Kids' Art Table

The idea for this project started with a conversation between my wife and father-in-law just before Thanksgiving. It was an ambitious project with a tight deadline. Our eldest specifically asked Santa for a new art table, so there was no way we could extend the deadline. Christmas or bust! Being from Santa, we can't take any credit for it ... until they eventually figure out Santa's true identity. We signed the bottom of one of the cabinet drawers for when that day comes. Until then, we'll smile on the inside when they describe it as "amazing" and "perfect".

The design is 100% original by my father-in-law. Most of the labor was done by myself with significant help from my father-in-law since this was my first real wood-working project. Since it was my first project, it was slow-going. We spent nearly every night (after work) and weekends working on this to meet our deadline, and we barely finished on time! I'm working on adding NeoPixel LED lighting strips to the bar as well as iPad charging stations so they have a dedicated place (instead of the kitchen counter).

I learned quite a bit on this project, and it really opened up the world of woodworking for me. I now want to do a similar design for a desk for myself. I've been using the small drops and scraps from this project to make small box joint project boxes for my electronics projects. There is so much more to come in the future!

[ wgb0.imgur.com ]