April felt like a turning point in the shop.
I started the month with a simple goal: build my first planter. What came out of that first attempt wasn’t perfect, but it was solid—and more importantly, it gave me the confidence to keep going. One planter quickly turned into three. Each one got a little cleaner, a little tighter, and a little more intentional. You can actually see the progression in the joinery and overall structure.
From there, I shifted gears and built a trellis. This one pushed me creatively. It’s less about precision cuts and more about layout and visual balance. Getting those angles to feel right took some trial and error, but the end result has a nice, organic structure that pairs well with the planters.
On the finishing side, I finally cracked the code on my resin coasters. Attempt number five was the winner. The earlier pours had issues—bubbles, uneven curing, surface flaws—but this time everything came together. Clean finish, rich contrast in the wood grain, and a smooth, glass-like surface. That felt like a real milestone.
I also added a new tool to the shop: a scroll saw. Got it mounted on a proper stand and immediately put it to use making a cross. It’s a different kind of work—more controlled, more detail-oriented—and I can already see how it’ll open up new project ideas.
And of course, none of this happened without Hercules keeping an eye on things. Every shop needs a supervisor.
Looking back, April wasn’t just productive—it was foundational. I’m starting to see real progress, not just in what I’m building, but in how I approach each project.
On to the next month.