Meet The Author of Make Things. From Wood.
Make Things. From Wood is being released into the world in just over two weeks!
To celebrate the release of this radically easy-to-follow book, we sat down with author Annabelle June Buckland to discuss exactly how she set out to make woodworking accessible to all, and why this goal is so important to her. (Plus, we put together an exclusive book bundle just for you with two free projects - more information at the end of this article!)
Tell us a little bit about yourself?
Hi, I’m Annabelle and I’m a woodworker. Woodworking isn’t actually my job, I have a regular office job to pay my bills, but woodworking is my true love. I live in a rented house with my sister, who’s my best friend, and my workshop is in the attic. I know an attic doesn’t seem like the most sensible place for a workshop (yes, it’s difficult getting things up and down from there) but it’s like heaven to me. And basically I just love making things. I wish I could put it more eloquently than that, but that sums it up pretty well; I love making things.
Tell us a bit about Make Things. From Wood.?
I still can’t believe my book is a real thing and not just a dream. It’s so surreal.
What I love most about this book is how accessible it is. If you’ve never even touched a tool in your life, this book will hold your hand through every step. And if you’ve already dabbled in woodworking before, this book has so much to offer for continuing your journey.
We start off with the very basics of wood; what it actually is, where and how to buy it. Then I’ll walk you through the basics of cutting, sanding and joining wood. There’s step by step walkthroughs for all the tools, so you’ll learn how the tools work and how to use them. I think the more you understand a tool or technique, the more confident you can feel with it.
Then we’ll learn about wood stains, paint, angles, and how to hang things on the wall. And later in the book we’ll learn about jigsaws, routers, pocket holes, cutting circles, wood movement - and so much more. I honestly can’t believe how much we crammed into this book. And obviously don’t forget the twenty step-by-step projects too, which I’m so excited for people to make. The projects are fun, interesting and practical - you’ll literally be able to fill your home with your own work.
What is your favourite project featured?
That’s such a tough question. The final project is the big showstopper and an easy favourite, it’s like my dream piece of furniture, but I also love the shoe rack. It’s one of those projects that’s so simple to make, but looks really impressive, and there’s so many ways to customise it with different shapes and styles. I think that’s the key to a great project; simple but effective with endless customisation options. My sister’s favourite is the flexible sofa arm, she uses it every day for her cup of tea.
What was your route into woodwork?
I just kind of happened into it. I always felt creative but I never really knew what I wanted to do - I was creatively homeless. I also had this silly idea that I should be naturally good at something to do it, and I wasn’t naturally good at anything, so I often didn’t try new things. Luckily, I got over that idea and went on a lil creative journey.
I started upcycling clothes, which naturally lead to upcycling home decor, then I tried my hand at upcycling furniture, and at some point I got my hands on an old wooden pallet, and that’s where it really began. By the way, I was terrible at woodworking when I first started. I’m not putting myself down, I was objectively bad. But it gave me so much joy, so I just kept doing it. I didn’t have a lot of confidence or knowledge at the beginning so I shied away from a lot of projects - but fast forward several years and now I make whatever pops into my head. The joy of putting my cup of tea down on a table I made, or putting books on a shelf I created, is unmatched. Even if they’re not perfect. Because, spoiler alert, woodworking doesn’t have to be about perfection.
Where do you look for inspiration?
Everywhere. I mean, mostly on Pinterest. But inspiration can come from anywhere. I love architecture, so I look at a lot of buildings and maybe it’ll just be the shape of a doorway or the curve on a stairs banister that catches my eye. Then I’ll dream of all the ways I can bring that feeling into a project. Also following other creators online. It doesn’t have to be woodworking specifically, I just feel really energised and inspired seeing other people be passionate about their crafts. But if I’m honest, the main thing that gives me inspiration is solving problems. Like when I got fed up with my messy charger cables, so I came up with a magnetic cable holder to solve it. Most of my designs are born from finding a solution to a problem. Whether it’s not being able to find furniture in the right size, or needing some kitchen organisation, problems are a great place for inspo.
What is the most challenging thing about being a female woodworker?
It’s more frustrating than challenging, but being underestimated. All the time. People (and I have to be honest, it’s mostly men) will assume I don’t know much. So I’ll get unsolicited advice out of nowhere and it’ll usually be about something I know far more about than them. Then there’s the endless wood innuendos in my DMs, which is gross. But honestly, I couldn’t care less. For every hater or misogynist, there’s thousands of beautiful people who are living life on their terms, embracing who they are, and doing what they love. And that’s the community I care about.
What makes up for the challenges?
Joy. Honestly, what is life without moments of joy? Bringing a vision to life with my hands is the purest form of joy to me. And connecting with like-minded people who want to do the same, that’s the cherry on top.
What do you think the “Next Big Thing” in woodwork will be?
Oof, I don’t even know what the “big thing” is in woodwork right now. I’ll tell you what the next big thing should be: more wood. I want to see wooden dashboards in cars, I want to type on a wooden keyboard, I want to wear wooden glasses. More wood.
How big a part, if any, does sustainability play in your work?
Sustainability is definitely important, like buying wood that’s FSC certified, as well as using reclaimed wood and wood offcuts to minimise waste. I use low VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) finishes as well. VOCs are basically chemicals that evaporate into the air and they’re not good for the environment or your health. And the beauty of woodworking is that wood is so easy to repurpose and reuse. Friends and family are always giving me old wood items so they’ll be reused instead of going to landfill. I made a stool out of some old bed slats and a lamp out of an old chopping board. The wood in our homes can take on new life and evolve with us as we grow.
Who (dead or alive) would you invite to the perfect woodwork retreat?
That’s easy. My sister. She’s not a woodworker but it doesn’t matter because we have fun together no matter what we’re doing.
What advice would you give to your beginner self?
Hello beginner me. You don’t need my advice. You got me to where I am today. So just keep doing what you’re doing, keep going at your own pace, keep trusting yourself. Also you should get a fringe.
In one word, how would you describe this book?
Accessible.
Are you ready to finally tackle the world of woodworking with this no-nonsense guide? Preorder Make Things. With Wood today at the link here to get the exclusive bundle with BONUS downloadable content! With this special bundle, you receive the book with two digital build plans - what are you waiting for?
About the Author
Annabelle June Buckland
Annabelle June is a self-taught woodworker who’s been working with wood for almost a decade. From...