I got really into Indian classical music at one point some years back. I was learning to play the tabla drums from a really skilled teacher that I got connected with through a friend. Was a great opportunity to learn an interesting skill and related to my overall musical interests.

Anyway, I got a basic set of tabla drums that came with a pair of supporting rings and covers. But the rings and covers weren't very good quality. So I went to hobby lobby and my hardware store and bought some piping, plywood, fabric, and lace and made a very nice set of rings and covers by hand. Was a really fun project and came out very nicely. My teacher couldn't believe I went to all the trouble.

Another honorable mention is that I did Ben Eater's 8-bit breadboard computer project. Took a long time and I learned a lot about EE.