Well, here we are. The last day of Get Woodworking Week, and I have got to tell you, I have been thoroughly impressed by the outpouring of support from the online woodworking community. The blog posts I have linked to have been funny, thought provoking and inspirational. As I have told several of the posters… if it wasn’t for these awesome posts and active participation, Get Woodworking Week wouldn’t be worth a bucket of warm spit.
As this week draws to a close, we are left with one nagging question: Where to now?
During Wednesday’s Woodchat, a few folks asked me how I was going to be able to tell if the week was a success. Number of hits? Some magic analytic that would show people who got off their butts and into the shop? The number of new blogs from beginning woodworkers?
My response to them was simple. Hopefully, Get Woodworking Week 2012 was enough to kindle a fire. To get folks revved up about their woodworking. Now, the next step is up to each of you. Take the enthusiasm we’ve built these past seven days, and help to spread it where you live.
- Go volunteer to talk to kids in a classroom.
- Maybe offer to talk to folks at a local library about woodworking (Libraries are always looking to put on programs to attract folks).
- Why not offer to help a scout troop with some woodworking projects (the Pinewood Derby season is right around the corner…)?
- Donate some old woodworking books and magazines to your local library or activity center for new eyes to feast upon.
- Invite your spouse, neighbor, child, friend, co-worker, tennis partner, etc. to come to your shop to show them what you do.
- Join a guild or club. You don’t have one in your community? Well, why not start one?
- Build something special for someone just because…
The point is that my little blog is just one miniscule slice of this giant woodworking pie. It’s going to take a lot of effort from talented, enthusiastic woodworkers to get more folks involved in what we do. But, believe me, when those folks see how excited you are about the craft, your energy and excitement will show through.
Who knows? One day, you may have found that you have personally inspired the next Sam Maloof, James Krenov or Marc Spagnuolo.
Just how cool would that be?
By the way, mark your calendars… I’m thinking February 3 – 9 sounds like a good time for Get Woodworking Week 2013…
Oh, and here’s a totally kick butt video from Scott Morton to celebrate Get Woodworking Week…. It’s a must watch. Two thumbs up!
The blog posts are STILL coming in! Here’s the latest of the bunch…
- The Joiner’s Apprentice: Simple Dovetail Box
- Woodworking for Mere Mortals: Shop Cabinet
- Scott Morton: Teaching the kids
- The Garage Woodshop: Blunt Instruments
- Giant Cypress: One last item for Get Woodworking Week
- WV Woodshed: Get Woodworking Week
- The Corner Workshop: Take the plunge
Tom, you did a fantastic job of pulling the woodworking community together, and your list above includes excellent ways to involve the greater community.
Congratulations Tom.
I think Get Woodworking Week was a big success!
I had my guild meeting last Thursday night and we were talking about yours & others efforts to get more people in to woodworking.
All the examples you sited about ways in which to generate enthusiasm are do-able and not difficult at all.
For example, I had both my brothers down from Chicago last week for a visit, and they were excited to see my shop and I could see “the wheels turning” about how they could get started when they returned home.
(I sent them home with some nice candle holders for their wives to smooth the way,,,lol)
I’ve already marked my calendar for Get Woodworking Week 2013.
Thanks again !
Eric
Tom,
Although it may seem a bassackwards in view of all the positive things you put forward, I want to thanik you specifically for writing about the mistakes you have made along the way. I’ve been in a start/stop pattern of woodworking for some time; a project would go fairly well and then the next would somehow become a mess, and I would get so mad at myself I’d be convinced I couldn’t be any good at this hobby. After reading your posts this last week about the mistakes you and others confess to, I feel in good company and can hopefully cut myself a little more slack. I’ve resumed long-delayed work on some under-bed drawers for my wife and have planned my next couple of projects for grandkids — and I’m enjoying it. Thank you for the boost you gave.
John
John –
Here’s a bassackwards response…. That’s exactly what I want you to do.. to see where I foul things up and learn from them. Maybe you learn how not to set up your band saw or how not to read a square…
Most importantly, I want you to realize exactly what you have said… that when things go bad, it’s either a design opportunity or a chance to get a better perspective on things.
Thanks, my man!
Wonderful advice although I hope I’m not the only one reading this that becomes uneasy reading Marc Spagnuolo’s name along side Maloof and Krenov. He uses technology wisely to spread his message and is a positive addition to this long time honored craft. But only after numerous decades of practice will he be eligible to be included with those true masters of our craft.
So, it wouldn’t be a good thing if you inspire a master of the craft OR someone who takes the initiative to further the knowledge of the craft? I guess I must be confused…. 🙂