Master Craftsman's Journey: In the Shop with Alf Sharp

Master Craftsman's Journey: In the Shop with Alf Sharp

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Discovering My Passion for Carpentry
3. Transitioning into Furniture Making
4. The Frustrating Shift to Managing a Business
5. Finding Success in Custom Commissions
6. Selling the Business and Building a New Shop
7. Inspiration from 18th Century Furniture
8. Becoming Self-Taught with Mentors and Resources
9. The Importance of Reading in My Craft
10. Funny Stories and Unique Experiences
11. The Packrat Mentality and Attachment to Patterns
12. Teaching Others the Craft
13. Conclusion

Introduction

In this article, I will share my Journey as a carpenter and furniture maker. From realizing my passion for woodworking to facing challenges in managing a business, I'll take You through the ups and downs of my career. I'll discuss the importance of mentors and self-teaching, as well as the inspiration I draw from 18th-century furniture. I'll also share funny stories and unique experiences I've had along the way. So grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and join me as I recount my journey in the world of woodworking.

Discovering My Passion for Carpentry

Many years ago, while I was in law school, I had a moment of realization that being a lawyer was not what I truly wanted. To make some money, I joined a carpentry crew and discovered an immediate connection with woodworking. I quickly grasped the tasks at HAND and excelled in trim carpentry, building bookcases and cabinets. This rekindled my interest in furniture making, prompting me to pursue it as a career.

Transitioning into Furniture Making

With my newfound passion for woodworking, I shifted gears and became a kitchen cabinet maker. While making a living with this craft, I constantly sought opportunities to Create fine hardwood furniture whenever possible. Eventually, I found myself running a large-Scale operation with a factory and employees. However, the ongoing demands of managing the business took away from the joy of working with my hands and building beautiful pieces.

The Frustrating Shift to Managing a Business

As my business grew, I started receiving commissions for custom pieces which showcased my skills. These commissions opened up new opportunities and allowed me to envision making a living solely from creating custom furniture. Realizing this potential, I sold my business and vowed to Never let it grow beyond a small team. I wanted to return to the essence of woodworking and build pieces that truly spoke to my craftsmanship.

Finding Success in Custom Commissions

With a fresh start, I established a new shop and pursued larger and more valuable custom commissions. The pieces I crafted began to gain recognition, especially in the realm of 18th-century furniture. The magic and intricacy of these pieces deeply inspired me, and I pushed myself to accomplish similar levels of artistry. Over time, I honed my skills and successfully created pieces that matched those found in the book that had initially captivated me.

Selling the Business and Building a New Shop

Looking back, I often wish I could have laid out my shop differently, but I have managed to make do with the building that I have. It was my parents' book on 18th-century English furniture that planted the seed of fascination within me. Among the various pieces featured, there was a particular desk on bookcase that struck me with its exquisite workmanship. It seemed beyond my imagination and capabilities at the time, but through dedication and practice, I eventually accomplished similar feats.

Becoming Self-Taught with Mentors and Resources

I consider myself self-taught, although I have had many mentors who have guided me along the way. Some mentors imparted valuable skills and techniques, while others taught me about different styles and designs. These two aspects of woodworking didn't always overlap, and I had to Seek guidance from various sources to bring them together harmoniously. Magazines like Fine Woodworking became my go-to resource, and I devoured every word and image, continuously expanding my knowledge.

The Importance of Reading in My Craft

Alongside mentors, reading has played a significant role in my growth as a furniture maker. I voraciously consumed woodworking magazines and books, soaking in the wisdom and techniques shared by experts in the field. This continuous learning process has allowed me to enhance my skills and expand my repertoire of styles and designs.

Funny Stories and Unique Experiences

Over the years, I've had numerous interesting encounters and experiences in my line of work. One Memorable story involves a challenging client who insisted that even the underside of the furniture should be visually appealing to her cats. Despite the unusual request, I found humor in the situation and worked diligently to meet all her expectations. It is these unique stories that add color to my journey as a furniture maker.

The Packrat Mentality and Attachment to Patterns

As a craftsman, I have developed a packrat mentality, finding it difficult to discard patterns and templates that I have painstakingly created. Each pattern holds memories of the furniture piece it was used for, and parting ways with them feels like relinquishing a piece of history. Every pattern in my shop serves as a reminder of the intricate pieces I have constructed throughout my career.

Teaching Others the Craft

As I Continue to pursue my passion, I have discovered joy in teaching others the art of woodworking. Many of my students are individuals who have found their love for woodworking as a hobby after working in professions they didn't truly enjoy. I consider myself fortunate to have been able to make a decent living doing what I love full-time. Sharing my knowledge and experiences with others brings a Sense of fulfillment and allows me to pass on the legacy of craftsmanship.

Conclusion

My journey in the world of carpentry and furniture making has been a winding path filled with challenges, triumphs, and memorable encounters. From discovering my passion in a cold sweat to establishing a successful furniture-making career, every step has Shaped me as both an artisan and an individual. Through mentors, resources, and my own unwavering determination, I have honed my skills and created pieces that reflect my craftsmanship. As I continue to explore this ever-evolving craft, I look forward to the future and the new stories it will bring.