One of my favorite sayings is , " $20 walks in my door far more often than $1000 does. " So, I'm just as welcoming to the small buyer as the big one. Thanks for the ideas.

Can someone build me a box to think outside of please?

I honestly think you are probably the most honest KZfaq woodworker that I follow. You give honest, genuine advice and don't try to claim "Make $10,000 a day with this!!" or "How I made my first $50,000 day!" You give REAL advice, especially for hobby level woodworkers like myself. Keep making great videos my friend

I make kits for kids to assemble for Vacation Bible School. Need to nail it together and make cheap and take time and something decent kids will feel proud of.

"Smalls" is the way to go for me......this has been my approach for over a year......make tons of hexagon/octagon coasters, arrows, coat racks etc..... the profit margin is phenomenal ! I tried making furniture and other large items.....while they were satisfying to me I could not sell enough to justify the cost and time. So for me small is the way to go.......keep it up, maybe you will enlighten others.

I'm so happy i made productive decisions about my finances. Bought my second house in September last year and hoping to retire next year at 52 if things keep going smoothly for me.

After being knocked down and losing everything by being in Federal Prison and then being felled again and crippled by Covid in 2020. I think you've given me an idea to be useful again. You're a brilliant man!

Just subscribed, after 40 years in the steel mill they shut the door on us, too young to retire, have been looking for something just like your channel my friend. I understand your well thought out lessons and am most thankful. Indeed I have my own idea to work with some of these things. Hope to get an extra income going very soon, I sure need it! God bless you young brother.

I’m 55 and just retired on New Year’s Eve, I worked at a custom cabinet shop for 5 years and have been a avid woodworker and cabinet maker on the side for the last 33 years. I still enjoy building cabinets but the smaller projects bring quicker satisfaction but I still it for fun and typically give the projects away. I recently replaced 350’ of cedar fence and kept all of the boards knowing I’d have projects to make. My daughter recently most out and has asked me to build her several items, the joy I get from knowing that I can build anything she wants is really rewarding.

Man the world needs more people like you and I’m aiming to fill the spot People spend so much time focusing on what they can’t do they forget how many resources we do have

Great video, thanks! I did a show where I had some beautiful custom cutting boards, beautiful wood and what sold out, $6 each or two for $10 cedar soap platforms. 3 1/2 inches square, cuts on the bottom and top to drain and a $0.25 bar of organic soap came with it. Cost me just under a buck to make. I went there with 50 of them can came home with none.

I’ve just started woodworking after 25 years of installing wood fences. First I was thinking of creating things as a hobby but always thought it would be good to sell. This video was very inspiring. Thanks Matt

Insane… I’ve been struggling with having adhd, just been diagnosed at 38. We are nuerodivergent…. So when you said divergent it’s all clicked… and this is why I’ve been able to see furniture that someone would throw away, as something that can be reimagined beautifully. My new theme word is divergent ❤️

My family was in a car accident, everyone is fine, but we are down to one vehicle. My position was recently terminated from work so I have been collecting free pallets and scrap woods and am trying to learn the actual tools. I love all of your videos and advice- it's hard to not be intimidated by the equipment 😔

Use 4" dried tree branches for coasters as well. Also I know a man that used dried tree branches from various species of trees cut them in slices and made beautiful wooden buttons. He was selling them like crazy.The Grain of the different wood was amazing.

Matthew, you are 100% correct about 'smalls'. I've never made things to sell before, but my sister sent me a photo of a rustic (palletwood) Christmas tree that she'd purchased. It had 20 multicoloured LEDs decorating it which made it look amazing (no lights it was frankly garbage). I looked at it and my amazing wife said 'you could do better than that'. At that exect time a neighbour, who knows I mess around with wood offered me a pallet and a pine door. Long story cut short, I made 25 trees in just over a day (never done mass production, but amazed how much I could do if I planned it properly). My wife found LED lights in our local store for £1.50 (soft white and multicoloured), and 24 AA batteries for £2.98. Paid £25 to book a stall at a local church Christmas Fayre - sold the lot in 3 hours. The money I made was much less than I earn a week, but strangely, because it was from 'my own two hands' was way more valuable. Honestly, my wife (now Project Manager) will be getting a seriously enhanced gift package this Christmas! This is so empowering - massive boost in self-belief, self-worth etc. Made a few friends, and even got the offer of some free old tools (which I love restoring). Win win win win win...

