I thought I would share a few tips/tricks I've learned over the years:

  1. Q-tips and Toothpicks: good for painting/staining/gluing 

small hard to reach areas.

  2. T-pins: good for hanging small painted/stained items while they dry.

  3. Scotch tape: good for many things, including holding parts together for assembly, marking where an item should be nailed/screwed, preventing glue from leaking from an item, etc.

  4. Wood filler, fine sanding, and paint,  work wonders on slightly flawed wood.

  5. Small screws and/or pin nails combined with wood glue make assembled items much more sturdy.

  6. Emery boards are great for gentle sanding in hard to reach areas of an item.