Some of you out there may be experienced woodworking experts and would be able to share the joys and stress busting benefits of getting involved in woodworking projects be they small or large.
Creating pieces of woodcraft is an excellent way to relieve stress and relax; it is an escape from the hustle and bustle of busy modern day life. Having a retreat of a workshop can be a place to go and just forget about the worries of the day. So what do you need to get started? Well to begin with you need a space to work, that can be a spare room, shed or garage or even (if you're lucky) a purpose built workshop.
Then you need a woodworking project to get you started. We would advise tackling one woodworking idea at a time as you could soon find yourself swamped with several plans in progress but none of them completed and there is nothing more satisfying for a woodcrafter to see a completed piece of wooden furniture or of wooden homeware, or a project.
Finding the Right Woodwork Project For You
How do you find the right woodworking projects for you? Well firstly you need to look at the space you have available - it is no good trying to build a huge dog kennel or wooden table in a small back bedroom! Then you need to see what woodworking idea will be beneficial for you or your family? Do you want to make a gift for a family member or friend? Do you want to make something to make your life at home easier? It is worth spending a little time on making this decision as you may find that a decision rushed at this stage may leave you feeling frustrated a few days down the track as you change your mind.Starting on something small is ideal for both the beginner who is just starting off with woodcraft and those more experienced woodworker who just wants a little project to keep them occupied of an evening. However even small projects can be challenging and here is another vital key to success. Chose a woodworking project that you can do, develop your skills slowly, work within your comfort skill zone but add a little challenge to each project to build your confidence and enhance your skills.
The internet is an ideal way of finding out some of this information and there are many sites, blogs and products out there to offer help and advice but often these sites are missing something. It may be that the plans are not detailed or the instructions are not clear or even the measurements are not accurate. Some products offer lots and lots of plans but if the diagrams aren't clear and the order of the construction the woodworking project is a little confusing then it will leave you feeling frustrated and full of stress instead of relieved!!
A set of good plans are crucial to your success - you need to have good illustrations, clear instructions, accurate measurements and step by step construction plans. All of these aspects will make sure that you do have that stress busting experience, reduce depression, a pleasurable and confidence building activity that will encourage you to go on and develop your woodcraft skills.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Olivia Poglianich
Content Strategist
Olivia Poglianich is a nomadic brand strategist and copywriter in the wooden crafts and 3D product design space who has worked with brands such as Visa, Disney and Grey Goose. Her writing has taken her all over the world, from a Serbian music festival to a Malaysian art and culture event. Olivia is a graduate of Cornell University and is often writing or reading about travel, hospitality, the start-up ecosystem or career coaching. Her latest interests are at the intersection of web3 and communal living, both on and offline.
