I've been wanting to try my hand at rustic furniture for awhile but wasn't sure where to start. Then one day I tripped over my guitar and thought I really needed a guitar stand. Light bulb! I'll make one out of wood. It was an easy project and a good one for my first project and instructable.

Step 1: Go Stick Hunting

First things first, had to get some wood. Fortunately I have an abundant amount of wood on my acreage and found some Manitoba Maple that needed to be cut down by the barn. It has a nice soft white color and easy to peel. I had a rough idea of design in my head so I grabbed some different pieces that I thought would work. I cut the wood in October and let it sit for 2 months to dry. The sticks were all between 1 1/2" and 2" in diameter so I gave it enough time to dry ( I think). I just stored it in my basement under the stairs. I used my guitar for measurements and had someone hold my guitar onto my base piece while I held up other pieces to ensure that they would work for stability and fit to the guitar.

Step 2: The Tools

Tools required for this project are simple. I used a draw knife, woodworker knife, chisel, cordless drill, 1/2" and 3/8" wood drill bits, saw, clamp, 120 gr sandpaper, wood glue, measuring tape.

Step 3: Let the Bark Fly

I used the draw knife for the bigger pieces and the wood worker's knife and chisel for smaller ones, all in all went rather smooth. Only cut myself twice, and only once was a deep one. I peeled the wood while it was still green and it peeled off rather easily. Looking online for references for drying time and when to peel varied, so I just did what I thought seemed would work. Once peeled and dry I hand sanded the pieces with 120 gr sand paper. I wanted to keep the knife marks from peeling for the real rustic look, just sanded enough to smooth edges and to take care of any splinters that were plotting on jabbing me under the fingernails.

Step 4: Time to Build

Now you may be looking at the picture and wondering what you are looking at. It is the end of my upright piece with a dowel in the end. Unfortunately I do not own or can afford a tenon cutter at this time so I used wood dowels. I prefer not to nail or use screws but as it dries I may have to. I attempted to make my own tenon with my chisel, but did not work as well as I imagined it would in my head. Could not get it to fit tight, maybe you will have more luck. Anyway I used 1/2" dowel on the base and 3/8" dowel on the top. I used a 1/2" bit and 3/8" bit and had a nice tight fit for my dowels. I marked my drill bit with tape to ensure I had proper depth for dowel. I gave an extra 1/8" on both ends for glue. My dowels were 1" in length. After attaching pieces I placed guitar on to stand to ensure proper alignment before I clamped them to let glue dry.

Step 5: Yay It's Done!

After glue had set I placed my guitar on and enjoyed my simple yet unique stand. There are many ways to finish it, paint, stain or leave it natural. I will probably put a clear finish on it to protect and bring the natural color out more. Anyway that is that, hope you enjoyed my first instructable :) Hmmmmm now I wonder what a rustic chair to match my guitar stand would be like...........