How to Make Unique Wooden Clips Using Proxxon MICROMOT Tools

There’s something deeply satisfying about turning small offcuts of wood into beautiful, functional objects. These little wooden clips—perfect as scarf pins, shawl closures, bag fasteners, or decorative accents—are a wonderful example of how simple tools and thoughtful shaping can transform scraps into something special.

I first saw these online, and knew this was a project perfect for  Proxxon tools. I make these clips using two of my favorite woodworking tools: the Bandsaw and the Bench Drill Press. Their precision and small footprint make them ideal for crafting projects where detail matters.

These Wooden Clips Are Fun to Make

• They require only small pieces of wood—perfect for using up scraps.

• Each one turns out slightly different, giving them a handmade, organic charm.

• The project is quick: you can batch several in an afternoon.

• Used as bag clips, they are both practical and beautiful.

• They make lovely gifts or add-ons to other handmade projects.

Materials & Equipment

• Hardwood scraps such as walnut, maple, cherry, or oak

• Proxxon Bandsaw MBS/EP

• Proxxon Bench Drill Press TMB 115

• Proxxon Delta sander

• Mini Wood Clips Template

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare and Attach the Template Print the mini wood clips template and mount on the hardwood blank. Cover one side of the blank with painter's tape. Mist the back side of the patterns with spray adhesive, and mount on the taped blank. The painter's tape makes removal of the pattern easy without leaving any sticky residue. Make sure the length of the clips are aligned with the grain for strength.

Step 2: Cut the Shape on the Bandsaw Use your Proxxon bandsaw mounted with the scroll saw band to cut around the exterior outline of the clip. This particular band is specially made to give clean, controlled cuts on the tightest curves.

Step 3: Drill the Stress-Relief Hole Mount bench drill press with a bit appropriate in size to the clip and the hole on the pattern. Drill the stress-relief hole at the base of the clip. A piece of waste wood under the clip helps minimize tear-out.

Step 4: Cut the Center Slit on the Bandsaw Now, return to the bandsaw and cut the center slit on the clip. 

Step 4: Sand for a Silky Finish Move through progressively finer grits of sandpaper—120 to 400—using the Delta sander as well as hand sanding to to achieve a perfect finish.

Step 6: Apply a Natural Finish Wipe away dust and apply a food‑safe oil. Buff until the clip is free of any residual surface oils. Hardwoods like maple, cherry, or walnut look especially beautiful with a simple hand oiled finish.

Ideas for Using These Wooden Clips

• Bag closures for snacks and other bagged foods

• Shawl or scarf closures

• Decorative accents on bags or hats

• Gift toppers

• Hair accessories

They’re small, tactile, and endlessly customizable—perfect for makers who love turning scraps into treasures. These wooden clips are a joy to make, especially with the precision of the Proxxon bandsaw and the reliability of a bench drill press. They’re quick, satisfying, and a great way to explore shaping, drilling, and finishing on a small scale.

Carole

How to Make Lucet Forks

A lucet fork is a traditional cord‑making tool used since Viking times. It creates a sturdy, square length of cord. Once you learn the rhythm, it’s a relaxing, almost meditative craft.

Lucets are believed to date back to Viking and Medieval periods, where they were used to make cords for clothing, belt attachments, and everyday fastening needs. Early examples of lucets are double‑pronged bones, sometimes with a center hole for drawing the cord through. 

Today—and historically—lucet cords served a variety uses:

• Drawstrings for bags and garments

• Shoelaces and clothing laces

• Belt hangings

• Decorative trims

• Couchwork and embroidery accents

Lucet forks are simple, satisfying tools to make—perfect for scrap wood and a great beginner‑friendly woodworking project. With Proxxon MICROMOT tools you can create smooth, ergonomic lucets that feel wonderful in the hand and look beautiful in photos.

Supplies and Equipment:

• Hardwood scraps (¼”–⅜” thick works best)

• Lucet templates 

• Proxxon Bandsaw MBS/EP

• Proxxon Bench Drill Press TMB 115

• Proxxon Flexishaft 110/P with sanding drum

• Sandpaper (120–400 grit)

Let's Make a Lucet:

Step 1: Prepare and Attach the Template

Print the lucet template and mount on the hardwood blank. Cover one side of the blank with painter's tape. Mist the back side of the patterns with spray adhesive, and mount on the taped blank. The painter's tape makes removal of the pattern easy without leaving any sticky residue. Make sure the prongs and handle are aligned with the grain for strength.

