No Excuses: How to Start Woodworking as a Young Urbanite

May 1, 2014 Katie Smiley

The past 8-odd-years-or-so I have been on a constant quest to learn how to make all the things... ALL the things. I've picked up a random assemblage of skills through a combination of trial and error, internets, and bothering people who know more than I do. While this may not be the most efficient way to learn something, it's a process that allows me to form a unique perspective on traditional methods and ultimately develop a deeper understanding of "how stuff works."

So clearly, I like this DIY attitude, HOWEVER, when I decided to pick up woodworking, I didn't feel like this was the best approach. One must exercise caution while cultivating new skill that poses a significant risk to your safety. When there is a sharp learning curve and significant safety risks involved, it's best to look before you leap and listen before you lose an eye...

The following are a list of steps for how to pick up this skill set, with some specific recommendations for people in Chicago:

1. Try a 1-time beginner's class

Before investing your time and money into this hobby, test the waters and make sure you enjoy it. A lot of people like the general idea of building stuff without realizing that woodworking is all about accuracy, precision, and meticulous attention to detail. Only go down this path if you DEEPLY enjoy measuring twice, cutting once.

Woodworking is super "in" right now, so lots of arts centers, home goods stores, and salvage sites will offer "make it and take it" classes catered to beginners. For people in Chicago, I recommend checking out ReBuilding Exchange's workshops. They offer a wide selection of beginner projects and even do themed classes for couples (if you're into that.) The quality of their instruction is high and, on a personal note, I find roaming their stock one of the most inspiring/Romantic things to do. So much reclaimed wood, so little time!

2. Invest in an intro level class series

I strongly encourage people to investigate options for an intro level course. A good class will cost you in the range of $500-$1,000, but it is money very well spent if this is something you intend to take seriously (and would like to avoid loss of limb).

The class I took at Woodsmyth's consisted of 10, 3-hour classes during which you made 3 projects: a bookshelf, storage box/seat, and a tool box. The quality of instruction was really high and the value of the projects alone is worth the price!

The instructor framed the entire 10-week class as about safety and risk management. The first day of class on on shop safety felt a little bit like a "scared straight" lecture, but it was very effective. The two biggest ways to manage risk in a woodshop are 1. NEVER lose your focus and 2. use the right tool for the job. Sounds simple, but it takes a lot of knowledge to really understand the capacity of these tools. Some straightforward instruction and dedicated time in class will give you a huge leg up in learning how to use tools appropriately and navigate your way around a woodshop. SAFETY FIRST PEOPLE.

3. Get access to some equipment and community

This could be the most difficult step, depending on where you live. Owning and maintaining a personal woodshop requires lots of: money, space, and time (3 things us young urbanites have in scarce supply). And even if you do have all those things, belonging to a community of people who can give advice and collaborate with on projects is so helpful when you're just beginning.

So, search your local area for a place that offers memberships or whatever kind of paid access that fits your needs (daily, monthly, annually). Depending on which place you go to, they might require you to have taken classes or at minimum, get certified on tools. So make sure to investigate these things before buying any classes (as per steps 1 and 2).

I belong to Pumping Station: One (otherwise known as the greatest place in the world). They have a full wood shop in addition to welding equipment, 3d printers, laser cutters, electron microscope (wut?), a knitting machine (woah), and lots lots more. It's a monthly-membership fee (a pittance at $40 or $70/mo. if you want storage and community voting rights).

4. projects, projects, projects!

You've done all the learns and legworks now, so get building! There are lots of free plans online. Ana White is one of my favorite resources; the projects are well-curated and very pro-lady-building. I recommend starting off with projects ear marked as "beginner" or using only 2 X 4s. There are lots of simple projects out there you'd like to have in your home, so don't snub them. Build your skills up slowly. No one becomes Ron Swanson overnight!

My DIY Philosophy

March 3, 2014 Katie Smiley

I just wanted to share some of my guiding principles for how I approach and engage with all things DIY. The world is a do-acracy, so get making!