Pallets are free and I've found some really good oak pallets over time. I just bought a 10 watt laser engraver/cutter and it's super easy and quick to use. Great little machine for smalls. You can be burning something and making other things at the same time. I would recommend looking into a laser as they are not that expensive now a days.

I've always loved wood and always wished I'd gotten into it. The past 3 years now I have and I'm absolutely loving it. I built a 12ft by 12ft shed/workshop area from pallets and scrap wood and now build stuff in there when I get chance. Just built my wife a beautiful little set of 2 gates from stuff I had left. Hopefully I can keep making stuff. I really do love it.

This guy is giving life advice, advice that even teachers don't know about. Thinking outside the box is very important!! Really appreciate your vids!!

Matthew, Thank you so much for what you do! I've gone down a KZfaq woodworking rabbit hole and of all the content providers I've watched, you are by FAR the most inspiring. Your relatable, down to earth, genuine, and most importantly - gimmick free approach is amazing. I've learned a lot from what you've shared with us and look forward to what comes next!

Brother, I dig your way of thinking. Furthermore, the fact that you share your knowledge is proof that good people are still serving this great nation! 💯🇺🇸

Wow I love this video my dad has just retired and would like to do more woodworking so I sent him this video told him that you are awesome just like he is 😊

What Matt is telling us is to think outside the box, by putting things inside a box! This man is a GENIUS!

Thanks for sharing. I'm a recent widow (thanks to Covid) and spending time doing projects - you have provided great suggestions and I've decided to go for it! Bought some tools and starting to make some of your projects. Love that you share both the larger and these small ideas!

I love your message. Making small, creative things can be just as rewarding as making big, complicated projects. Plus, using those small scrap pieces is a great way to recognize the value and beauty of that wood. None of it should be wasted. I want to find a way to use it, rather than just burning it or taking it to a landfill. I've been actively thinking of things that can be made from small scraps: boxes for fishing lures, keychain decorations, small carved toys and animals, Christmas ornaments, engagement ring boxes, and so many others. The list goes on and on!

The KEY words he used in this video --- THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX. very good video.

Love it. I do the same thing with blacksmithing and wood. People will often spend 15 or 30 bucks for a small, where they won't spend 50 or a 100 for something much nicer. A lot of smalls I make in one or two heats like hooks, shelf brackets, steak branders, tent stakes etc... where the nicer piece might be 10 or 20+ heats knives, chisels, tongs, with more finish work and heat treating needed. Smalls are nice also because they finish fast and give me a greater sense of accomplishment. I also use free steel that I scrounge for all smalls. I spend time getting the steel, but I enjoy salvage and or hunting freebies. Great video!

This makes so much sense. I'm completely re-thinking my woodworking business. Thanks for the inspiration.

Truly appreciate all the wisdom and mentoring to so many of us embarking on the creative journey. Your videos have helped keep me motivated to get after it each day. Thank you for all you do sir!

I'm an American starving artist who is now living in South Africa. "No Jobs!!!" Your smalls idea, might just be something I can do to help bring in some added income. At least it will help... God bless you bro!

You're one of the few that's actually on the right track. You can absolutely sell anything. The real problem many people don't realize they're having is marketing both themselves and their work.

You've pushed me to begin my journey into woodworking. I've always wanted to and had a drive but never took the jump. I can't wait

I really appreciate you sharing your thoughts with us. I'm a retired custom home builder. Now I make high end cutting boards and charcuterie boards and such. Been trying to do smaller crafts for pop ups And you have given me plenty of food for thought. Thank you

I am very thankful for the kzfaq.infoUgkxbnOKZBE4evMO5V2vroHeCjq6d_MV6wJO that has been a tremendous help to me in building a perfect outdoor shed. I have been facing many challenges and difficulties for a long time, but this plan has guided me to correct the mistakes during the process. I am impressed by the projects and I express my gratitude to the creator of this collection of plans.

Something i heard young and really stick with me all these years was the company motto of Sanrio "Small gift, big smile"

This is as one of the most informative videos I’ve ever seen on KZfaq. Made me realize I’m going down the right path. Thanks

Hello! I just purchased my first wood burner pen and supplies. I’ve been surfing KZfaq and came across this video. Love the content! Going to start creating and selling small and go from there. Appreciate the insight! Thank you very much for sharing!

Really awesome! Reminds me of a friend that goes to auto swap meets. He would always take a bunch of hard to get rid of things like brackets or trim or light lenses in not to good condition. He would place them out for a dollar. He said even when people were not buying he would make enough to cover his space, $30-$40, and beer and usually fuel. So thanks for the tips. My wife is really crafty and always thinking of small items to sell and give away as presents.

