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

The desire to create for its own sake is what it means to be human.

Thomas Bevan • Our Tools and Us

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

How to build a newthing

Yancey Strickler ideaspace.ystrickler.com

Flow: The Psychology of Happiness

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi • 51 highlights

amazon.com

Cover of Flow: The Psychology of Happiness

I’m frequently reaching for tools as there’s always something to repair, update, or make in this old house. It’s surprising how much of a difference it makes to simply reach for it rather than squat down and rummage through a bin or drawer.

Christopher Butler • Periodical 17 – Optimization

Why We Need More Omakase Creators

Luke Burgis read.lukeburgis.com

Making a Place on the Web - Garden

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

Barbara Gail Montero aeon.co

The Arc of the Practical Creator

Lawrence Yeo moretothat.com