Whether you’re the type of woodworker who moves quickly from one project to the next or you prefer to take your time and plan out each project before diving in, it can be difficult to choose which projects to prioritize. Ultimately, what it comes down to is finding inspiration.
In other words, it’s all about choosing the right project at the right time.
How many times have you started a project that you didn’t love only to end up with a pile of wood that you just couldn’t find the inspiration to finish gluing up? Have you ever found yourself mid-project and lost the will to continue?
At Long Island Woodworking Supply, we know that feeling all too well. That’s why in today’s post, we’re sharing some tips to help you find inspiration and knock your next project out of the park. Keep reading to learn more, and if you’re in need of new tools for your project, explore our online woodworking store today!
When it comes to woodworking, it’s all about keeping things fresh. Of course, for some, the repetition that you can experience is satisfying. After all, why do you think so many people are obsessive about cutting dovetails?
While some repetition can be good — it’s what helps to build our skills — it can also make things feel stale and uninspiring. Thankfully, this gives you the opportunity to explore woodworking from a completely new perspective. For example, if you’re completing your thousandth cutting board to sell at a local craft show, this is a great opportunity to try something new. Never tried woodburning before? Pick up a Colwood Woodburning Kit and give it a try! Always wanted to explore creating end grain cutting boards? Now’s the time!
At the end of the day, it’s never a bad idea to take something you know well and look at it from a different angle to continue building your skills and enjoy a fresh take that can help to build inspiration.
We’ve discussed this on our blog before, but it’s always a good reminder. In this day and age, there’s no shortage of inspiration to be found if you know where to look. The internet is a great source for woodworking plans, and you can spend hours on YouTube watching build videos, instructionals, and more. There are also plenty of great magazines that you can subscribe to for shop tours, woodworking plans, instructional articles, tool review, and more.
Of course, the most underrated place to find information and inspiration that can truly take your skills to the next level is your local library. Not only do they have a great selection of books, but many libraries can seek out the books you’re looking for. Better yet, you can also often sign up for digital services that allow you to borrow books online with your library card from your laptop, smartphone, or tablet. How great is that?
Whether in person or online, there are many great opportunities to be part of a woodworking community that will bring you inspiration and connection. The Wood Whisperer Guild is one great option that provides you with dedicated lessons and access to a private group of your peers, but there are numerous internet forums that you can be a part of.
You may also want to look into woodworking communities in your own city. You might be surprised to find that other local woodworkers are part of a group that meets regularly. Not sure where to find this information? Make a trip to your nearest lumberyard and ask an employee how you can connect with other woodworkers in your area.
Sometimes the simplest advice is also the best, and our simple advice is to keep pushing forward. Everyone hits roadblocks in their woodworking journey at some point or another. Consider it a minor setback on the road ahead, because once you make it past whatever is holding you back, there’s a whole new world of woodworking to explore.
At the end of the day, that’s one of the best things about woodworking — there’s always a new skill to learn, a new finishing technique to try, a new tool to improve your workflow, or a new tip that makes everything more fun. Just keep moving forward and you’ll find the way!
At Long Island Woodworking Supply, our goal is to be more than just the place you buy workshop tools. Instead, we hope to provide you with everything you need to make the most of woodworking whether it’s your career, your hobby, or something in between.
Shop our full selection of essential woodworking tools to find just what you need. Whether it’s a bandsaw blade, a new handsaw, or finishing supplies, we have you covered.
