Dear Reader,

As an English WISE student, I'm given the opportunity to work on a project I chose, and that I will complete by the end of the year. For a good amount of time now I've wanted to work on my craftsmanship skills as I've never been the most handy, even with children's arts and crafts. A project too simple, such as a shelf or a bookcase, would take almost no time at all. On the other hand, an object such as a drawer unit would be far too complicated and challenging to build and design as a starter project. I attempted to choose a happy medium, a desk. I feel that crafting a magnificent desk would be a perfect first step into woodworking, as my imagination could wander in the design stage with the many styling's of desks, and I will get hands on experience with machinery.

My grandfather has been interested in woodworking for decades now, and makes a good deal of the furniture in his house with the workshop he created outside of his house. Although he lives fairly close to me, we've never had a good deal in common and therefore have spent very little time together. Through this project I'm able to connect with him, as I could gain critique from him about my designs and construct the end result with his guidance.

• To feel the pride of having built something in this day and age.

In my house, almost every piece of furniture is factory made. Nothing gives off the feeling of a homemade item, such as many of the pieces in my grandfathers house.

• Becoming proficient with machinery used to cut and sculpt wood.

I feel as though having the knowledge of woodworking will further my experiences in my life, especially gaining the ability to use band saws and a drill press, and to understand the staining process.

• Expand my knowledge of the history and traditions of desk making and woodworking in general.

If I were to complete a desk without finding the origins of the techniques I used, my project would be pointless. The difference in how woodworkers crafted desks back in the 1800's compared to now will also significantly change how I design and style my desk.

• Find a love and interest in woodworking.

This project allows me to experience woodworking to it’s fullest, as I’ll complete a desk by myself with outside help which can be very useful when I face a challenge that seems impossible.