Sanding Blocks

DIY fans and those who’ve worked in carpentry might enjoy getting hands-on sanding wood objects. This meditative activity is more about the doing and less about the end result. However, a beautifully sanded piece of wood can also go on to become something else lovely, like a plaque, with a bit more elbow grease and TLC.

You’ll need

• Small wooden shapes or small wooden items, such as a stool, bird box or shelf
• Sandpaper block
• Small paint brush
• Cloth

The Activity

• Invite the person or group to sit around a table that’s covered in newspaper
• Put a small piece of wood or item in front of each person
• Encourage everyone to inspect and feel the wood
• Ask them what they think the wood needs to be made smoother or what it could be used for
• Encourage everyone to start sanding
• Explain that you can do it in a circular motion or back and forth
• Get people to stop every now and again to feel the wood, to see how they’re doing
• Brush away the dust before sanding again
• Keep going until they feel it’s been sanded enough
• Clean down the wood with a cloth and clear the dust away, so it can be painted or turned into something else (optional)
• Get everyone chatting and reminiscing about the woodworking projects they’ve done at home or in the past