A Journey in Woodworking: Lessons from Aspen Golann
You know, I’ve been working with wood for a decent number of years now – not professionally like some folks do, but it’s more of a passion that got out of hand. I can recall my first piece, which was a small oak bench that turned out to be… well, let’s say it had character, a lot of it. I didn’t know much about the different types of wood except that they all came in big boards at the lumberyard.
Then, one day, I stumbled across Aspen Golann. Have you heard of her? She’s incredible. Runs a small studio workshop, does some amazing stuff with wood. I watched one of her videos on how to make a simple cutting board, and I figured, “Hey! This could be my big comeback!”
The Cutting Board Project
So, I decided to try making my version of her cutting board – beautiful grain, clean lines, and all. I headed off to the local lumberyard and found myself a nice piece of hard maple, the kind that smells sweet and earthy when you cut into it. It’s just delightful, honestly. I grabbed a couple of pieces and, with a bit of bravado, I headed home, ready to channel my inner Aspen.
But let me tell you, I had some rookie moments. I’ll never forget the sound of the circular saw – that whirring noise is almost like music once you get used to it, but at first, it’s nerve-wracking. The vibrations, the little sparks that fly – it’s electrifying in a way. So, I got one piece cut, then another, and by some miracle, they fit together rather well. I was feeling on top of the world, right?
But then, you know how it goes. I got cocky. I was routing the edges to give it that smooth finish I saw in the video and… bam! I slipped. Suddenly my board had this ugly groove right down the side. I almost shouted out loud, I was so frustrated. I thought, “What would Aspen do?” But then I stopped myself — I’d probably need a time out just to keep my sanity, you know?
Making Mistakes and Saving Face
So there I was, staring at this mistake like it was a bad joke. I couldn’t just throw the wood away; it felt wrong. I know it sounds cheesy, but I’ve started to have a relationship with my projects. Each piece of wood has a story, and tossing it meant tossing a part of me. So, I took a deep breath, put on some music – maybe it was Fleetwood Mac, something to lift the mood – and started thinking.
It hit me, why not embrace the mistake? I grabbed some of my leftover wood scraps, planned to use them to patch that groove. It was like putting a Band-Aid on a cut: might not look perfect, but hey, it’s still functional and tells a story. When I rigged it all together, I actually laughed. It looked kinda quirky, actually.
The Smell of Success
I finished the board, sanded it down, made it smooth like butter, and oiled it with some mineral oil. When I rubbed that oil in, the wood came alive. The aroma! You know that fresh, nutty smell? You could tell it was going to age like a fine wine. And then came the moment of truth: I invited some friends over to show off what I’d created.
I placed the cutting board on my kitchen counter, and I could see their eyes light up – I mean, all of a sudden, I was a woodworking champ! One friend picked it up, browsed over the little imperfections, and said, “That’s what makes it unique, man!” That was such a relief, made the effort feel worth it. All those mistakes turned into little whispers of wisdom.
Lessons Learned
Now, I don’t know if Aspen Golann ever had a moment like that — maybe she’s 100% perfect with her projects — but I gotta believe she’s had her share of slip-ups. And it’s reassuring, you know? We’re all just trying to carve out something beautiful in our own ways, mistakes and all.
There’s something raw and real about working with your hands. It’s not just the tools; it’s the feeling, the sounds of saws and sanders, that subtle rush of getting it right. Each piece tells a story, and it reflects some part of you. You almost become vulnerable in the process, laying bare your flubs and triumphs.
So, if you’re thinking of picking up woodworking or if you’re already knee-deep in projects, I promise you this: don’t fear messing up. Seriously, embrace those moments. They might just turn into something even better than you planned.
Warm Takeaway
At the end of the day, it’s about the journey – those little hiccups lead to some of the most joyful parts. I wish someone had told me this earlier in my woodworking journey. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Just go for it. You might be surprised by what turns out. So grab that piece of wood, that tools, and let it all happen—yours will be a story worth telling, too.
