The Power That Comes with Practice

Hi, Christina here 👋 I know when I’m working on a project for the first time, clear parameters feel safe. The directions, plans, etc. can help quiet my mind so I can focus on learning the new skill. While creativity on a project can be freeing for many people, it can be just as intimidating for others. The wide variety of our classes at Hammerstone helps cater to individuals in both camps. 

TA Lena and her very expressive curvy shelf

The curvy shelf is a unique project that uses many tools students are typically unfamiliar with. Outside of a few basic parameters, students can shape their shelves however they want! Everyone takes this freedom to varying degrees. I encourage students to do whatever calls to them. I also let them know it can be as simple as just two curved lines. The shelf works regardless! 

Using a router for the first time can feel intense. It’s loud, powerful, fast, and unfamiliar. That alone can quiet creativity. When you’re new to a tool like that, your brain wants clear parameters. It wants to protect itself. It needs boundaries.

Where do my hands go? How do I keep from messing up? In those moments, creativity shouldn’t be the priority—safety should.

Using a router to cut curves with a template - join us for Router Fundamentals to try this yourself!

When a tool no longer feels intimidating your mind has space to wander, to explore, to flow. Creativity doesn’t arrive fully formed. Practice matters, and progression only happens when you dedicate yourself to gaining the skills needed. Some people move into creative endeavors with slow methodology, some dive in head first, and many land somewhere in between. We recognize that every path is valid and appropriate for the individual. All of them build confidence.