Growing up, I saw my dad’s garage as a refuge, a place I could go and dig through scraps and build something. Today, my shop still plays that role. While I’ve been getting into the shop on a regular basis, a lot of that time has been spent preparing for classes or working on articles. I enjoy that work, but it’s not the same as just going out there and making something.
Even when the urge to get out and build something is strong, the longer I spend between projects, the more pressure I feel to make something big, something that makes a statement, something “important.” That type of expectation can become a stumbling block in itself. The desire to make something worthy of the time that I may be stealing from other, more responsible, tasks can keep me from starting anything at all.

Recently, however, my wife asked for a foot rest to use at her sewing table. It was a small project, but it offered a good excuse to put other tasks aside and pull out some lumber. I’ve learned there are gems to be found in small projects. The key is to not rush through it, not look past it to more “important” projects on the horizon. So I took a little time to make some sketches and figure out the overall dimensions. Building went quickly and it was nice to be back in the zone where things are going smoothly and you lose track of time, even for a little while.

In relocating my office to a more permanent spot in the house, I found myself needing a desk gallery, something to elevate my laptop and monitor while providing desperately needed storage beneath. It’s a project I’d wanted to build ever since reading an article by Christian Becksvoort way back in issue #119.

Even more recently, my wife requested a basket of sorts to hold her mending supplies. I dusted off an old tool tote design to serve the purpose.

It still kind of feels like I haven’t made something “important,” but looking back on that trio of projects I see time well spent. In addition, all three are finding good use in the house, which, for me, is the best sign of a successful project.

—Michael Pekovich