Multi millionaire once tried to buy a friend's business and bring him into a franchise. He was too emotionally invested and refused the offer but the millionaire's parting shot was pure gold, "margin is vanity, profit is sanity." Sage words indeed.

Tried the small wood items before and to tell you the truth, buyers are so cheap they want it for basically what you got in it. Trying to make $20 on something that you make out of scrap wood is like pulling teeth. I don't know if it's just being in the big city or my state is just really cheap but I made some really nice things and couldn't even get street corner prices. I got tired of doing all the work and putting in the time and quit messing with it. I'm a woodworker so I still get the itch to make things but Im still in the same place so I doubt buyers around this state has changed any.

Matt, thank you for this advise. We've been doing shows for years. We're always looking for new products. But, like you said the cost of materials can be a problem. So, last year, as a result of all the "stimulus" money and money from our retirement package. I (with her approval,lol) purchased a home saw mill. Material cost dropped to what I can drag out of our 5 acre wood lot. This is going to make me look at mill "scrap" a little differently. Thanks again. Now, back to work,we have a show in just 12 days.

As I'm gearing up for the first craft show of the season this Saturday, your videos are a gold mine for filling out my inventory with last minute quick items. Thanks! I already built 6 fan lattices last week and hope to make it to HD to get more materials for 6 more. I've been making bottle openers out of pecan that was in my yard, so monetarily free, aside from the labor of milling. Lasered some cool things on the top and used metal inserts from Amazon. I figure $20 for those will be a good value. I've also made a bunch of mounted bottle openers with a bottle cap catcher tray at the bottom.. Those were made from pallet wood for the backs and fence boards for the trays. About $1.10 for the hardware and then my labor. I figure $30 for those.

😊love watching your shows. You have so many great ideas for people who have a dirt cheap budget . I didn't no money , but a strong desire! I started picking people curb finds trash Ben's, construction sights, house clean outs and came home with enough material to make a whole Trash to treasure flea Market show . So anything is fair game with a little hard ware expense large profit. Happy Hunting

The concept idea,”small sells” is simple but true. The down time waiting stain to dry or glue to set would be perfect for these ideas. I do feel to key is a good finish. Stains, unique paint combinations, and good hardware catches the casual shopper’s eye. Thank you

I made a couple plant trellises after I saw your video. I made the fan trellis pretty quick with a template on a sheet of plywood. I used 5/8×1 1/2" PVC from Lowes and stainless bolts and screws. I left the 2 outer pieces 8' long and cut them into spikes and added a bottom horizontal to stand on and get it into the ground. I also screwed from the back so the fasteners were hidden. $72 in material but my friend owns a high end gardening shop so he's going to aim for $160-200. I also made a shorter trellis by bending rebar in a half moon and welding a cut sheet of metal mesh and painted it copper color. Only took an hour and a half from start to painted. That was $25 materials. Potentially more profit in the metal version but I like these smalls. Great way to profit from scraps.

Thanks for all the knowledge!! That dresser up on the wall is really cool btw!

This is exactly what I needed. The 20 dollar price point makes so much sense. I've been struggling to sell cutting boards for 40 bucks at vendor shows because most people aren't prepared to spend that much. These suggestions were great. Thank you, my friend!

I really love the idea of smalls, especially like coasters. They're not only quick and easy but they're very simple to ship!

Smalls have been my focus due to currently having limited money and work space. Luckily I have a bit of scrap wood and always on the lookout for the free stuff. I watch for broken furniture I can reinvent in parts as im always thinking outside the box. I appreciate you tips and enjoyed the video.

My brother you have inspired me. 4 years ago I started building things here in my apartment with some stained pallet wood that I had left over from a project. I started during the pandemic then I wound up turning myself off to it because I wasn't able to purchase anything in person and online prices where nuts. never thought of just hitting places for pallets and then the pricing I was lost on so as we speak I have about 45 shelf candle holders and candles that I didn't do nothing with and watching this video and others from your channel have given me the push I needed. thank you for explaining things so selfishly and for you your help in making me get that push again

Very important point, constantly thinking outside the box. Others will catch up with anything you make that sells well. You have to be constantly creating and inventing. Never get comfortable.

You got me scratching my head - How'd he think of that? Just when I thought you couldn't get any better, you go and pull out the squirrel table. Well, I'll be darned - That's some clever engineering right dur. I'm hooked!

