wood•life•studio.

This is a different woodworking how-to blog.

It is about woodworking, but it is also about my observations of life and how I have been shaped by my experiences as a black woman hobbyist woodworker in the wood shop and in the world.

In this shop, self-awareness and creative growth each have a place at the wood bench
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I am curious about the world, this earth, this universe. I love using what I find to solve some of the mysteries of my life.

You may be curious to see how I put woodworking into the mix. What you will see is how I approach my practice at the bench with respect and gratitude.

Elements of my approach include common sense, critical thinking, and a bit of mischief.

It represents a notion of self-sufficiency that I truly believe in and live by. Well, I make a meaningful effort to do so.

This is what I set out to do in my blog:

approach, enter, and leave the arena better than I found it,
savor my conspicuous presence as a black woman hobbyist woodworker,
release the constraints of conventional thinking,
appreciate the gift of resources entrusted to me.

And I do that in my small shop
using hand tools

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A project may not turn out as I would like. There is a feeling of loss sometimes due to an unexpected or even disappointing result. The lesson, however, reveals itself. After reflection and consideration, the cost whether personal or material, proves to be a bargain in experience and skill-building.

Large sharpened chisel on wood bench beside a large mortise and tenon joint in maple board. — **Start…**

I create what’s important to me. Fear of judgement by myself or the world is a ubiquitous presence. It can be motivating or not. Sometimes, I don’t know where I am going but the path is mine to follow with curiosity and courage. Almost always, I boot the fear out of my mind and just do my work.

Ipe block with inserted bench hook before dropping into mortise. — **to…**

Still, I view each day in my wood shop as an opportunity to meet any and all challenges and to wander in and out of my comfort zone.

Ipe block with bench hook holding wood board on top of the bench. — **Finish.**

Besides making things, I reclaim and restore forgotten tools and other broken objects.

I hope you recognize these writings as a record of peak experiences in my life. You will see my wood shop as a place of personal healing and claimed wisdom.

You may be on a quest for something similar. May you find it through
reading, watching, and doing.
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If this resonates with you and you like what you read, subscribe below for my periodic newsletter. It’s an email letting you know when I’ve posted something new about my adventures. I’ll talk about the delightful and impressive discoveries I made, in and out of the shop.

This time, it’s being who I want to see.

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During the spring of 2024, I began a pilgrimage in Japan where I am walking 1200 kilometers or 720 miles on the Shikoku trail from Temple 1 Ryōzenji to Temple 88 Ōkuboji and beyond. Read my original announcement here.