Handcrafted Wig Stands: A Gift of Comfort for Cancer Patients

At OVWG, we believe in using our skills to give back. Through our community service program, our members create and donate handcrafted wooden wig stands to cancer patients. These stands provide not only a practical way to store wigs but also a symbol of care and encouragement during a challenging time.

Why It Matters

Cancer affects so many of us—our families, friends, and neighbors. By turning wood into something meaningful, we offer patients a reminder that they are not alone.

The Benefits of a Handcrafted Wig Stand

✅ Comfort & Convenience – Helps maintain the shape and style of wigs, making daily use easier.

✅ Emotional Support – A beautifully crafted stand offers encouragement and dignity.

✅ Unique & Handmade Quality – Each stand is an artisan-crafted, one-of-a-kind gift.

✅ Community Generosity – Showcases the kindness of woodturners and volunteers.

✅ Sustainability – Made from natural wood, providing a durable and eco-friendly alternative.

How You Can Help

🔨 Volunteer to Turn Wig Stands

Are you a woodturner? Join us in creating these meaningful pieces! We offer templates, kits, Open Shop sessions, and access to Learning Center equipment.

🎨 Get Creative with Design

We welcome collaborations with high school art programs, local artists, and youth groups to decorate wig stands. This is a great way for students to earn service hours while making a difference!

🌳 Donate Materials

Have extra hardwood pieces or scraps? Help us supply members with the materials needed to create these stands. Donations from lumber suppliers and woodworking shops are greatly appreciated.

📦 Help with Distribution

We partner with cancer support organizations to ensure these stands reach those in need. If you are part of a group that provides wigs to patients, we’d love to work with you!

Join Us in Making a Difference

Every handcrafted wig stand represents compassion, generosity, and hope. If you’d like to contribute or learn more, contact us via email at webmaster@ovwg.org or connect with Jack Gormley (Community Director) or Dean Devin (Program Coordinator).

Together, we can turn wood into a meaningful gift for those facing cancer.

MATERIALS:

Blanks

• Top:  6” square x 5” thick
• Spindle (stem):    15” long x 2” square
• Base: 7” square and 2” thick

Templates

• The circular templates are 1/8” hardboard with the center located. 
• The top (mushroom) template is 5” diameter.
• The base template is 6” diameter. 

Wig Stand Kit

•  Top:  5” diameter, 2” thick (Range: 4”- 6” diameter, 2”- 3” thick)
•  Spindle (stem): 12” long (Range: 10”- 15” long, longer length may require wider base diameter)   
•  Base: 6” diameter, 1.5” thick (diameter should be 20% larger than the top for stability, 1” -  2” thick)
• Assembled height should 13” - 15”

This video by Dean Grimes shows how to make a wig stand out of construction lumber. The creator challenges viewers to make their own and donate them to a local cancer center. The video details the steps involved in turning the wood, including shaping the top and bottom pieces and creating a spindle to connect them.