CR's Approach to Woodworking

It's hard to believe, but I'm now more than halfway through College of the Redwoods Fine Woodworking Program. What's almost harder to believe is that I'm not yet done with my first project (although I'm very close!). Over the holidays, family and friends asked me what I've made. The short answer was, "Um, nothing yet." The longer answer involves a more nuanced look at what happens at CR. 

The instructors emphasize absolute attention to detail, which requires crawling at an ant's pace (slowly but diligently). For a while, I wished that we moved through a number of projects quickly to get a feeling for the process and the mechanics of the joinery. With hindsight as I near the completion of my project, I'm very grateful for the way we work. I might not have breadth of experience, but the instructors have taught me how to see. They've helped me to develop my hand and my eye as well as a woodworking philosophy and sensitivity toward wood as a material. I believe it's much more difficult to teach and to learn these finer concepts, and the more concrete mechanics can come later on my own time. 

Here are a few photos of student projects that emphasize CR's approach to fine furniture.  And in keeping with tradition, I also posted photos of the meals that followed each presentation--bacon and eggs with breakfast potatoes and delicious Mexican. Yum!

Angel's jewelry box, curly maple and teak

Dechen's wine cabinet, white oak and padauk

Tom's harmonica case, acacia

Padauk Box and Swedish Meatballs

I apologize for the lack of posts over the last week. I've been without internet until just now, but to celebrate its return, I'm posting on my class' very first completed project. 

Niklas is an exchange student from Sweden. He's in his third year of studies at Capellagarden on the island of Vickleby. Each year a student from College of the Redwoods swaps places with a student from Capellagarden for four months. Niklas made a box out of padauk (an exotic African wood), which he plans to work for his masterpiece when he returns to Sweden. 

College of the Redwoods has a tradition that each student presents his or her work once it's finished. And because food is such a part of the culture here, that student also brings breakfast for the class. Niklas treated us to swedish meatballs. Yum! 

Niklas made the box for his girlfriend. He's been working on a Box Project for three years. In this time, he's made a box for each person that's close to him. He starts the box without a person or function in mind, but over time it becomes obvious to him who the box will be for. This particular box includes a removable tray with small boxes that can be arranged any way the user likes. He also built a small key box that has a spring clasp. Niklas likes to include a written note about the importance of craft and hand work in each gift box that he gives. What a great idea! I might start a Box Project of my own.