Woodworking is BULLSHIT!

Explore the intricate art of pricing in the creative world. Dive into the ethical dilemmas artists face when raising their prices. Discover personal anecdotes about pricing strategies in woodworking and printmaking. Unpack the balance of perceived value and market demands in selling handmade goods. Join a spirited debate about accessibility versus profitability for artisans. Plus, hear insights on the unique value of skill in crafting and how scarcity affects pricing.

Do you feel STRESS at times in the shop?  Many people turn to woodworking and other crafts to relieve stress but once sufficiently into it, those once stress-relieving hobbies can actually become a SOURCE OF STRESS.   Today we talk about the stresses that each of us feel around the shop and making experience, what effects that stress has on us, and how we go about solving or alleviating that stress.To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467

We've all seen them, pieces of furniture or woodworking where someone throws all these random ass pieces of contrasting figured woods together, thinking that by using figured woods, their piece will look better, or fancy, or valuable.  When in reality, it often looks gaudy and disjointed, and a bit confused.  IS USING FIGURED WOODS A GIMMICK?  Join a spirited debate on how we see the tasteful use of figured woods, but how this simple question speaks to a MUCH LARGER design question of HUGE IMPORTANCE.  We also cover how figured woods develop in trees and what the scientific research says about their occurrence.To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467

Have you ever felt like an Imposter at work or when creating?  It is estimated that up to 85% of people experience imposter syndrome in their lives, despite training and high achievement.  ARE YOU PART OF THAT 85%?  In today's episode we confront this issue head on with the help of Kristin Siegfried Ballenger, who is an expert luthier (maker or violins and other stringed instruments) and has first hand experience dealing with imposter syndrome.  We all relate our experiences with imposter syndrome, talk about what the research suggests about it, and perhaps most importantly, talk about how to deal with it productively to achieve a deeper sense of confidence.To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467

As soon as we sat down to record, Erik said, "Let's just WING IT!!" , instead of following an outline for the conversation about: IS BEING COMPETITIVE A GOOD THING?  Paul is noticeably uncomfortable and what ensued is lovely W.I.B. history.To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467⁠

In today's episode of the Master Series, we discuss the amazing Japanese Americana furniture designer and architect, George Nakashima, widely considered to be the father of slab furniture.  George believed trees had a soul, and through the act of making furniture he was giving them a second life.  His most famous pieces of furniture include live edge slab tables and benches with architecturally inspired bases, with clean lines almost evoking the peace and serenity of Zen Buddhism.  Following George's death in 1990, his daughter Mira boldly led Nakashima Woodworkers forward into their new chapter.  Today, we have the incredible fortune of having two VERY SPECIAL guests with us, Mira Nakashima, daughter of George Nakashima, and her grandson Toshi Amagasu who not only give us an inside look into Nakashima Furniture, but also inside their thriving family legacy.  For more information on Nakashima Furniture: https://nakashimawoodworkers.com/ For a wonderful in-depth documentary on George's Life: https://nakashimadocumentary.com/ George Nakashima Video Clip courtesy of Jim Bunn, with assistance from John Nakashima.To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467⁠

The current crop of DIY shows make us feel as though we can build anything quickly and easily over the course of a weekend with only a few tools.  But is this ACTUALLY TRUE??? Are DIY influencers selling us a fantasy as a form of entertainment or are they really teaching us how to make things and improve our homes?  In this episode, we review a brief history of DIY culture and how it developed, which helps us to understand the complex nature of DIY as it exists today.  We have a ROUSING episode of WIBS Debate Club, where Erik and Mary pick sides of the DIY argument and the GLOVES COME OFF!To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467⁠

Are you a PERFECTIONIST? Do you have tendencies toward perfectionism?  Does it steal the joy of making things?  Does it make it difficult to start or finish anything because it's so built up in your mind how AMAZING the next project needs to be?  OR does it make you a better maker/artist with a higher standard of excellence who improves very quickly after each project?  In this episode we consider the double-edged sword that is PERFECTIONISM and how to identify and deal with it.To watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO of this episode and the irreverent & somewhat unpredictable AFTERSHOW, subscribe to our Patreon:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://patreon.com/user?u=91688467⁠

In this lively discussion, Erik, a self-proclaimed content creator, dives into the ethics of content creation and the tension between artistry and financial gain. With Jen DiArenzo joining, they question the trustworthiness of advice from creators driven by ad revenue. The conversation also touches on humorous aspects of social media ethics and the absurdity of pricing for attention. Plus, Erik shares a hilarious tale of a woodworking mishap, reminding us that creativity often leads to unexpected, laugh-out-loud outcomes.

Dive into the Shaker philosophy, where craftsmanship meets spirituality. Discover how their pursuit of perfection served as a form of worship, reflecting their unique beliefs. Learn about their groundbreaking gender equality ideals and innovations, including the invention of the circular saw by a Shaker woman. Explore the minimalist beauty of Shaker furniture and its profound impact on modern design. Plus, enjoy light-hearted debates on ornamentation and community engagement through creative peer reviews.