Brother in Christ! Amen. Thank you for your amazing videos an willingness to share your success stories.

You come up with some really creative ideas that we all can use and such simple and small items don't take much investment of time or money. Thanks again for helping the rest of us out

What a wonderful and generous piece of advice. I'm constantly trying to help young people to understand the importance of the side hustle. Give up your free time and get working on your freedom. I will surely pass this on.

I just freaking love how you are always finding ways to be a Proud Poppa and show off the things that you are proud of your kids for making ❤ it's so heartwarming 😊

I really enjoy videos like these. I can't wait to start wood working.

I appreciate this video I’m a finish carpenter , projects have been slow for me. I have a lot of time and was thinking of building from home. I like what you said about building smaller easier items with bigger over head vs a big piece and little profit and more time consuming. It really motivates me to go out and do it . Thanks brotha

you could drill holes in the squirrel table and make it hold mustard ketchup and other condiments as a center piece for picnic tables.

Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom. I love how you use leftovers I hate wasting. You have inspired me I was diagnosed with autoimmune illness and can't work. But I'm not ready to retire I've always been a go go go hard worker. You have given me ideas I can make and feel like I'm contributing to my household I have 10 kids and although most are over 18 now I still have weddings and Babies to pay for and your ideas for wedding decor and ways to make money have given me joy and helped pull me out of major depression. Thank you thank you and God bless your an angel in earth.

Been looking forward to this one. Thank you for sharing brother. My wife and I are actually paying today to reserve our spot at a future market so great timing.

This is great information. I sometimes have a hard time thinking "outside the box" or creatively. I don't throw out any scrap wood.

One way to tell a person is successful in what they do, is that they are willing to share and pass on that knowledge to others without fear of competition or being outdone. Thank you for your wisdom and knowledge amigo.

Really enjoy the video I'm 71 and still working but want to retire and get into a little bit of Woodworking and making the Smalls it seemed like the smalls. Are where it's at thank you for the video again very inspiring love the scrap wood cross that your kids made

I love your contagious inspiration!! I love diy’s … I have so much wood left over from different projects. I can’t wait to let my mind go rogue Thank you!!!

i only stumbled across this video and im very appreciative for the time you took to make it. ive always been the crafty type; with my particular shine being able to make repairs with whatever i happen to have lying around…but your video has given my creative flame a new spark and given me that excited to explore feeling…thanks

If I could give this 5 more thumbs up I would. I was fixing to go in to furniture manufacturing before wood prices went up. The sale small is such a great idea

I agree 100 percent. People want grab and go items. You may get that custom sale once in a while, but smalls are the way to go.

Amen brother! Just subscribed because of the knowledge and ideas you imparted on me. Thanks and God bless you!

Smalls are more apt to sell. People will part with 20 bucks really fast on a impulse buy, but its a lot harder to get them to spend 150 bucks unless its somthing they asked for or was in the market for.

I have a cnc and have been making custom coasters for myself and friends. One thing I struggle with is pricing them to cover my time and cost of materials.

I recently inherited my father’s entire wood shop. I can’t wait to get started. I have shop smith lathe table saw combo, drill press, band saw planer ect.

Thanks for the tips! Loved it. Also i go to home depot and Lowe's and go thru thier wood and find warped or marked wood that 80% is usable and get 70% off. I turn $100 worth of into $30 paid and still can use the 20% up in other projects.

Thanks again Matt I always feel like you're talking right to me I know it's very selfish but if you eat me in my mind Street when coming to try to really start this thing! Is it w i watch on a regular but there's a couple of you I really helped me keep the focus and not procrastinate and not think that I have to do big start anything so I appreciate that I really like working with wood and learning more it's been years since I got to do this and that's where I can most at peace clear my head and just feel positive. thank you again you're awesome

Thank you so much for this video. Sometimes we just need something to stimulate the creative juices. Another great thing to do is walk around stores. I remember walking around Michael's craft store and Ace Hardware/Ben Franklin's store (this might be a New England store) and my jaw hit the floor with the prices of things I could make myself without any skills. Remember to just take the idea and put your own twist to it so you're not inadvertently stealing someone's work. I appreciate videos like this!

Your channel is by far my favorite for this kind of stuff. Been tinkering for years but always struggled with good ideas and focusing on "smalls". Thank you so much, you really helped it all click for me.

