Garden Hod Class Reflections

February 20

As the eager woodworkers gathered at Art in Motion for the Avon Hills Folk School Garden Hod Class, there was a heightened enthusiasm to get started and try something for the first time! Of course they had all had some experience with tools but this was going to be a project that they would own, from start to finish, using power tools and hand tools that they had only observed others using. 

The beginning of this project involved choosing the pieces of wood that they would use to construct their own Garden Hod.  Each woodworker carefully chose pieces to compose their hod. Some looked for interesting knots in the lumber, others focused on grain patterns to make their hod a unique piece of art. It was more than just assembly of pieces of wood, they were designing a finished piece. The woodworkers knew it would be uniquely theirs.

What next? Mark your pieces of wood and begin cutting them. Oh! There was a serious sense of precision that the woodworkers knew was all on them at this point. Most had never used a power jigsaw and were eager to try. First, take the jig saw in hand and pull the trigger to get a feel for it. Surprise on how it felt evolved into a confidence that “I can do this”. Trying something, step after step for the first time, grew to a confidence that this is actually going to work.

Cheers from the group encouraged each woodworker as they successfully cut out the end pieces of their garden hod. The pieces weren’t exactly as smooth and precise as they had expected. On to the power sanders to remove the high spots and get it smooth as can be. Each discovered on their own during the sanding process how to sculpt a piece of lumber into exactly what you wanted. They just had to remove all of the wood, a little at a time, that was not meant to be part of their finished piece. Slow but sure.

I was very impressed as the process continued how woodworkers would advise each other with tips on how they found success for themselves. The learners were becoming teachers. The process wasn’t without disappointment. Occasionally a glued and nailed on piece was not where it was intended to be.  The glue is not dried! We can fix this. This was all part of the learning process. Beginning to understand what wood “working” is all about.

Measuring. Checking it twice. Cutting. Sanding. Gluing. Nailing. Jig saws, random orbit sanders, belt sanders, drill press and cordless drills were buzzing together. The garden hods were taking shape. I can do this and it is uniquely mine was certainly the feeling in the shop.

I did it am I am so proud.  I tried something new for the first time. Let’s get together for a group picture. The picture says it all.

Don’t take it from us - listen to what Sarah has to say about this class!

“My experience with the Avon Hills Folk School and the garden hod class was fantastic. Tom was a patient teacher, always happy to help when needed and fix my mistakes when I didn't know what to do. I felt empowered to take control of my own project, knowing he was there if I needed anything. It was evident he thought of all the little details, from the coffee and treats were waiting for us when we arrived to our very own carpentry pencils with our names on it. I am very proud of the garden hod I made and really appreciated the chance to take the class!”

-Sarah