Can you come? In order to preserve the craft of woodworking and ensure real woodworking has a future we need to support ventures like the upcoming European Woodworking Show. Sometimes we look only at our own needs and what that cost implications are to us. Did you know that the cost of such show is often a break-even for some of the promoters and that there are no guarantees they wont be bailing themselves out from their own pocket? Did you know that often the demonstrators and lecturers pay for the whole or part out of their coming to the show comes out of their own pocket and they do it because the so want to pass on their knowledge and skills to others they think that it’s worth it? That’s what craft conservation , apprenticing, training and so on is all about, especially in our shifting culture.
The blog today is simply to encourage my friends to consider the cost that these events cost to others along the way. Tremendous pressure for many coming to help out, demonstrate, teach display and so on. Yes you can buy cheap goods online these days, eBay, competitive stores operating from someone’s garage, but where can you get what this show brings? Skill at its best, tools tested and visible in your hands, questions answered there and then by men and women so willing to help you pursue your interest. It’s worth even a night in a hotel.
Imagine a blacksmith forging tools and a wheelwright making wheels. I’ll be there showing you inlays and two-minute dovetails and I’ll be bringing you the best woodworking course you could ever want. More than that, were are bring the Artisan film crew and I’ll be interviewing the craftsmen and women there so we’ll get some first hand stuff for you to see after you’ve been at the show.
Stop by the Paul Sellers Masterclasses and the booth to meet the gang. My Masterclasses are constrained to 60 people and are scheduled at 11 am, 1pm and 3pm.
Oh, and don’t forget! We’ll be launching the new DVDs and I’ll be signing my new book Working Wood The Artisan Course with Paul Sellers. See you there at the show!
