Starting a wood project is an adventure, especially if you have a creative dream to start your own business in painting and woodworking. My partner and I have that dream, and although we don't fully explain what exactly we want to make, our focus is completely on original, handmade, and sustainable products. We have been working hard on this recently. My partner has reduced his working days from five to four for a month now. That extra day is now completely dedicated to woodworking and our new creations.
For me, woodworking is partly new territory. Normally I am mainly busy with painting and pyrography. With pyrography I of course also work with wood, but in a completely different way. I paint both from my own inspiration and on commission. The moment I finished my last painting assignment, with limited space for new works, I decided to leap into woodworking to help my partner out. This also means that I had to start using tools that I know, but had never used myself. And let's be honest, that can be quite a challenge because those tools are just very dangerous toys.
Design and Preparation: From Idea to Workbench
In woodworking, a good design so that you know exactly how and what is much more important than painting. So I first started thinking of a design. After I had decided on that, I went to look at our wood supply to find what wood I wanted to use. Quality and durability are central to all the wood we use. But we also pay close attention to the price.
And then the real work began. The tools that I walk past every day, but which I have never used because, precisely, I simply find them to be dangerous things. Now I had to believe it. The saw table with a circular saw went outside. This thing is essential if you want to make something. It goes fast, and you can adjust it well. Also for sawing more difficult pieces such as sawing at 45 degrees. I would never be able to do that neatly by hand. At first, I found it terrifying to use that saw table myself, but I have to say that after the first square sawing, I was over my 'cold saw fear'. I would almost say, "piece of cake". Not that I was finished now ... No, no, far from it. This was just the rough sawing work, now the finer work could begin.
A New Technique: Woodcarving
I don't know why I came up with it, but instead of the pyrography that I am familiar with, I now came up with the idea of using woodcarving. I probably came up with it because I like to keep challenging myself. It doesn't matter, it is a new technique that I have little experience with. But, as Pippi Longstocking always said, "I've never done it before but I think I can do it", and that's what I thought this time too. With the right tools and the necessary patience, I started this job.
Woodcarving requires a steady hand and patience, something I also need when painting, but here it is different. With painting, you create shape and depth utilizing your colors. With woodcarving, you do not use colors but you literally create shape and depth. This makes the work more intensive and requires a lot of attention. Every mistake is more difficult to correct than with painting, but that also makes it interesting.
The Time Investment and Value of Handmade Work
I am far from finished, but I am already proud of what I have now, and of what I am doing. I have pushed my boundaries a bit again. Working on this object will take some time, and that is okay. The result will not be a cheap piece either, but that is not my intention. I do not work with the "mass is cash principle". Every piece we make is unique, and every detail requires care and precision. This piece will certainly have its value, and hopefully, it will also match what people are looking for. In any case, it is something unique, authentic, and handmade. People who appreciate the quality and craftsmanship of artisanal work will appreciate our work.
Collaboration and Sharing Expertise
What I especially appreciate about this project is the collaboration between my partner and me. He is the one with more experience in woodworking and using heavier tools, while I usually look more for the creative and visual side. By working together, we continuously learn from each other and challenge each other to go that little bit further.
Whether it is painting, pyrography, or woodworking, one thing is for sure: every piece we make reflects our dedication and love for the craft. When we launch our first collection, I hope that people will recognize and appreciate this passion. The result may still have to wait a little longer, but we know it will be worth the wait.