Step 2: Cut the Shape on the Bandsaw

Use your Proxxon bandsaw mounted with the scroll saw band to cut around the outline of the lucet. This particular band is specially made to give clean, controlled cuts on the tightest curves.

Step 3: Drill the Center Hole

Use the bench drill press mounted with a ¼” blade to drill the cord‑exit hole at the base of the prongs. A piece of waste wood under the lucet helps minimize tear-out.

Step 4: Refine the Shape with the Flexishaft

Attach a sanding drum to the flexishaft and begin smoothing the curves. The flexishaft gives you precision control—ideal for the tight curves around the prongs.You can also mount a sanding drum in the bench drill press to simulate a spindle sander. This sanding step is essential for a smooth, comfortable, ergonomic tool. Focus on: rounding the prong tips, softening the inside notch, smoothing the handle edges, and blending any saw marks. 

Flexishaft mounted with sanding drum

Sanding drum mounted on bench drill press

Step 5: Sand for a Silky Finish

Move through grits from 120 to 400, using the Delta sander as well as sanding by hand to remove any remaining scratches. Pay special attention to the areas where yarn will glide: the prong tops and the inner notch. A smooth surface prevents snagging.

Step 6: Apply a Natural Finish

Wipe away dust and apply a food‑safe oil. Buff until the lucet is free of any residual surface oils. Hardwoods like maple, cherry, or walnut look especially beautiful with a simple hand oiled finish.

You can find excellent instructions for using your lucet at https://hearthookhome.com/lucet-fork-tutorial.

Carole

DIY Charming Keepsake—Miniature Wooden Rocking Horse

There’s something timeless about a wooden rocking horse—especially in miniature form. This little project is perfect for gift‑giving, holiday décor, or adding a nostalgic touch to a nursery shelf. In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through how to make a miniature rocking horse using a Proxxon bandsaw, Delta sander, and a bench drill press. A downloadable pattern will be available so you can trace and cut the pieces with confidence.

Equipment and Supplies You’ll Need:

Tools

• Proxxon Bandsaw MBS/EP
• Proxxon Bench Drill Press TMB 115
• Proxxon Flexishaft 110/P
• Clamps

Supplies

• Two 6” x 2” x ½" hardwood, Baltic birch plywood, or MDF blank for rockers

• One 5¾” x 4” x ¾" hardwood, Baltic birch plywood, or MDF blank for horse body

• 1½” length of ¼" dowel for the handle

• Liquid wood glue

• Sandpaper (120, 220, 320 grits)

• Paint, stain, or clear finish

• Miniature Rocking Horse Pattern

• Rocker Alignment Template

Let’s Make a Miniature Wooden Rocking Horse:

Step 1: Prepare the Pattern and Wood Blank

• Print the Miniature Rocking Horse Pattern.
• So that the rockers are absolutely identical stack the two 6” x 2” x ½" together.
  
  
  
• Mount the patterns on blanks. Cover one side of the blank with painter's tape. Mist the back side of the patterns with spray adhesive, and mount on the taped blank. The painter's tape made removal of the patterns easy without leaving any sticky residue.

Step 2: Cut the Shapes on the Bandsaw

• Use the bandsaw mounted with the extra narrow scroll saw band to cut out the rockers and horse.
  
  
  
• Take your time—let the blade do the work.
• Cut ¼" dowel to 1½" length.

Step 3: Smooth and Shape with the Flexishaft

• Mount a sanding drum onto the flexishaft and sand edges of the horse and rocker.
  
  
  
• Round over the edges of the horse body for a softer, more toy‑like feel.

Step 4: Drill the Handle Hole

• With a piece of scrap wood under the horse, drill the hole for the dowel rod handles.
  
  
  

Step 5: Apply Your Choice of Finish to Your Miniature Rocking Horse

• Natural look: Sand to 320 grit and apply a clear satin finish.
• Vintage style: Use a light stain and dry‑brush white paint for a distressed effect.
• Playful color: Paint the horse in soft pastels or bold folk‑art tones.
• Holiday version: Add tiny holly leaves, stars, or a red saddle.

