It's possible build a pretty attractive and useful piece that really only requires a drill, hammer, sandpaper and some finish.  No saw cuts at all.You need a single board. You can go to Rockler (a woodworking company that has stores nationwide and is on the web at www.rockler.com) and purchase a 24 inch by 3 3/4 inch by 1/2 inch piece of walnut at a cost around 10 or 12 bucks. The Local Home Depot carries the 1/2" thick 2 foot boards in Red Oak for 5 or 6 bucks too.  Either way you go,