Woodworking can mean something different to everyone. For some it’s an opportunity to stretch the creative muscles. For others it’s a source of stress relief. For many of us, it’s a connection to our past or families.
We wanted to know, what makes woodworking meaningful for you? How has it impacted your life? We posed the question on Facebook, and here is what you had to say.
If you have something to add, let us know! Post a comment or share with us on Facebook.
Woodworking is good for me because it keeps me close to my father and reminds me of the projects we worked on together over the years. He always told me, “Once you get sawdust in your hair, you’ll never get it out.” – Ken B.
I suffer from chronic depression. I found that when I am in my shed, working on a project for myself or for others, it put me at peace with my world. I find that I look forward to getting back there to continue whatever woodworking project I’m doing! – Dave B.
Woodworking is good for me because it allows me to create something useful and lasting. – James W.
There is nothing like taking a pile of wood and turning it in to something. Then having your family say how beautiful it is. Plus, sawdust is good for the soul. – Scott E.
Woodworking is who I am. It makes the world go away for a while and I can express what is going through my mind at the time. When I close my doors and put on some classical music, my mind stops to think and everything goes to my hands with no influence from the everyday stuff. I have no plans or diagrams of anything in my shop – I just do what feels right. Sometimes I feel like a blind man feeling his way through the world. – Brian R.
I love woodworking because it teaches my children that you don’t have to rely on others to build something for you to buy in a store. They appreciate the furniture I build and tell people with pride that I built it. I love that my children are seeing a world outside of what they can buy in a store. – Tabitha B.
I’m an artist and an over-50-something. Woodworking helps me create better-made wall art pieces through the understanding of wood joinery and assembly techniques, and learning a completely new skillset at my age is good for the brain, too! – Valerie H.
Woodworking is good for me because it means a lot to me to build pieces that other people will enjoy. It’s also a great way to spend time with my wife who enjoys it as well! – Dan S.
I too suffer from depression and anxiety. Woodworking definitely helps calm the nerves and allows me to forget about everything else for a while. Also I am a carpenter by trade and we don’t cut too many dovetails these days, so letting the creative juices flow after work is fun. – Kevin W.
Woodworking is good for me because I know I will have beautiful and beneficial wood pieces for holiday gifts and for my comfort, thanks to my talented woodworking son, Laney. – Mary Beth
Woodworking is therapeutic for me. Using only hand tools and working at my own leisurely pace in a peaceful environment, I don’t have to worry so much about the end result but enjoy the process of crafting something from nothing. Plus I get to take pride in designing and making something with my own hands. – Troy L.
Woodworking is not only good, but great for me. It allows me to utilize everything I’ve been gifted with. Secondly, it has given me a goal to reach for which is to do what I love and to be able to support my family. – Nicholas S.
As a busy accountant and mother, woodworking is my “me time.” I let all the stresses, deadlines, and demands fall away when I’m in the shop. It forces me to concentrate on the one thing I am cutting or measuring. By doing that, it relaxes my mind from making lists of things to do and places the kids have to go. I need that – I need time to think of one thing and one thing only. – Tabitha B.
Do you have something to add to the conversation? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below or share with us on Facebook!
Woodworking also offers a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment as craftsmen see their ideas come to life through their hands and tools. Whether it's a beginner's first project or a seasoned artisan's masterpiece, each piece tells a story of creativity, skill, and dedication.
After a long day in prison (working), woodworking is such a stress relief. It gives me quality time with the Lord and my son. Creating things on your own, and being able to share it with others is such a great accomplishment and a blessing!
I'm a retired engineer, former USAF pilot and a flight instructor for 43 years. Now, let me explain... as a electrical engineer woodworking allows me to still design and build things, it's wonderful. As a former pilot and flight instructor woodworking provides the same "leave my problems behind" feelings that flying did. It's my retirement enjoyment! I love making things and fininishing things with precision and a deep shine - I feel remarkable and, when my wife (an artist and retired accountant) sees the finished product and loves it (as I appreciate her art). Woodworking as an art, profession, Bobby or retirement pass time is beautiful. Thank God for wood and than Lowe's and Home Depot for the tools. I love woodworking .
Really nice post, I also love to build wood ship kits. It’s my hobby. I really appreciate your skills. Thanks for sharing.
Love to create!
Woodworking makes me creative.. Clears my mind and make space for new ideas.. Wood very versatile to use and easy and fun.. It keeps the soul positive. Making stuff and feel good about it.
"Woodworking can replace bad habits" Beautiful lines.
I have a opportunity to create and follow my own ldeas at my pace
I'm retired and I don't like working on wood with wood and give me something to do make a little money on the side if I can
the point that many people miss is that we (all humans) are creative by our nature and our instinct. Yet we spend our lives doing jobs and tasks that require us to NOT be creative... this causes all of us a lot of stress. Any hobby that is primarily creative in nature will satisfy the creative parts of our psyche and alleviate that stress. Even if you are following directions and making something that hundreds of others have made... for you it's the first time... be well all yall