of men and mandolins

It’s always a challenge to figure out what to get my husband for Christmas. Last year he mentioned that he’d really like to receive a build it yourself mandolin kit. Ok, he actually emailed me the link with a couple of different choices. I thought this was terrific because I was sure to pick out something that he would like. I’ve gotta tell ya’ll that gift had to be one of the most well received I’ve ever given. His eyes lit up as he promptly set to work ripping open the box.

He’s spent the past four months thoroughly enjoying building this kit. As far as I know he’s never built anything quite like it before so it was a complete learning process from start to finish. I’m so proud of him for building this beautiful instrument! He’s documented the process from start to finish so please share them with the woodworking fans in your lives.

Comments

[Vanessa]

Love the mandolin. I was given a mandolin for my birthday from my boy. Although, I didn't build it myself. But knowing my musician man, he would have been over the moon for something like that. Although he plays the vintage upright base. I adore the Mandolin!It turned out wonderfully!! don't you think??? Great Job!!!! Oh, how great!!!!

[Julia]

Felicia- this is a beautiful work of art. He should be very proud. What a great gift! I gave my man a beer homebrewing kit (Well, it's still in the IOU phase, but he's got the book to keep him busy! Maybe I should get on that one now that I have a job? hehe)

[moogan]

how amazing is that! first, congrats to you for scoring so well on the gift front. Secondly, I know it was a kit but how crafty is your husband. That looks great! Has he started playing yet?

[lera]

That is very impressive. Great gift idea (even if it was his idea).

[Shirley Goodwin]

I must admit that's gift I would never have thought of - I doubt that you could buy such a thing here. But what a terrific longlasting gift it was, and will continue to bring pleasure. Now I'm humming "Mandolin Winds"....

[sarah]

Oooh!! How Beautiful!! I especially love the tree in the middle. Does your hubby play mandolin? Or just wanted to build it? I'll check out his documentary!

[Natasha]

WOW- A. your husband asked for a mandolin kit B. he did an awesome job making it!! C. WOW

My husband is so on the lines of Julia's but without the kit hehe.

[Brenda]

That is awesome, and so neat that he documented each step too.

[katie]

wow that is impressive. I've never even heard of such a kit!

[Jennifer]

That is an incredible gift!

[Mrs.Staggs]

It's beautiful and something to be treasured.
An accomplishment to be proud of and an heirloom in the making.
It's a favorite instrument of mine. I would love to hear him play it.

[Barb]

It feels good when a gift is so well received. It came out beautiful!

[melissa]

i can't believe your husband made this himself. it's bee-autiful. especially that fine little tree in the middle. Does he play it now?

[nova]

You are a very good wife. My husband would have sent me links to build it yourself boats! That mandolin is beautiful.

[Tracy]

You DH's mandolin is beautiful...He did a wonderful job! I didn't know you could build 'em yourself from a kit though. Can you plese post the link for a site to order these from? My DH has been wanting to learn to play the mandolin for a while. But built-it-yourself is a great gift idea. Has you DH been playing it, making sweet music? Going to read about his process...wow!

[Judy]

I am impressed...it is lovely!