Move beyond Martha! There is more than one way to approach artful living. Nothing is more inspiring than a space or object that expresses who you are.
Enjoying baking, sewing, or taking pride in your space does not make you less of a feminist or less of a man.
DIY isn’t a skill set; it’s an attitude! It’s about recognizing your ability to alter your environment and define your own way of living.
Engaging in material culture better equips you to question means of production and empowers you to become a more critical consumer.

Currently Reading: Creating Exhibitions

February 13, 2014 Katie Smiley

I'm only halfway through this recently published volume by Polly McKenna-Cross and Janet Kamien, but I have already found it to be an invaluable resource in navigating process and possibility in the world of exhibit design.

The book approaches exhibit design as a collaborative effort between different advocacy stakeholders: institution, visitor, subject, design, and project. Combining original narrative with contributions from professionals working across the field, the reader gains an intimate look at the considerations each stake holder must make in order to produce a successful exhibit.

2007 Recording with Interlochen Arts Academy Choir

December 18, 2013 Katie Smiley

I've been feeling a little nostalgic for my Interlochen days recently and was listening to some old choir recordings. Being the soloist on this piece was one of my favorite musical experiences!

World AIDS Day 2013

December 1, 2013 Katie Smiley

“World AIDS Day is a chance to raise public awareness and hopefully breakdown some of the unwarranted stigma that surrounds HIV.”

— Andy, 41

Since 1988, December 1st has been set aside as a day to commemorate those who have suffered from AIDS and unify those who are currently affected. It is a day to raise support and fight discrimination. There are more than 33 million people living with HIV/AIDS worldwide. These individuals are found in every country and every facet of society. AIDS affects each and every one of us in some way. Becoming HIV positive is a traumatic experience, but with the proper treatment, is no longer a death sentence. Advances in medicine and our understanding of the disease have dramatically improved the lives of HIV positive individuals, both in terms of length and quality. However, these life-sustaining treatments are expensive and force individuals into a constant battle between their health and finances. Besides the burden of disease, HIV positive individuals must overcome significant discrimination and a lack of treatment resources. Show your support for their life-long struggle this December 1st.

HIV/AIDS Statistics:

HIV/AIDS is often described as a disease of developing countries, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that at the end of 2006, there were 1.1 million HIV positive adults and adolescents in the US. Here are some statistics concerning HIV status and infection rates in the city of Chicago.

In 2006, there were 21, 367 people living with HIV/AIDS in Chicago.
In 2006, there were 754 new diagnosed AIDS cases in Chicago and 1,557 HIV cases.
Among news diagnoses, 74% were male and 26% were female.
Overall infection rates have declined by 20% in the last six years, but the rate among adolescents age 15-24 has increased by 42%.

*All statistics are from the Chicago Department of Public Health, STD/HIV/AIDS Surveillance Report, Summer 2008.

Stigma and Discrimination:

“Stigma, discrimination, and ostracism are the real killers.”

— Nelson Mandela

Despite the fact that our medical understanding of HIV has dramatically increased over the past few decades, social behaviors and stigmas against being positive have been slow to change. People with HIV face discrimination at work, in school, from friends or family, even in healthcare settings. Although the law does offer some protection from HIV-related discrimination, the stigma experienced by people living with HIV means that they are often at risk and constantly fear the disclosure of their HIV status. HIV prejudice is often the result of ignorance about how HIV is passed on and the unfounded fear of becoming infected through casual interactions

Discrimination is compounded by social stigmas against behaviors associated with HIV transmission such as needle sharing, anal sex, and other sexually “promiscuous” activities. People assume that positive individuals were engaging in “risky” behavior and are, in a way, to blame for their condition. Society not only blames positive individuals for their own status, it also associates blame for the spread of AIDS with certain populations. Ever since AIDS became a global concern, it has been painted as a disease of “the other”-the poor, immigrants, homosexuals, and drug users. This mentality has not only caused undue discrimination within these populations, but has also created erroneous categories of who is “at risk” and who “doesn’t need” proper information on HIV prevention. The reality is that this disease does not discriminate. Everyone must have access to the necessary prevention resources.

Encouraging those around us to talk about HIV and find out the facts can help overcome these discriminatory ideas that keep positive individuals from accessing necessary treatment and support.