- Ages 7–10
- 1 hour
- Hand tools + drill
Marble Maze
A hand-tools, tilt-and-roll marble maze that gives young carpenters lots of short, satisfying cuts and a game they build and decorate themselves.
$10.00
- Ages 7–10
- 1 hour
- Hand tools + drill
Picture Frame (4x6 Photo)
This is a hand-tools picture frame plan for builders ages 7–10, sized to hold a 4x6 photo. It takes about 60–75 minutes and includes full-size templates, a cut list, a shopping list, and step-by-step build instructions. Every cut is made in a miter box, with a grown-up handling the plywood back and the drilling.
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Project specs
| Age group | Ages 7–10 |
|---|---|
| Project length | 1 hour |
| Build time | 60-75 minutes |
| Tools | Hand tools + drill |
| Finished size | 6-1/2in x 8-1/2in on the outside edge; holds a 4x6 photo |
| Measurements | Imperial (inches) |
| Pages | 7-page PDF |
| Price | Home $7.00 · Classroom & Group $14.00 |
About this project
Your builder will measure, mark, and cut four pine rails with real 45 degree miters, then glue and tape the corners into a square frame before screwing on a plywood back that holds a 4x6 photo in place. Because the back is screwed on (not nailed or glued), photos can be swapped out any time — a nice way to keep the frame in use long after the build is done.
Every cut happens in a miter box with a back saw, so there's no freehand sawing. A grown-up cuts the plywood back to size and handles the drilling, while your builder measures, cuts, glues, tapes, and drives the screws that hold it all together. It's a short, satisfying project — the kind of thing that can go from lumber to a gift on the mantel in one sitting.
Skills you'll practice
- Measuring and marking along an edge
- Cutting accurate 45 degree miters in a miter box
- Gluing and taping corners square
- Driving screws with a stubby screwdriver
- Reading a cut list and full-size templates
Questions
What size photo does this frame hold?
A standard 4x6 photo. The plywood back and opening are sized for it.
Does this project need power tools?
No saws — every cut is made by hand in a miter box. The only power tool involved is a drill, which a grown-up uses to drill and countersink the screw holes in the plywood back.
How long does this build take?
About 60 to 75 minutes, according to the plan.
What lumber do I need to buy?
One 4 ft length of 1x2 pine for the rails and one 2 x 2 ft piece of 1/4" plywood for the back.
Can my child change the photo later?
Yes. The back is held on with screws instead of glue or nails, so it can be unscrewed to swap in a new photo.
What if the miter cuts come out a little crooked?
That's okay — the plan has your builder glue and tape the corners tight before the back goes on, which helps pull things square, and a little sanding and decorating covers the rest.
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