Summary Category

I grew up continually helping on house projects. This background eventually helped convince me to apply to the Port Townsend School of Woodworking. I was originally slated to start class in the winter of 2018 but had to delay due to some economic hardships and started in the fall instead. I am grateful for the support from instructors and scholarship foundations that made this schooling possible. … [Read more...]

Taking a breather and taking the time to center yourself can make for greater productivity, and there are some specific pointers to keep in mind in order to do so. First, prior to the start of your work, you should clear your work area of unnecessary items and put everything else back in place. Second, consider making yourself a cup of coffee or tea, which can help with both focus and relaxation. … [Read more...]

Cabinetmaking is a great career filled with a variety of mental and physical challenges. It's also can, at times, feel like a lifelong exercise in anger management. You may become angered if your wood arrives late, if it's the wrong length or color, or if it has a crack or knot in it. Dropping things (components, tools, scalpels) on our toes can anger us as well. Consider these opportunities to … [Read more...]

Working smarter instead of harder tends to be, in practicality, something that is difficult to achieve, since in the office it is likely that one will end up doing both. However, working nonstop within long blocks of time tends to backfire for craftspeople for three main reasons. First, making mistakes tends to be costly, in terms of literal dollars as well as hours of time wasted. Second, … [Read more...]

While the pandemic has been completely unpredictable and not without its sadnesses and legitimate griefs, that is not the whole story. Paul Sellers makes his living at home, in his workshop, in deep connection with wood. His children are always welcome to join him. One of the benefits of the pandemic is that more fathers are able to spend time with their children on home improvement projects. What … [Read more...]

David Binnington Savage passed away on Friday, January 18th, 2019. David will be remembered as a furniture maker who turned his workmanship into art. He was also an inspiration to his staff and everyone trained at the Rowden Atelier. Under his guidance, Rowden was transformed into the well-respected school. As he was fighting the illness, David never stopped working and he managed to publish his … [Read more...]

Going back to school is always difficult as you get older, but doing so for woodworking can sound implausible. It required financially commitment, but I knew Port Townsend School was where I wanted to learn the woodworking foundations. The reason I started that journey was the realization that I wanted to put my creative side to productive use. The school was the place where I can surround myself … [Read more...]