It has certainly been a remarkable period, a collective experience that has redefined what we consider ‘normal.’ These past few months have unfolded in ways none of us could have anticipated, profoundly shifting routines and priorities. Approximately eight weeks ago, as the world braced for widespread changes and many communities began to implement ‘sheltering in place’ directives, I made the decision to press the pause button on significant work being done by contractors on my workshop building. To be completely honest, it felt like I hit the pause button on almost everything! Like countless others, I’ve never navigated a situation quite like this in my lifetime, and its complexities have been both challenging and illuminating. The initial uncertainty was pervasive, affecting everything from daily routines to long-term plans, and the journey to adapt has been a continuous process of learning and reassessment.
Releasing the Pause Button: Moving Forward with Purpose
As the initial shock began to subside and a clearer understanding of necessary precautions emerged, I found myself carefully considering how to responsibly resume progress on my long-anticipated projects. Several weeks ago, after much deliberation, I decided that I felt comfortable proceeding with certain isolated work tasks. My strategy involved bringing in one trade at a time, ensuring minimal exposure between myself, the contractors, and any other individuals. This phased approach allowed us to maintain stringent safety protocols while slowly but surely reactivating aspects of the ‘BIG Plan’ that had been temporarily suspended.
In many ways, I believe we are all collectively navigating uncharted waters, constantly adapting and learning as we go. The global health situation continues to evolve, and with it, our understanding of how to manage risks and safeguard our well-being. Simultaneously, there’s a profound desire to support our local economies and lay the groundwork for a stable economic future, all while prioritizing the safety of ourselves, our families, and our wider communities. It’s a delicate balance, and the path forward isn’t always clear, leading to a myriad of perspectives on the best course of action. However, my personal commitment remains unwavering: to advance the construction aspects of my comprehensive BIG Plan, doing so in the safest and most responsible manner possible for everyone involved. This vision is not just about building structures; it’s about creating a foundation for future creativity, learning, and community engagement. The ambitious plans include several key components:
- Complete the renovation of the main level workshop spaces: This critical phase involves a complete overhaul of the existing workshop area. The goal is to optimize the layout for enhanced workflow, introduce dedicated zones for different types of woodworking and creative tasks, and install state-of-the-art dust collection and ventilation systems. We’re also focusing on improving lighting, storage solutions for tools and materials, and creating a more ergonomic and inspiring environment for both personal projects and future instructional sessions. This renovation is essential for transforming the space into a highly functional and efficient hub for all things DIY and crafting.
- Move forward with construction of the upper level, living space: Beyond the workshop, the next significant undertaking is the development of a fully functional living space on the upper level. This area is envisioned as a versatile loft apartment, offering comfortable and convenient accommodation directly above the creative workspace. It will feature an open-plan design, potentially including a compact kitchen, a comfortable sleeping area, and a functional bathroom. This integration of living and working spaces will provide immense flexibility, especially for longer projects or hosting visiting instructors, creating a truly immersive creative retreat.
- Build a giant, 2-story deck: To complement the indoor facilities, a grand two-story deck is planned, significantly expanding the outdoor living and working potential of the property. The lower level of the deck will serve as an extension of the workshop, providing an ideal area for outdoor projects that might generate dust or require more ventilation, such as sanding or finishing. The upper level, accessible from the living space, will be designed as a serene outdoor relaxation and entertainment area, perfect for enjoying the surroundings and hosting informal gatherings. This multi-level design maximizes both utility and aesthetic appeal, enhancing the overall functionality and enjoyment of the property.
- Landscaping (which may or may not involve a decorative retaining wall): The final element ties everything together—comprehensive landscaping of the surrounding grounds. This will involve thoughtful planting to enhance curb appeal, create shaded areas, and establish a harmonious connection with nature. Depending on the terrain and design aesthetics, a decorative retaining wall might be incorporated to manage slopes, create terraced garden beds, or define distinct outdoor zones. The landscaping aims to not only beautify the property but also provide functional outdoor spaces that complement the workshop and living areas, offering a complete environment for creativity and relaxation.
