There are some woodworkers out there who know exactly what their next project is. That new workbench. The dining room table. The book shelves in the den.

And, if you do know exactly what your next project is – go forth and build.

However, if you are like me now, you may be finding yourself between projects. I have a few ones on the horizon I need to start on, and after a busy December and January, I’m still sharpening, cleaning and doing other general tidying up. If you are in this situation, you should be building a decorative box.

“But, Tom, I don’t NEED a box.” I hear you out there. What the heck are you going to do with a small decorative box?  You don’t need more knick-knacks to dust, and your desk at work can’t possibly hold another thing.

However, decorative boxes are some of the coolest projects out there, and they can help you hone your woodworking skills like nothing else. Here are some of the reasons why I like them so:

* Reach for new designs. Do you build mostly Shaker style furniture? Just Arts and Crafts? Go out on a limb and stretch your sense of design. Find inspiration in nature, classic pieces of furniture, architecture… wherever. Go with the flow.

* They don’t require a great deal of material. If you have some treasured scrap offcuts cluttering your shop, they are perfect for a decorative box. Besides, if you really get fouled up, you can trim off the bad parts and build a smaller box (been there, done that, got the t-shirt).

* They are easy to move around. Last summer, I spent a lot of time hauling big cabinet boxes around for my friend Paul’s home office. Small boxes can be moved around the shop with little effort, and can be milled, joined, assembled and finished on a corner of your bench. You can also easily put them aside if you get involved in a larger project.

* Embrace your options. Want to try a new form of joinery? Hand cut dovetails. Build a box joint jig for your table saw. Perfect your splined miters. How about a new technique? Veneer. Frame and panel. All hand-tool construction. Thinking outside of the proverbial ‘box,’ you can develop new woodworking skills that can work on all different kinds of projects.

* They challenge you to do your best. Very few people will climb under the dining room table you build to check your joinery. Even fewer will attempt to pull down a wall-mounted cabinet to see how you attached the back. But, people will pick up boxes.  Hold them. Turn them in their hands. Examine them from all angles. Smaller projects with fewer pieces give you the opportunity to really take your time, but still finish before you grow tired of the project.

* They make awesome gifts. Sure, it’s only March, and it seems as if we just came out of a major gift-giving season. But, graduations are coming soon, as is the traditional wedding season in spring and early summer. It’s never too soon to start thinking about building something if you have a big event ahead. Small boxes are perfect for holding jewelry, photos and other small, precious items. Plus, they are insanely easy – and inexpensive –  to ship.

While you may not be a big fan of decorative boxes, there are some very good reasons to give them a go. You might just be surprised how much fun you have building them – and how much you will learn in the process.

Building things for yourself – and gifts for others – is one of the greatest pleasures in the shop. And, when it comes to these projects, the ones that get used the most are nearly always the most appreciated.

A picture frame to hold a treasured photo for a friend’s desk is a useful gift. A cutting board that’s used for meal prep – useful. A bookshelf that holds a child’s collection of picture books – useful.

A wooden project with a clock in it – wow. Impressively useful. Looked at several times a day to keep track of appointments, meal times and bed times. “Clocks are exceptionally useful,” said Tim Walter of Eagle America, “But, they are so much more… they become a focal point in the room and help make a statement.”

Tim pointed out that clocks can be built in all shapes, sizes and styles. They can hold pens and pencils, be part of the lid of a box, or something even more imaginative. “If you want to start small, small desk clocks can be built with dynamic designs and wild glue ups, or with more traditional forms. For these clocks, try going with a small clock insert. With just a forstner bit, you can turn your project into something timeless.”

Going larger, you can go into mantle clocks or hanging wall clocks. “Now we start getting into larger statement making clocks. Mantle clocks offer a great deal of flexibility in design and material choice. Inlays, moldings, different face options – these larger clocks are easier for all to see.” Tim also told me that many woodworkers love the challenge of building schoolhouse or regulator style clock – a clock with a hanging pendulum. Eagle America sells plans for those who would like to build their own clocks from scratch and seek out their own works, or kits which include the mechanical works.

“Then, there are the big ones.. the grandfather clocks. For those really looking to showcase their talents in a big way, a full sized case clock is definitely the way to go.” Eagle’s ultimate clock plan is a mission style, full height grandfather. While the plans call for the traditional white oak, remember, the woodworker is the boss. “You want to go out on a limb and make yours out of figured maple? Cherry? Something exotic? Go for it. After all, it’s your piece.”