Why To Make Things

A collection for Paul Kirwin based on this prompt: “I’m a retired custom woodworker. I find community in the writings of others that have found satisfaction and comfort and value in the crafting of things. I’m not looking for ‘How-To Make Things’ books but more like ‘Why To Make Things’ books”

Alex Dobrenko

Extending the metaphor of carpentry, it’s first necessary to be able to saw wood neatly and to drive nails. Later you can bevel the edges or add elegant finials, if that’s your taste. But you can never forget that you are practicing a craft that’s based on certain principles.

William Zinsser • On Writing Well, 30th Anniversary Edition: An Informal Guide to Writing Nonfiction

Audacious Gardening: On Daring to Care

Georgina Reed theplanthunter.com.au

How to build a newthing

Yancey Strickler ideaspace.ystrickler.com

Making ceramics requires patience and is an exercise in delayed gratification (or dissatisfaction). There are so many ways to fuck something up, so many stages to the process, and entering that cycle of hope, expectation, and either failure and trying again or ecstatic satisfaction added a new dimension to the rhythms of my life.

Marian Bull • When a hobby becomes a job

Why We Need More Omakase Creators

Luke Burgis read.lukeburgis.com

gardening as a counterforce to disconnect, a salve to the illusion of human separateness and control, and a path toward what it means to live a truly good life.

Wonderground • Audacious Gardening: On Daring to Care

The true expert does not perform in a state of effortless ‘flow’ | Aeon Essays

Barbara Gail Montero aeon.co

Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life

Dave Evans • 9 highlights

amazon.com