One of the fears that you may encounter as a new wood worker, is the fear of messing up your project. One of the best ways to tackle that apprehension is to think outside the box. You will probably decide to start with something simple (but may not know which projects have simple joinery) and then set out on a search for preprinted plans to make such- and-such.
If personal help is not available, it can be very frustrating. One thing that has worked for many others, and may work for you, is to simply forget other people’s plans, ad design your own project. It isn’t as hard as one might think, because there are always some kinds of limiting parameters to start with.
A bookshelf must be 10” deep so the books will slide into it, and shelf spacing will match the height of your tallest books, plus one inch for finger room. A curio shelf will be sized by the space available to accommodate it, or by the objects to be displayed on it. Bed frames should fit standard mattress sizes, and doors…well, there are your openings to measure.
So don’t be afraid to begin these projects on your own. You will find a lot of knowledge online and in printed form. If the project doesn’t turn out as you’d planned, you can always start over, and you will have learned from the mistakes that you made. We often learn more from our mistakes in working wood than from easy successes.
Why not try to design your own piece? You may find it helpful to draw out your idea on a piece of paper. What if it were this way, or that way? A good sketch will show you how ideas can come together, it can show you what will not work. Then, if you know the shelf must fit a space five feet high overall, the number of shelves to include will be dictated by the height of the items to be stored. Heavy or larger items (or spaces) usually go near the bottom of a unit, to anchor it physically as well as visually. Spaces can also be broken up and not continuous across the entire front.
Designs can also be planned based on what wood a woodworker may have available. You may have plenty of wood scraps from other projects sitting around your shop. If you have several 2x4s sitting around, an Early American or pinewood look may be called for. Be certain to carefully square up any stock. Construction castoffs are easily ripped to usable dimensions on a table saw, but learn the safety procedures for your machine before trying to rip long boards.
You don’t have to entirely design your own project from scratch. You may choose to start with an existing plan, and adapt it to your own use. You may see the ideal blanket chest, sofa table or display case, and then think “But I want mine to be…” and redesign the entire structure to suit your needs. Don’t be afraid to trust your instincts and be
innovative in making a piece. Educate yourself; ask questions of others on woodworking forums or at clubs and guilds. You’ll soon surprise yourself with how much you can do.