Here’s how to make a funny cat butt bottle opener gift on a budget with magnets to catch the cap tops! Includes a free cat butt art template that you can download for free and cut around.
This project was created as part of my 12 Days of Giftmas for woodworkers series.
Overview: A Funny, Practical DIY Gift
Make a memorable and inexpensive gift: a cat butt bottle opener with built-in magnets to catch the caps. This playful woodworking project combines basic shop skills with a little creative shaping and simple magnet installation. It’s an ideal present for friends who enjoy beer, novelty décor, or handmade items. The design is compact, inexpensive to make, and customizable with paint, stain, or simple woodburning.
Materials
- A small piece of hardwood or plywood (a 6″ x 3″ blank is a good starting point).
- One metal bottle opener insert or a standard flat bottle opener blade.
- Two to four small neodymium magnets (6 mm to 10 mm diameter are common).
- Wood glue and epoxy (for securing the opener and magnets).
- Sanding paper (120, 220, 320 grit).
- Finish: food-safe oil like mineral oil or a light polyurethane for a durable surface.
- Optional: paint, stain, woodburning pen, and a printed cat butt art template to trace and cut around.
Tools
- Jigsaw or coping saw for cutting the outline.
- Drill and drill bits sized for your magnets and mounting screws.
- Router with a small bit for making a shallow recess (optional).
- Clamps and a square for assembly.
- Files or a carving knife for shaping curves.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the blank: Start with a smooth, flat piece of wood. Transfer the cat butt template onto the blank and trim the outline roughly with a jigsaw or coping saw.
2. Shape and refine: Use files, rasps, and sandpaper to refine the shape and soften edges. Keep the back flat so the opener sits against a wall or board cleanly. Aim for a comfortable handhold where needed.
3. Recess for the bottle opener: Mark the area where the metal opener will sit. Use a router or chisel to create a shallow recess so the opener sits flush. Dry-fit the metal piece and make any adjustments.
4. Install the opener: Apply epoxy to the recess and press the metal opener in place. Clamp or hold until the adhesive cures. If your metal opener has mounting holes, use small screws countersunk slightly for extra security.
5. Add the magnets: Drill shallow holes at the lower edge of the opener where bottle caps will naturally fall. Press-fit or glue the magnets into these holes with a small amount of epoxy. Position them so they reliably catch caps without being too exposed.
6. Finish sanding: Progress through finer grits of sandpaper until the surface is smooth. Pay special attention to areas that will be painted or stained.
7. Apply finish: Use a food-safe oil for a natural look, or a clear coat for more durability. Let the finish cure according to the product instructions.
Tips for Success
- Use hardwoods (maple, cherry, walnut) for a durable, attractive result; plywood is fine for a budget version.
- Test magnet strength before final installation. Neodymium magnets hold caps well but should be recessed slightly for safety.
- If using paint, mask the metal opener and magnets to avoid clogging them with finish.
- Consider adding a hanging hole or keyhole slot on the back for wall mounting.
Customization and Presentation
This project is highly customizable. Paint the cat’s fur, add a signature glaze, or woodburn small details like whiskers. Personalize the back with a carved message or the recipient’s initials. For gifting, place the opener on a small backing board or in a kraft gift box with a ribbon for a polished presentation.
Safety and Maintenance
Handle strong neodymium magnets with care; they can pinch skin and attract metal quickly. Keep magnets away from small children and electronic devices. Periodically check that the opener and magnets remain secure; reapply adhesive if needed. Clean the metal opener occasionally with a damp cloth to remove residue.
Why This Makes a Great DIY Gift
A cat butt bottle opener is humorous, useful, and shows care in craftsmanship. It’s inexpensive to make, requires only basic tools, and offers room for creative finishing touches. Whether made for holidays, birthdays, or as a stocking stuffer, this small woodworking project delivers a big smile.
If you want the free cat butt art template, print and cut it out to use as a traceable pattern for your blank. Follow these steps and you’ll have a durable, magnet-equipped bottle opener that’s both functional and delightfully silly — a perfect handmade gift from a woodworker.