This is not a difficult project, but it can take longer than expected if the only shop time you've been getting is somewhere between "none" and "if you blink, you'll miss it."

(I know that all my brothers and sisters in wood can relate.)
I squared up one edge of the wood blank with a handplane. Referencing off this edge, I marked the layout lines for the mortise that would house the vial. The antique levels I bought came in handy for determining the proper depth and length of the mortise.

The brass top plate became the template for the wood blank which I rough-shaped at the bandsaw. You can also use a fret, coping, or scroll saw to make the same cuts.

If you haven't tried shaping wood before, this project is a nice introduction to what many of us find to be a meditative experience.