My favorite method is to carve it to shape with a razor plane.

Draw center lines on all the edges all the way around the piece of wood. Then draw the desired bevels on the edge. With a good razor plane held at the right angle, start making passes the full length of the blank. After a few passes with the plane, you will be starting to carve the bevel. Check that the carved bevel in parallel to the line you drew. Continue until you're almost to the line. Then finish with a sanding block. Remember to leave the trailing edge at the desired thickness.

Using this method, with some practice you can make a piece that you would swear was machine shaped. And instead of turning all that balsa into annoying dust it makes pleasant little curly shavings. It also works great for the hinge line bevels.

I find it an absolutely entertaining thing to do. But then again, I'm weird that way.

Dave