Design and build custom wall-mounted furniture tailored to your own style! In this dynamic high school woodworking unit, students will choose between creating an interlocking dual-box shelf unit or a multi-tiered vertical cantilever shelf, as shown in the examples.

Students will select their preferred layout, develop a mill plan, and execute precision joinery to craft a sturdy, stylish piece of wall decor. This project combines fundamental woodworking techniques with modern design choices, empowering students to take ownership of their build while mastering key shop machinery and structural assembly methods!

What You'll Learn

This project introduces advanced layout strategies, joinery options, and functional design principles. Here are just a few of the things we'll cover in our session:

How to interpret technical plans and accurately measure, mark, and square stock
Selecting between geometric box-interlocking and multi-tier cantilever structural designs
Executing clean lap joints, dados, or butt joinery for strong intersecting frames
Safe operation of stationary and handheld power tools
Methods for making identical repeated cuts using stops and crosscut jigs
Installing keyhole slots or concealed mounting hardware on the back for flush wall hanging
Surface preparation, progressive sanding, and rounding edges for a professional look
Applying protective stains, oils, or clear finishes to highlight wood grain

Take these fundamental skills home to tackle future furniture builds, home improvement tasks, and personal woodworking projects!

Tools Used

We've got a shop full of great tools we're excited to share with you. You'll learn to safely use the following tools during our class:

Miter saw
Table saw for rip cuts and with crosscut sled
Router table
Orbital / Edge sander
Cordless drill and driver bits
Clamps and assembly square jigs

While we're excited to have you learn to use these tools, safety and comfort are our top priorities. Instructors will provide close, hands-on supervision at all times, and assistance is always available whenever requested!

Skill Level & Prerequisites

Beginner to Intermediate

You’re a high school student (ages 14 - 18). This hands-on course introduces students to the fundamentals of woodworking, safety, and furniture design. Students learn to safely operate hand tools and power machinery while transforming raw lumber into functional, beautiful projects. We provide an inclusive, hands-on environment where participants of all skill levels can learn, share, and build both projects and lasting community.

You are interested in the craft, but haven’t been in the shop yet. You’ve made a few things before, but want to up your game with a new project and some additional skills. No prior knowledge or experience necessary!

Ages 14 - 18; minors are required to be accompanied by an adult.

Schedule

2 day class; 2 hours each day. Make sure you're available for both dates!

Safety

PPE: We provide safety glasses, hearing protection, and dust masks if requested. Safety glasses are required in the shop at all times.

Dress: We’re probably going to get a little dusty! Make sure to wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes. Avoid loose clothing and jewelry. Anything that may get caught in machinery, like long hair, must be tied back and secured.

Accommodations: While we’ll be moving about the shop for most of our time together, we aim to make the craft as accessible as possible for everyone. Please reach out if you have any questions about our space or may need accommodations of any kind.

What to Bring

A water bottle to stay hydrated.

All tools, materials, safety gear, and supplies are provided!

Instructor Bio

Karen Cavotta is a dedicated Technology Education teacher at Saratoga Springs High School with a passion for empowering the next generation of makers, engineers, and craftspeople. With extensive experience teaching hands-on engineering, architecture, and woodworking courses, Karen specializes in breaking down technical skills into fun, approachable, and confidence-building projects for students of all ages.

In addition to her work in the classroom, Karen serves as a board member at The Saratoga Joinery, where she actively helps guide educational programming and community outreach. She is also a long-time member of the Design Review Board for the City of Saratoga Springs. When she isn't teaching or working in the shop, she enjoys continuing her learning and pursuing her passion for design, architecture, summer gardening, and spending time with her family.

High School Woodworking: Modern Wall Shelf