Explore Unique Creations from Baxter Blue Woodworks

A Coffee and a Story About Baxter Blue Woodworks

Alright, picture this: it’s a quiet Saturday morning in our little town, and I’ve just brewed myself a perfect cup of coffee. I can smell the rich aroma wafting from the kitchen, and I feel like I’ve got the world at my feet… or at least my garage, where all the magic (and mishaps) happens.

So here I am, wanting to dive deeper into something that’s become a real passion of mine—woodworking. And more specifically, my journey with Baxter Blue Woodworks. Believe me when I say this is more of a rollercoaster ride than a stroll in the park. Grab your coffee; let’s chat.

The First Cut and the First Mistake

When I first got into woodworking, I had this dreamy vision in my head: I’d craft beautiful furniture, like my granddad used to. He had this way of making everything look effortless, and I thought, “How hard could it be?” Turns out, quite a lot harder than I thought.

So, I decided I wanted to make a simple coffee table. I had my eye on these planks of reclaimed oak from the local lumberyard. The smell of that rich wood? Heavenly. I can still remember the sound the saw made when I made my first cut—that sharp “zzzzzz” that resonated in my chest, mixed with the whiff of sawdust swirling in the air. But then, things went south pretty quick.

I… uh, shall we say I miscalculated some dimensions. I was so excited, buzzing with ideas, that I didn’t stop to measure twice, cut once. Instead of a table that was, let’s say, a stylish height of about 18 inches, I ended up with a glorified footstool that couldn’t even fit a coffee cup properly.

There I was, staring down at this chunky creation, thinking, “What do I do now?” I almost packed up my tools, thinking maybe woodworking wasn’t for me. But then, I figured, hey, even a footstool has its uses. I laughed when it actually worked as a playful spot for my dog to lounge on while I slid into my defeat.

The Wood Whisperer: Baxter Blue

That’s when I stumbled upon Baxter Blue Woodworks on Instagram. I’ll tell you what—that account lit a fire under me. They share tips, tricks, and a whole lot of good ol’ stories about building stuff. Watching their posts, I found myself wide-eyed and inspired. I rolled up my sleeves and tried to channel my inner Baxter Blue.

They often use beautiful woods like walnut and cherry, and I wanted to give those a shot, too. Now, walnut? Oh man, I’m telling you, that wood has a richness to it. When you plane it down and feel the smooth finish under your fingertips, it’s like touching velvet.

Lessons in Patience and Finishes

With a newfound determination, I set out to make a proper coffee table—not just any table, mind you, but one that would really make a statement. This time I took my time, measured things thrice, and I even set my phone alarm to remind me to double-check my cuts.

So, I built this incredible structure with walnut for the top and maple for the legs. The contrast in colors was dazzling—if I do say so myself. But here’s the kicker: when it was finally assembled and ready for finish, I felt that initial flutter of pride fade to panic.

What finish should I use? Glossy? Matte? Oil? I tossed around different options, feeling lost in the rabbit hole of choices. I finally landed on a Danish oil finish after reading that it really brings out the color. I can still remember how my heart raced as I brushed it on, knowing that the look would either make or break everything.

The smell of that oil? Deliciously nutty. I felt like a real craftsman. And when it finally dried and I was left with this deep, warm glow emanating from the table, I just sat back and admired my handiwork.

When Friends Become Family

After that, I started showing my projects to friends and family. I thought they’d humor me, but to my surprise, they were genuinely impressed. That coffee table? It became the centerpiece of our get-togethers, where friends gathered ‘round, cups steaming, laughter bubbling.

I’ll never forget the moment when my buddy Doug sat back in his chair and said, “Man, you made this? You’re like a wood wizard!” I just chuckled, sipping my coffee, soaking in that moment. It felt like a warm hug.

The Takeaway – Just Go For It

So, what’s the takeaway here? Honestly? If you’ve ever thought about trying something like woodworking, or honestly anything creative that scares you a bit, just go for it. Get your hands dirty, make those mistakes, and don’t let fear hold you back.

Now, I’m not saying every piece I’ve made has been a masterpiece, but even those failures have been worthwhile. They taught me patience, planning, and the sheer joy of creating something with my own two hands. So next time you’re sipping coffee and pondering an untraveled path, remember: every thick layer of charcoal from the learning process just makes the final product that much more meaningful.

Raise your mug, and let’s toast to all those glorious messy attempts that lead to unexpected beauty!