So I consider myself a pretty decent semi-professional furniture maker. I make the pieces I want to make and have been very fortunate to have a great following of customers who also like the furniture I make. But there are a few things I’ve noticed over the last few years that just bug me.
One is I have a lot of really great designs I can picture in my head, but just don’t have the skills to get those ideas on paper in a manner that I can use, which is really frustrating at times. I’m pretty skilled at sketch up, but I want the ability to draw it out on paper quickly first before I lose the ideas. Another thing is that I always second guess myself on how I approach the production process. I know there are things I could be doing differently to be more efficient in how I work and still make a beautiful piece of art. Efficiency when working equals a greater bottom line, I mean this is a business after all!
There are many more things I could go on and on about, but I’m sure I’ve droned on long enough. I have big news I want to pass on! Earlier this week in the twitterverse I alluded to the fact I had some life changing news in the works but I didn’t want to jinx it by letting anyone in on it until I had the major pieces in place. However, I am no good at keeping secrets, so here it is…
For a while I have been looking at taking a leave of absence from my full time day job and actually learning more about my craft. Well the time has come. At the beginning of this week I officially enrolled in the February 2013 twelve week intensive course at the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Rockport, Maine. I know right?!
I cannot put into words how really excited I am about this, but I need to keep it in check. The reason is, there are three major pieces that need to be fulfilled before I can go. First is to reserve a spot in the class. Second is to get approval from work to take a four month leave of absence. And third is to find the funds to not only pay for the course, but also all the associated expenses and in addition to making up for the loss in pay I’ll have. If any one of those things fall through then this doesn’t work. Well, the first one is done. I have sent my deposit money and I am reserved in the class. I have also approached my work about the leave and have a meeting scheduled next week to discuss further with my bosses. The third piece is going to be a little more difficult, but I have faith that this too will also come through. This is going to be expensive, but I need to do this, if nothing more than to keep my sanity. Anyways, I’ll post more as I get more information, but as of now that’s my plan! Oh, and for my title for this post, the class ends five days before my 40th birthday! 🙂
The Butler Did It WoodWorks 
I’ve been down this road twice now. One was wonderful (Homestead Heritage School of Woodworking) but not long enough. The other was a very expensive distance learning program which will remain unnamed which turned out badly. Here’s hoping this opportunity is more like the former and less like the latter and pans out for you. Wish I could join you.
Thanks Beth! This was a tough decision, at least for me. I’ve been making and selling my furniture almost seven years now, and I do very well for part time, but I decided a while back that I either need to refine my skills or, at least, get validation that I’m on the right track in a learning environment.
I have to give you credit for becoming a pro. I’m hardly an expert on woodworking and at finishing I’m worse. I’ve had several people ask me to build furniture for them, In particular a Stickley # 72 that at least a dozen people asked for. It was really tough because I know that I could have run off the parts for a bunch of them quickly, and had them waiting in the wings. The money would have been nice. But, I think I’m still a few years away from being able to sell my stuff. Then again, maybe I should just man up and give it a shot.
Still, I hope everything works out. That is a great opportunity. The woodworking community needs more people like you.
Thanks! I spent a number of years waffling back and forth between selling and not. Finally about seven years ago I said to heck with it and gave it a try. I started off with a booth at the local farmers market and now I’m showing at art shows and galleries. My advice is just do it!