Itching for a Project Again

Not too long ago, I had a burst of enthusiasm and (with help), created an indoor bike stand. More recently, I installed a new car stereo and radiator in my wife's car (radiator was a not-so-planned project). As minor as these things are, the thrill of accomplishment is still fresh in my mind and I'm searching for another.

I am currently rather short on shelf space at home. I have a lot of DVDs, VHS tapes, video games, books, and CD cases which have nowhere to go; our shelves are overflowing. Likewise, happening upon my computer desk is routinely a disastrous encounter. Instead of just admitting that I don't keep my house clean, I was thinking that I should build myself some shelf space! I live in an apartment and don't really want to bolt much to the wall -- though I'm pretty sure it is permitted. Hinderance or design consideration? -- you make the call

Those who know me probably recognize that I have an unnaturally strong loathing for particleboard and plywood. I look for solid wood shelving units when I trot through the stores, but the selection seems hopelessly thin! I think I'm going to end up trying to make myself a solid wood shelf one of these days...

But first, I need a dose of reality. I have always considered myself a remarkably bad carpenter. I've botched more than a few wood working projects due to inattentiveness to details (like, uh, measuring!). But the bike stand turned out so usable that I just have to try another woodworking project!

Since I have a little wood left over from that, I was thinking of making a simple box to put my guitar amp in. Maybe even two of them, if I have enough wood and I like the results. I was thinking of doing something like this:

Simple box, revision 2. It's an idea...

Even if I had to buy the wood again, it should only cost about $15 for the wood. I was thinking about covering the outside with speaker-cabinet carpeting and adding foam padding to the inside. It sounds like fun, though I am not sure exactly how useful it will be.

It's an idea. And as I sit in a cold house by myself on a dark wintry night, productive project ideas at least keep my brain entertained for a few hours.