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The Center for Furniture Craftsmanship, here in northern New England. Click the image for more information on the new book from the Center’s founder, Peter Korn.
Who was this year all about? You! This has been a year in which we here at Popular Woodworking have learned more than ever about you, our audience. We have interacted more with you in all areas, asked a lot of questions, celebrated your best work and learned from you. There is much, much more to be done – so please engage frequently with the community throughout 2014! (One terrific way to do that is by using the convenient social media sharing buttons you see at the top and bottom of every blog post on our site. Please add your thoughts to the conversations!)
What happened in 2013? Taking a conservative estimate that, in the last 12 months, each of you completed one or two pieces of furniture (or other nice things for your home) approximately a quarter million woodworking projects happened! That is a lot. It’s exciting to think about all the personal enjoyment that went into that handiwork.
When did it all take place? Whenever we could squeeze it in! With day jobs, social lives and family, pretty much all our woodworking production occurred during spare time. That balance is not going to change anytime soon – in fact, life seems to get more hectic every year. It is inspiring to be part of a community of passionate woodworkers who will find time for their craft no matter what!
Where did we do our work? Again in this question, resourcefulness was the answer. We completed projects in every type of space – from apartments, basements and one-car garages to dream shops that have required years of effort to build out. Workshops are a continual source of interest, peace and productivity. Get in there as much as you can!
Why did we make things out of wood? There are as many answers to this question as there are woodworkers, so please share yours in the comments section below. I’ll leave you with just one of the millions, that of Peter Korn as he presents it in his new book:
The words I used to describe my aesthetic goals as a furniture maker – integrity, simplicity and grace – also described the person I sought to grow into through the practice of craftsmanship.
Here’s wishing you more growth as woodworkers in the New Year!
–Dan Farnbach
p.s.– The new Peter Korn book is available in our store if you’d like to learn more about the “Why” of craftsmanship from a great woodworker’s perspective.
