Being a guy means I suffer with a common problem of male ego. We don’t always like to ask for help nor do we like to feel intimidated by what we don’t know. My first few trips to the lumber yard shopping for quality hardwoods were all about breaking that barrier. On my first trip I was asked by different employees if I needed some help, but I kindly replied “no thank you” and proceeded to walk around, observe the variety of woods, trying to not to look like I was new. After 30 minutes of “wandering” I finally swallowed my pride and went up to a guy and asked for help….and help I got! After that, it...
Lately I've been working on a "special" project. It's nothing complicated..... no new or innovative design............not particularly "fine" woodworking............and yet, it's immensely satisfying. I was asked to make toy cars to place in Christmas "shoe boxes" that will go to needy children with a message of God's love. Such a "small" thing...........but a welcome opportunity to allow the Lord to use my woodworking skills for something to impact the hearts of little ones I will probably never meet. Everything I have is mine only by the grace of God...........and that goes for my talents and abilities. As I cut, sand and drill these little wooden vehicles I can imagine the hands that may treasure a small toy and the heart...
One of the common questions that came out of our first festival participation was “Where do you get your wood?” (usually posed by another woodworker or weekend hobbyist) This question sparked several conversations that led to an exchange of valuable information. It's human nature.............we enjoy sharing things we've discovered with others who share our interest. As far as wood sources go, for convenience there are the Big Box stores, but without offending anyone,they're primarily good for plywood and structure based wood (2 x 4’s, etc). Then there are lumber yards; however many of them are also focused on building materials. The places where you get prime hardwoods are specialty lumber businesses, generally to be found via online searches...
This past weekend was The Prodigal Carpenter's first experience participating in a Festival or Artisan Fair. For anyone who has undertaken one of these, we don't have to tell you the amount of hard work that goes into preparation, facilitating, and post event handling. We learned a lot from our "initiation" into the outdoor market world. 1 Nothing replaces personal interaction with potential customers. The feedback was invaluable. It was affirming to have so many folks express admiration for the quality and craftsmanship of our products and admire what we do. 2. Know your Target Market. Handcrafted items of high quality are not produced inexpensively They take time, craftsmanship and quality materials. Consequently they're not what everyone is looking...
My wife and I are participating in a local artisan festival this weekend, so there have been a multitude of "bases" to cover in preparation. Nothing done well comes easy ......... and we hope do this well! Being "new" to it, however, we've made list after list over the past couple of weeks in an attempt to not leave any critical task unaddressed. Those who've taken the "entrepreneur" plunge understand...... business licenses, tax numbers, business cards, payment processing, packaging etc. etc. Meanwhile the work in the shop goes on..... Artisan Boxes Wooden Culinary Utensils...and Cutting Boards Sanding, Gluing and stirring up Sawdust:) The results are piling up...... We're looking forward to some...
