I have been working with wood for over 40 years now. I think that qualifies me as a veteran or at least an old woodworker. Over time and with concentrated practice, skills improve, and the quality of finished pieces improves. However, even after 40+ years, I still make mistakes, especially when trying out a new design or woodworking process. Just as in life, woodworking mistakes are inevitable no matter how experienced the artist/craftsman is.

There are times when I’ve gotten halfway or more through a project, and I look at it at the end of a long day in the shop and conclude that it is total crap. Maybe it’s the joinery or the wood selection, or maybe the design just isn’t working out as expected. At that moment, I’m always tempted to throw the partially completed project in the trash pile.

Usually, though, I’m better served by just setting the project aside for a while, often for several days. First, the mistakes or design concerns at the end of a long day ALWAYS look less aggregious the next morning. Sometimes, the project does end up in the trash heap, but more often than not, something surprising emerges after some time. Time allows for the creative process to work its magic. Tinkering with the design or exploring creative ways to correct or conceal mistakes can lead to truly remarkable work and valuable learning for the future.

So just as in life, don’t throw in the towell too early. Let time, persistence, and the creative process work its magic.