When Will I Start Holding Workshops? Navigating the Future of Hands-On Learning
The question of when to safely resume holding workshops is one that weighs heavily on my mind and, I imagine, on many aspiring crafters and DIY enthusiasts. My original plan, brimming with enthusiasm, envisioned welcoming large groups into my newly renovated workshop spaces as early as April. (A hopeful projection that, as you’ve likely gathered, proved to be humorously optimistic!) The reality of the past year has necessitated a complete rethinking of how such interactive, hands-on learning experiences can be conducted safely and effectively.
Honestly, I’m still uncertain about the exact timeline for when it will be genuinely safe to host the kind of workshops I’ve always envisioned. My teaching philosophy revolves around getting “up close and personal.” It’s about providing direct, one-on-one instruction, guiding students intimately through the use of various tools and techniques. For instance, teaching someone the nuances of operating a table saw requires me to stand in close proximity, observing their posture, hand placement, and the subtle movements of the material. It demands the ability to point out precise details, offer immediate feedback, and physically guide their hands if necessary. This level of personalized, hands-on engagement is incredibly challenging, if not impossible, to achieve while maintaining a strict six-foot social distance.
I believe many educators and organizers are in a similar situation, hoping for clear, stable messaging from health authorities and experts that outlines precisely HOW to move forward. We need guidance that allows us to innovate and create a new, safe normal for interactive learning environments. This might involve exploring hybrid models, significantly smaller class sizes, staggered schedules, or even adapting certain instructional components to a virtual format. While I patiently await such definitive guidance—or, failing that, dedicate myself to independently figuring out how to construct a truly safe and enriching learning environment—my primary focus remains steadfast: I will continue working diligently on creating an absolutely amazing physical space. This space will, at some point, be ready to warmly welcome you. I envision a vibrant hub where creativity flourishes, skills are honed, and a community of makers can connect. Until then, the commitment to building that perfect foundation remains paramount.
Keep on Keeping On: Progress in the Personal Workshop
Beyond the larger construction goals, my immediate focus also includes an ongoing mission to get my personal workshop space organized and genuinely pleasant to be in. While I have consistently been out there, putting in hours of work, I sometimes feel like the visible progress is minimal, despite the effort. The truth is, I’ve embarked on three distinct organization projects that are crucial for improving efficiency and safety. These projects are designed to tackle persistent issues, like the constant tripping hazard posed by scattered clamps and the frustrating amount of time spent searching through overflowing bins for specific tools or materials. It feels like I’ve been spending upwards of 50% of my valuable workshop time just trying to locate things, which is a major drain on productivity and creative flow. I’m thrilled to report that I’m actually very close to finishing one of those projects! The satisfaction of having a designated, accessible spot for every item is truly game-changing, reducing frustration and maximizing creative output.
These smaller, yet impactful, organizational projects are a testament to the idea that progress isn’t always about grand gestures; sometimes it’s about the consistent, incremental improvements that make daily work more enjoyable and effective. Tackling these immediate challenges directly enhances the functionality of my personal workspace, allowing me to fully immerse myself in future creative endeavors without the impediment of disorganization. It’s a continuous journey of optimization.
I promise to share the details of these practical projects with you very soon. Taking some time to let a little ‘Covid-19 dust’ settle allowed for a period of reflection and re-evaluation. Now, with renewed purpose, I am firmly putting one foot in front of the other, meticulously moving in a direction that I sincerely hope is forward. This period of focused work on the workshop, both structural and organizational, is not just about building a physical space; it’s about building resilience, fostering creativity, and preparing for a vibrant future.
Amidst all these changes and challenges, I am genuinely interested in hearing about your experiences. How are you doing? What projects have you embarked on, what lessons have you learned, and how have you been navigating these unprecedented times? Your insights and stories are truly valuable, and I’d love to connect and hear all about them!