Craftsmanship Enlightenment!

Title: Good Clean Fun: Misadventures in Sawdust at Offerman Woodshop

 Author: Nick Offerman

Reviewer: Richard Sesek (educator, wantrepreneur)

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Topic/Intent of book: This book is part memoir, part woodworking manual (all advice, particularly regarding safety, is accurate), and part philosophy. The book addresses woodworking (for both experienced woodworkers and those with an interest in getting started), but really it is a vehicle for Offerman to promote the value of patience, purpose, and craftsmanship (particularly the connection to others that comes from well-made things and the collaboration that craftsmanship often encourages, if not requires). Do not be dissuaded if you are not specifically interested in woodworking! I think you’ll find this to be an interesting and entertaining read.

I selected this book because: This book was recommended by my brother, Bob. I was intrigued since Bob described the book’s relation to design thinking concepts and creativity. Offerman celebrates process over perfection, the value of experiential learning (no substitute for many aspects of woodworking), and hands-on problem solving. He is a funny guy, he went to a great school (go Illini!), his writing is excellent, and, on the audio version, he reads it himself (always a plus for me).

Recommendation: I highly recommend this book for makers, educators, engineers, and anyone who believes in learning by doing. Offerman’s humor keeps the material engaging (if you are pun averse, be prepared). He has an absolute reverence for craftsmanship and elevates the act of creating into a form of personal development (enlightenment even). This book suggests an antidote to digital burnout. Offerman describes the joy and satisfaction associated with tangible, physical, hands-on work.

Major lessons from this book: Building things with your hands develops patience, focus, and pride. All of which build character. Woodworking and life are not about the finished product/project, but about the “doing” (sanding, shaping, refining both literally and metaphorically). Crafting of any kind is more rewarding when shared with others. Respect your materials. Wood, like people, has character and “personality” you must understand the quirks of the material (and people) to get the most out of a project. Work is best when done with humor and humility. A playful approach fosters creativity and helps keep one’s ego in check. Slow down and work with the material. Handwork (e.g., sanding and finishing) fosters mindfulness, something sorely lacking in today’s society. Woodworking is like a form a mediation.

Book Inspirations: This book was great! I love making things and I really love fixing things that others would throw away. The self-sufficiency and creativity that come from making and fixing things, particularly from materials that I already have (e.g., scraps, parts, and other discarded items) are rewarding. I am not too proud to pull things out of dumpsters and love thinking about what “new life” these things can assume. Crafts can be both meditative and communal. I sometimes enjoy working alone, but most times, I enjoy working with others and sharing ideas. My daughter, Anabel, and I have made many things over the years and we substantially remodeled our home during Covid (learning a lot along the way).

I love Offerman’s reverence for tools and materials as well as their origins. He dives deep on the craftsmanship of the tools themselves, describing his favorites in detail. I have made a concerted effort to get tools into the hands of as many people as possible. I am even more excited to share with them the joy of fixing things for yourself! This book is not as much about woodworking as it is about using your hands to make things. I will definitely read more of Offerman’s books.