Let’s Talk Trickett Woodworks Co.
So, pull up a chair; I’ve got a story for you. Grab your coffee—or whatever your drink of choice is—and let’s chat about the time I decided to dip my toes into the world of woodworking. And not just any woodworking, but the type that turns rough lumber into cherished furniture pieces. Enter Trickett Woodworks Co. A small business that feels as much like home as my own garage, chock-full of sawdust and half-finished projects.
The First Project
I remember the day I first walked into Trickett’s shop. Now, I’m the kind of guy who usually fixes leaky faucets, but creating something out of wood? That felt like magic or—at least back then—like a recipe for disaster. But hey, we all gotta start somewhere, right?
So, I had my heart set on a coffee table. Not just any coffee table, mind you, but one with character—knotty pine with a little rustic flair. After coming across some gorgeous photos online, I thought, “How hard could it be?” Famous last words.
With a list in my head—a loose one, mind you—I headed to the local hardware store, ready to conquer the world of lumber. I picked up a couple of 2x4s of that knotty pine I was so crazy about. The smell of the wood hit me the moment I stepped inside—like nature wrapped in a cozy embrace.
The Tools of the Trade
Now, here’s where I almost had a major meltdown. I thought I could wing it with just a circular saw and a sander. In my mind, that was more than enough. Little did I know that’s like trying to cook Thanksgiving dinner with just a butter knife. I ended up borrowing an old jigsaw and a drill from my neighbor, Dave. Bless him; he’s quite the handyman himself.
When I finally got to the assembly part—after a long afternoon of clamping, measuring, and cutting—I thought I was golden. I mean, I had my pine pieces lined up, looking all cute and ready to become furniture. But then I realized my cuts were off by a good half inch. Half an inch! How does that even happen? I almost gave up when I told myself, “Just breathe. You can fix this.” But I was feeling pretty defeated.
The Meltdown
I glued and clamped those pieces like my life depended on it. And you know what? I still had the nerve to feel proud of myself. Just as I was about to paint it, I saw the mishaps. The glue was spilling out like a spilled drink from a kid’s birthday party, and my once-beautiful knots were uneven, almost mocking me.
You ever have one of those moments where you just stop and laugh? That was me, squatting on the floor, hands in my hair, thinking, “What have I done?” But then, I took a step back. The sunshine through the garage window hit the grain in a way that made the whole thing feel… alive. That’s when it hit me: this wasn’t supposed to be perfect; it was supposed to be mine. So, I let go of my perfectionist tendencies and embraced the “character” of my creation.
The Epic Finish
After what felt like an eternity—and several trips to Goodwill for some leftover paint—I finally put a coat on that coffee table. The first brush stroke smelled faintly of pine mixed with coffee, a scent I now associate with late-night project sessions and countless DIY mishaps.
I chose a deep walnut stain; honestly, I was kind of proud of that choice. I remember laughing when it actually worked. The wood came alive, those knots transforming from a liability into a feature. The grain! It’s beautiful, like something out of one of those fancy woodworking magazines.
Now, it wasn’t flawless, but who cares? It felt good just to have something that I made sitting in my own living room. The coffee table isn’t just furniture; it’s a story, a reminder of all the mistakes, the trips, and the moments when I felt like I was in way over my head.
Sharing the Wins and Fails
I’ve learned a ton since that first project at Trickett Woodworks. I’ve expanded my toolbox now; I’ve got a miter saw, a router, and a whole lot of sawdust-covered dreams waiting to happen. I’ve made my fair share of pieces since then—everything from birdhouses to benches that actually have square corners this time.
But you know, the best part is when family and friends come over. They’ll sit on that coffee table, put their cups down, and share a laugh. It’s not just a piece of furniture; it’s a conversation starter. Can’t say that about a store-bought table, right?
A Warm Takeaway
So, if you’re reading this and thinking about diving into woodworking—put your fears aside. I wish someone had told me that your first project doesn’t need to be perfect; it just needs to be made with enough love and a little grit. If you stumble, trip, or end up with glue in your hair, just roll with it. Those mistakes are just part of the journey.
So take that leap. Grab some wood, some tools—even if they’re borrowed—and just start. You’ll create something beautiful, even if it takes a few messy steps. Happy woodworking, friends!
