Designing new things is one of the best parts of being a woodworker, and working with kids is a great way to encourage new designs. I started working on a prototype for the 3rd and 4th grades to make tomorrow and ended up making a more refined version that will become a magazine article. I took step-by-step photos as this one was made, so my work is almost complete. This would be a great cookbook stand, holding it on just the right page and clearly visible as you work, but it would also be great for craft books as it would allow you to take books (or magazines) into the wood shop to guide your next project. The book stand shown above is made of quarter-sawn white oak.

Another thing to note, my student Paige whose box won Grand Champion in Woodworking at the Carroll County Fair also won Best of Show, Woodworking in the Regional competition. Now her work goes on to the State Fair. Congratulations! Paige! And good luck!