to make sure there are no rough edges that could scratch your pens.
5. Finishing Touches:
- Apply wood finish or paint if you want to give it a polished look. You can also stain the wood for a richer color.
- Let it dry fully before use.
Optional Design Variations:
- More slots: If you want multiple pen slots, you can add additional smaller grooves or holes in the base.
- Notch for notebook: If you want a notch or slot to hold the notebook securely in place, simply measure the thickness of your notebook and create a corresponding slot in the base.
This design is fairly simple and can be customized depending on the size and shape you need. You can also add decorative elements like carvings, stencils, or even inlays for a personalized touch.