A jill of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.

I’m warming to it.

I always thought the height was knowing as much as you possibly could about one thing. I still think it is, but it’s not my association.

I get a kick out of learning new things. Of being a beginner. Of feeling frustrated and impatient and then riding the high when the clarity clicks. I also enjoy how particular skills often cross-pollinate between crafts.

My late maternal grandfather was a fine furniture maker, and my father can do anything with a hammer. Both of these men, being follicularly blessed Spaniards, always seemed to have sawdust trapped in their hair. My mother greeted my father by pointing the shrieking vacuum at his arms and legs before letting him enter the house.

Woodworking, honestly, was a matter of time.

I spotted some interesting courses on Domestika (professional woodworking for beginners, furniture design and construction for beginners, furniture design: introduction to Danish cord weaving) and after working my way through the modules and taking copious notes, I was ready to try my hand at building and weaving a Danish cord stool.

It was so much fun! I’m chuffed at the results, and while it took me about thrice the amount of time I anticipated, it paid to take my time.

There was only one person this stool could be for: my mother. After decades of graciously accepting peculiar (read, terrible) creations, and displaying them with pride around the house, it was lovely to give her something functional.

My parents are also returning to Spain, so I thought it would be fitting as a house warming gift.

We can just squeeze the car into the garage. Let’s see for how long.

Amanda

Materials:

• Pine, dressed

• Danish paper cord

• Osmo Polyx®-Oil raw transparent