Step 6: Assemble the Rocking Horse

• Glue the dowel rod handle in place.
• Use liquid wood glue to attach the horse body to the one of the rockers. Use the Rocker Alignment Template to ensure it sits centered and balanced.
  
  
  
• Clamp and let dry fully.
  
  
  
• Glue remaining rocker in place.

Creative Uses

• Nursery shelf décor
• Gift‑topper for baby showers
• Christmas ornaments (just add a screw eye and ribbon)
• Keepsake for handmade craft fairs
• Miniature toy for dollhouses

This miniature rocking horse is a delightful woodworking project that combines precision cutting, gentle shaping, and creative finishing. With your Proxxon tools, you’ll have everything you need to craft a sweet little heirloom.

Carole

Country Chic Easter Lamb Wall Decoration

There’s something irresistibly charming about handmade Easter décor—especially when it’s crafted from wood and finished with soft, rustic details. This sweet wooden lamb is a perfect spring project: simple, serene, and full of farmhouse personality. Using your Proxxon scroll saw and a bit of white FolkArt acrylic paint, you can create a timeless piece that works beautifully in tiered trays, mantel displays, or Easter centerpieces.

Materials and Equipment:

• ½" or ¾" hardwood, MDF, or Baltic birch plywood

• ¼” hardwood, MDF, or Baltic birch plywood

• Proxxon Bandsaw MBS/EP

• Proxxon Bench Drill Press TMB 115

• Proxxon scroll saw

• Easter Lamb Pattern 

• White FolkArt acrylic paint

• Twine or jute cord

• Painter’ tape

Let's Make the Easter Lamb

Step 1: Prepare and Transfer the Pattern

1. Print the Easter Lamb Pattern.

2. Mount the patterns on blanks. Cover one side of the blank with painter's tape. Mist the back side of the patterns with spray adhesive, and mount on the taped blank. The painter's tape made removal of the patterns easy without leaving any sticky residue. 

   
   
   

Step 2: Cut the Lamb Shape 

1. Use the bandsaw mounted with the extra narrow scroll saw band to cut out the lamb.

2. Take your time—let the blade do the work.

3. Once the outline is complete, lightly sand the edges to remove fuzzies and refine the silhouette.

   
   
   

Step 3: Cut the Heart Charm

1. Fit the scroll saw with a fine‑tooth blade suitable for tight curves.

2. Use the bench drill press to drill a pilot hole for the scroll saw blade in the interior heart shape.

   
    

3. Drill the small hole above the heart for hanging the charm.

4. Use the scroll saw to cut out the heart charm.

5. Note: A ¼" disc cut from a large dowel rod can serve as a blank for the heart charm.

Step 4: Smooth and Prep the Surface

1. Sand the entire lamb with 120 grit, then 220 grit.

2. Round over the edges slightly for a softer look.

3. Wipe away dust with a dry cloth.

Step 5: Paint with White FolkArt Acrylic

White FolkArt acrylic paint gives this lamb its clean, bright, springtime look.

1. Apply the first coat using a flat brush, following the grain.

   
   
   

2. Let it dry completely.

3. Add a second coat for full coverage.

4. Optionally, dry‑brush a tiny bit of light gray around the edges for dimension, or add a soft blush of pink inside the ears.

Step 5: Add the Rustic Bow and Heart Charm

This little detail brings the whole piece to life.

1. Cut a length of twine and tie it around the lamb’s neck.

2. Add the small wooden heart charm.

3. Secure the heart with a dab of wood glue if needed.

Ways to Use Your Wooden Easter Lamb

• Add it to a tiered tray with moss, eggs, and mini carrots.

• Display it on a mantel with spring greenery.

• Use it as a centerpiece accent for Easter brunch.

• Pair it with wooden bunnies or chicks for a full farmhouse set.

• Make multiples in different sizes for a “flock” effect.

  
  
  

Other Country Chic projects include:

• Country Chic Cow

• Country Chic Valentine Peg People

• Country Chic Sheep

• Country Chic Pig

• Country Chic Bird

• Country Chic Chick

• Country Chic Three Cats

• Country Chic Cuts of Pork

• Country Chic Hen

• Country Chic Holiday Reindeer

Carole