Hello from the shop
I'm Andy Glenn, a furniture maker in a rural, coastal community in midcoast Maine. I've made my living from woodworking, in various roles, for the past 16 years. Chairs and custom furniture are now constants on the bench. Over the past few years I've added writing to the mix, recently completing a book Appalachian chairmakers.
I want to continue that experience here (and into the next book). This newsletter shares the process - the work at the bench, the visits to log yards, the surprises, and the misfires, along with the inevitable bruises endured along the way.
Nothing in here is canon, only how a single woodworker found roots in an especially rocky field.
Why Subscribe?
There’s something intriguing and enticing about a life of furniture making at a workbench. Slightly oddball as well, especially as commerical work moves towards computers and machines.
Have I found furniture making lucrative? No, it is a bad business.
Is it fun? Yes, sometimes…..many times. And sometimes not-at-all. Occasionally the two blend together to the point that it’s impossible to tell.
Then ‘why?’ Because, for whatever the reason, there’s always a project on my bench, with the projects beginning around age 12. And, Lord willing, there will be another one beginning soon………
If handmade furniture draws your attention and fills your daydreams, there’s something here for you. It may be to learn a new chairmaking technique, to follow along with the behind-the-scenes of my next book, or a tip for what worked for me to gain (a little) traction in this field.
Subscribing helps keep me in the shop and allows me to put time and resources towards sharing. Thanks for stopping by.
