How I got Started with Crafting

I mentioned in a post earlier how I came about getting into crafting. I didn’t go into too much detail about it because I had planned on talking about it later. Well, it’s later so here goes.

How does someone get into the crafting world and where do I start. This question has been asked of me numerous times and I really didn’t have a hard an fast answer. We just started by doing some research and started making things. As far as getting interested in crafting, this probably started for me in the early to mid 90’s.

I was in the Navy and stationed in Florida. A good friend of ours did woodworking on the side and every time we went over to their house I always left thinking I could do this. This went on for several months, more like at least a year, before I finally broke down and did something about my so called dream. My first problem, I didn’t own any tools, other than a couple of screwdrivers and a hammer.

So, my wife and I started going to craft shows/fairs to see what everyone was making and what was selling. This is something we still do today when not attending as a vendor. It does help with determining your inventory. After attending a few shows, I thought I was ready, oh wait, I still didn’t have any tools for woodworking. I was convinced I needed the BEST, top of the line, tools!

I ended up going to Home Depot and picked up a scroll saw to start off with. After all, this is what my buddy had so I was going off of what he did. I started small then worked my way up to some more intricate ideas. I needed more ideas so I started looking around for them.

We would go to craft stores and look through wood working books. We started buying these books along with “How To” painting books. My wife started practicing her painting skills so she would be ready when I finally got some tools and was able to cut out some patterns. Then one day at the mall we ran into a guy who was doing a demo for a Shop Smith. If you’re not familiar with Shop Smith, do a search on the internet for one. They are amazing, but that is a story for another time.

After watching what this machine can do, I was sold. This machine had every thing I needed, in one machine. It came with a table saw, drill press, wood lathe, planner, band saw and a shop vac. I went home, did a little research on this and next thing I knew, I ordered one. I received it about a week later and started playing around with it to see what I could make.

Now don’t get me wrong. This machine was awesome and I convinced myself I needed this. If I were to do it all over again, I would have started out small and worked my way up. I went for the gusto right out the gate. If you have the money and the motivation, go for it. I do wish I still had my Shop Smith but circumstances forced me to sell it. Being in the military you have to go where they send you. Just couldn’t take it with us.

My first project I tackled with my Shop Smith was a bird house/feeder. I made it for my in-laws and it is still standing in their yard today. I had some help from my friend. He had made one in the past and I needed some help to start. This took me about a week to make. Still working out of my garage in Florida.

So, I started my crafting adventure by working out of a garage with a Shop Smith. We made bunnies and bears with interchangeable outfits. This seemed to be one of our best sellers and still is today, when I get the urge to make them again. Most of my sales were by word of mouth. I never even thought of going to a craft show or fair as a vendor. Kind of wished we had back then.

Fast forward to today. We just took delivery of our new work shop. It is a shed that is two story and measures 14 x 24. I can’t wait to get all my tools moved out to it and start making things again. I have inherited a bunch of tools from my dad and plan to fill up the workshop with them.

Thanks for stopping by. I plan to be more active here and more to come with patterns as this adventure moves on. Look for video instructions coming in the next few months and don’t forget to visit me on social media sites. Just click on the links at the top of the web page. In the meantime, don’t forget to subscribe to my blog.