Often we see designers with a sketch pad, quickly scribbling shapes and ideas. Though my design process sometimes does start that way, my more calculated and less intuitive designs start with two lists: must-haves and desires. An example of a must-have might be “to allow four people to eat a meal together”, and a desire … Continue reading Designing from Scratch
How I Find Inspiration Online
The internet is a great resource, but trying to find inspiration for a design without spending hours can be difficult. I find the most efficient way is to scan through the results of an image search. But a search for “dining table” isn’t likely to be very fruitful. Think carefully and add some key words … Continue reading How I Find Inspiration Online
Make Something Extraordinary
Slow down and take your time. Make something extraordinary. This has been my mantra lately as I have been developing several items for production. Some have been in the active development stage for over a year, which is unusual for me - usually once something is started, it is completed within about a month. I … Continue reading Make Something Extraordinary
Do You Really Want to Learn? Then Set Yourself Up for Failure
I think that we try too hard to succeed. Because of that, our learning is impeded. Here's an example.Let's say that I want to build a simple stool for my workshop - a utilitarian piece and one where I am free to experiment because I am the only user of the piece. I could use … Continue reading Do You Really Want to Learn? Then Set Yourself Up for Failure
Designing Furniture: Considerations Around Table Legs and Leverage
A significant part of table design involves the legs and any framework connecting multiple legs to each other, to the table top, and to provide strength. When it comes to the structure of the table, the joints between the legs and other parts of the table are where damage is most likely to occur. Pulling … Continue reading Designing Furniture: Considerations Around Table Legs and Leverage
Making Without Compromises
One of the projects which I’m currently building, and designing along the way is a pen. It has months of thought already invested and I am building it to be the best. I do take pleasure in using and owning unique and fine writing tools (and other tools, too). I also enjoy indulging myself in … Continue reading Making Without Compromises
A Single Defining Element
I found another good quote from the back issues of Woodwork. This one is from the article titled Judy Ditmer: The Power of Acceptance by Kerry Pierce in issue #45, from June 1997. It resonates with me, as this way of working is not unfamiliar to me. “‘Stephen Jay Gould, the archaeologist and teacher... discussed a … Continue reading A Single Defining Element
Defects Are Hints For Something Better
In all the creative work I have done with live-edge material, I have always looked at a cut section - where a limb was removed or the material cut to length - as a shortcoming. But recently, I had an epiphany. Like so many of my revelations, this one came while experimenting on a piece … Continue reading Defects Are Hints For Something Better
Woodworking Digitally is More Convenient, But Not Better
What Do I Mean By "Woodworking Digitally"? First, let me define digital. I don’t exclusively mean the use of measuring tools with LCD screens. I mean the use of any numbers at all, whether Metric or Imperial, decimals or fractions. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary: digital: of, relating to, or using calculation by numerical methods … Continue reading Woodworking Digitally is More Convenient, But Not Better
Results from the 2017 Wall Shelf Build-Off
Well, the ballots have been tallied and that means it's time to award some prizes. Although there were not as many entries as I had hoped for, the shelves built were well-constructed, innovative, and certainly well made considering the two day time limit. This made it tough for judges to decide which shelf was the … Continue reading Results from the 2017 Wall Shelf Build-Off
Sculptural Woodwork by Chris Wong 