One of 2016's first completed pieces.
Wow. It's been awhile since I've written. I got a little busy I guess. It's kinda funny actually. Around this time last year I was sitting down to write out goals and directions for the new year. Personal goals, business goals, house projects to tackle, etc. The best one was the goal to work a four day work week. Four ten to twelve hour days and a long weekend. That's rich.
2016 was easily the busiest, most deadline induced stress filled year I've had to date. I know that by and large most people were glad to see 2016 end. I can't say I'm sad it's over. It wasn't all bad though.
This past year I got to build some really challenging pieces for some very patient and great clients. I got to deliver out of state a few times. (If you have a chance to get to Wisconsin in the fall, DO IT.) I was able to incorporate my own designs into some fun custom work. That's the pinnacle of being a maker, I think. And, we held our first classes at the shop, which has been a dream of mine for a long time. Even for all the trouble this year brought, I firmly believe there's always a lesson to learn and room for growth. You can't buy character, you have to learn it.
Looking ahead to 2017....I'm a little gun shy. Last year I tried to clearly map out my year and honestly, most of my plans didn't come to fruition. Not that I failed, there were just some "changes in direction". So, what I HOPE to see happen this year is:
-More classes. I've got four on the calendar. Classes for beginners to intermediate. Everything from how to sharpen hand tools to how to cut joinery, even a make and take workshop (project to be disclosed). I'll be holding workshops here, in my shop, for now, but am open to moving some to the city (St. Louis, should a suitable location become available). I'm also offering one on one lessons here at the shop.
-More of my own designs. This is tough, believe it or not. I feed my family building custom furniture. Sometimes I have some input in the design, sometimes I'm building directly off of a client's picture. I've got a notebook (and head) full of ideas. Finding time to build those designs, that aren't guaranteed to sell, is tricky. To that end, I'll probably be running some promotions on these designs through out the year. Maybe opening up my design book to pre-orders at a discounted price.
-This last one isn't set in stone. My wife's been after me to offer more "rustic", or "distressed" pieces. I started out building furniture from salvaged wood, using more paint and distressed, worn finishes. I still do this from time to time. On a personal level, I've lost interest in this to an extent. A lot of that is because we've moved from a 175 year old, historic brick home to 1968 ranch. The furniture I dream up for our current home is much more mid century modern, to match our house. But, I know there's still a strong market for rustic furniture. I'd still build it the same way, traditional joints and construction. I'm not sure how this will play out. But if this sort of thing interests you, and you don't see it on my web site, drop me a line to discuss.
Above all, I wanted to recap the year to say THANK YOU. I've had such good fortune to work for such amazing clients. This year was no exception. I consider myself so fortunate to get to do something I genuinely love to make a living. It's almost ridiculous at times. Thank you all for following along. For the referrals, the encouragement, the "likes" and "shares", and for taking an interest in what I do.
Wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2017.