Honey, remember that gift you made for me🥰 you need to make 10,000 by next Friday 😂

Great video just what I needed, I started woodworking as a hobby to make things for myself. Now that I know a little more I want to start selling items. This is the inspiration I needed thank you

So I am a youth pastor and I think this could be a great kind of thing for our students to do for raising funds for camps, etc...! Thanks for this video!

I’m new to the idea of turning my wood working into actual way of making money and I so needed this video! Thank you!!

Your videos are amazing…..as a newer woodworker (almost a year) I am always interested in challenging myself and skill set. However it would be nice to actually make and sell things to recoup the cost of my ever expanding shop tool collection. Although I may not have a huge drive to make some of the more simple items your displaying I also understand my skills aren’t quite to the level where I could get top dollar for a kitchen table, desk, or other higher end items I have made for my own home. Passion to create is what started me on this journey but you really bring an amazing perspective especially on what I can do with the multiple 30 gallon trash cans full of scrap that I have 👍 and make some money too. The cedar fence picket tip itself is amazing, I would have never thought of that one on my own……thank you thank you thank you🙏

Matthew, your ideas are inspiring!

bro i know im late but you opened my mind on mini woodworking projects and you have some of the best ideas ive seen yet.

I love the way you think. Your Using Common Sense, Ingenuity And Your Creativity Abilities God Gave You. Great Ideas. 😉

Thank you for the video. You have helped me tremendously. I like to build bigger things but, have been thinking about small items. Just didn't know how to go about it and ideas of what to build. I have a really nice flea market close by a well small-town family-owned lumber yard. Thank you again.

Amazing. I have always wanted a side gig to build up my Rambo funds. I just wish I had a extra space to build. Thanks for the cool ideas

Such a great concept. As a consumer I remember going to Los Cabo’s I wanted to buy 2 oversized mugs in the Mexican pottery. The cheapest I found was $32 US for 1 mug Needless to say I didn’t buy any. I noticed that very few tourists were walking around with any purchases. They charge so much that no one buys anything, but if they had used this concept they would have sold way more. It’s true almost everyone has $20 to spend. So if you have a selection of $20 or less in your sales booth you will catch those $20 customer. Great advice as always Matthew. Love your videos

Great video ! I appreciate the way you think. I have my own shop at home. Nothing fancy, but with my tools, and "free finds" I create all kinds of groovy things. I don't make a ton of money, but we consider it extra. Plus, it's a great outlet for my mind.

Great advise and idea's as always Matthew. Keep'em coming.

I've been using cedar fence pickets for years. It's nuts and sad to see them go from $1.38 to almost $5 each.

I love that coasters idea. Friggin genius.

Iv got soo much wood left over building my own house..... im electrician but love wood working my workshop needs an upgrade and iv the tools this stiff has gave inspired ideas cheers mate

Wow! This was super helpful to watch and inspiring too! I was just looking around on here for some ideas on how to make some "extra" money by using my more artistic side. Because I am a single mom and work hard at my regular job 9-5 four days a week. But it just isn't enough income. I mean we are basically just surviving and not thriving financially on my income. So watching this really helped me see I can think outside the box and truly start thriving! Do you have a video sharing which power tools are best for beginners and affordable? I am thinking I need a sander and a jigsaw. I have a drill already. Any advice on that would be very helpful too! Thank you!!!

This is fantastic advice. I'm struggling to get the maples and walnuts that I want but furring strips are super easy to get and will fit in my family sedan. And I bet routing a keyhole in the back would cut cost even more! Don't even need to buy the sawtooth hangers.

Love it man. I'm always making stuff from nothing and generally giving them away to friends and family ... Not any more buddy. Thanks 🙂

I work in Information Technology and randomly came across this channel at 2am. I want to start doing other things when I’m not busy working from home. I will start up my first project tomorrow!

"YOU DA MAN " Matthew. You keep these great videos coming and you're gonna blow right through 100,000 subscribers and reach far greater numbers. everything about your channel is great. content...check. topics... check. quality of video...check. info sharing... check. and, just simply enjoyable to watch. keep "reachin and teachin"

Very cool! Great tips on wood species and sizes. Wall art is a great idea, I would love to make my own now, you inspired me!😊 I should have made my own coat rack too, simple easy. Storage crates, planter boxes...so many projects, so little time!

I just enjoyed listening to you descriping the business. May I say that you have hit the nail on the head. Building simply and small is a profitable . Chris

That's awesome. Thank you for all the cool ideas. 👍