When I was in HS, I took wood shop(easiest 3 credits next to P.E.), I made a few things on the large lathe, a short fat bat, an 8"-10" x 6" deep pot( no lid); I almost lost the back of my right hand using the bandsaw to cut the corners off to make it easier to lathe, the block of wood just barely was cut ,my hand slipped past the blade and grazed the back of the blade(thank goodness). Through magazines;I made a 16 drawer DVD cabinet in last 10 years,still have it. I made a 12 drawer with cabinet dresser with a split top around '00. I make paper towel holders from red oak(or any wood),lathe the post using same wood(i can buy a 1 1/2 sq. x 24" piece of red oak withe the 1 x 8(7 1/2) x 4 piece of red oak(turn the board 90 degrees on the radial arm,slide the board up to the blade,put a stop block opposite the blade, run the board up to the fence and the block to make a square base). Cut the 1.5"sq to 14" long,find center on each end, put the drive center in one end and place on shaft to turn it;other end to tail drive( I have a ShopSmith 510, 5 tools in one). I'll cut the corners off by tilting the table to 45 degrees,adjust the fence. I have a welding machine to incorporate metal with wood. WoodSmith has a lot of free plans, several that have to buy, I'm waiting for a new season,without several of the crew. What kind of crafts does your wife make?