I have made my living from woodworking for 15 years.

Even so, I am not a woodworker. I have never been a woodworker, and much to our publisher’s dismay, I will never BE a woodworker.

But I have been immersed in the world of Fine Woodworking for more than 15 years now, so that first sentence was as true as it can be. I have read every single word of the past 120 issues, plus all the special issues. At least three times, probably four. That’s my job, as Managing/Production Editor at the magazine.

If you haven’t heard of me, that’s a good thing. I have always believed that if I do my job correctly, I am invisible. None of the authors or editors will see the changes I’ve made, realize the errors that have been fixed, or note the way their words were smoothed and clarified for the readers. They’ll just look at their articles and think, “wow, I’m a really good writer!” And the readers will think the same. That’s the goal.

Throughout my years at Fine Woodworking, I’ve learned there’s not much difference between crafting a beautiful piece of writing and crafting a beautiful piece of furniture. If the “maker” has done their job, the steps they took to get there are not the first thing you notice. You don’t look at an incredible Chris Gochnour sideboard (FWW #277), for example, and focus on each individual dovetail, the grain pattern on one of the legs, or the number of coats of finish. (Not at first, anyway.) You see the whole piece, you feel the designer’s vision, all the details come together, and you know it is “right.”

Of course, if you are a FWW reader, you do go back later and scrutinize the details. But not at first. At first, you just appreciate the overall effect.

As someone who has lived, eaten, and breathed woodworking for eight hours a day since 2007, there are a few articles that I think of as my particular favorites. And in the interest of full disclosure, I have to say that I can’t separate the maker from the piece. Some of these pieces I love mostly because I love the person who made them.

You can’t go wrong with:

1. Anything by Chris Becksvoort or Chris Gochnour.
   I’ve been looking back through the archives and I can’t pick a favorite from these two amazing craftsmen. Everything they make is great, and they are also excellent human beings and fine writers.

2. Adirondack Chair by Tom Begnal
   This chair sat in a cubicle behind my desk for about two years after Tom made it for his article. I coveted it. I sat in it. I dreamed about having it on my porch, with a nice glass of wine and a good book. It’s everything an Adirondack chair should be. It’s got great lines, and it’s comfortable.

3. Floating-Top Table by Michael Pekovich
   I actually own one of these tables. Mike made it for a video workshop, and he was looking for someone who wanted to buy it. I said I did, and he said he’d think about it. Then, on Christmas eve, it showed up at my work station with a note from Mike saying it was a gift. It’s a great table … the perfect size for my small house. It’s portable and it’s beautiful and it makes me happy every day.

4. The Art of Marquetry by Craig Vandall Stevens
   I had to pore through this article a million times and even then, I did not fully appreciate Craig’s genius until I had the honor to run the camera during his presentation at Fine Woodworking Live. You have to see his work in person to appreciate how masterful he is. But this article comes really close.

5. Architectural Wall Cabinet by Nancy R. Hiller
   Honestly, I could have picked any Nancy Hiller article as a favorite, but this little wall cabinet has Nancy written all over it. It’s got a strong aesthetic and it’s really attractive and it’s unique. Also, she is an amazing writer, thinker, and person.

6. Different Spin on Drawers by Garrett Hack
   I’m a huge fan of most of Garrett’s work, but this little table with the spin-out drawer seems to typify his quirky yet beautiful designs. If I see his name on an article, I know I am going to enjoy working on it, because his designs are fun.

Liz Knapp

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	Adirondack Chair Build this comfortable, lightweight version of the quintessential American outdoor chair. Tom Begnal
	Floating-Top Table This table could easily serve as a sewing table, a side table, a small writing desk, or even a TV tray. Michael Pekovich
	The Art of Marquetry Learn the double-bevel technique from a master of the medium. Craig Vandall Stevens
	Architectural Wall Cabinet Arts and crafts maker presents a fresh twist on a period design. Nancy R. Hiller
	Different Spin on Drawers Add a twist to your furniture with a swing-out drawer. Garrett Hack
	What’s Your Sign? Readers, editors, contributors sign their work in distinctive ways. Charlie Reina