There is an old saying that “Mighty oaks from little acorns grow.” and this journey into wood working has been my little acorn.

I originally started this site to document my growth and all the bits of knowledge that I picked up as I learned to turn wood and beyond. Well… That didn’t happen to the depth that I wanted it to. Instead, I almost immediately jumped into making videos of me working. It was good to be able to watch what I did and see my mistakes, and it had the benefit of me pretending to grow a following online across the various social media platforms. It was addicting to get the likes and hearts and occasional comments.

Then I started posting things to sell. These were all the things I had made that were good enough to sell, but had not already been snapped up by family or friends. I’m certainly not complaining, because the entire point of this journey was to grow as person, while being able to share the results of my efforts.

Along the way I’ve met some wonderful people both locally, and across the globe, that I’ve been able to learn from, and share support with. When I started, the social side of things, both social media and social interaction were not on my radar. I should have known better. The maker community on Instagram and YouTube, as well as local groups, have been overly welcoming, helpful, and a joy to be a part of. There’s no real secrets in terms of skills or techniques, and people have been downright friendly with their help. Groups like the Royal Order of Woodturners on Instagram and the North Texas Woodworkers Association locally have been very supportive and helpful, and I look forward to being able to give back just as much as I’ve received.

As I write this, I ponder what 2024 will bring in terms of projects and personal growth in the maker space. OK, I know a few projects, just because they’re challenges for groups that I’m a part of. But it’s the “I can do that” projects that are the best, and I wonder what I’ll think I can do this year.

Little acorns indeed…