Making Mistakes

Allowing yourself the freedom to make mistakes, and learn from them, is a liberating sensation. It makes you more willing to take chances and try new things.

The Handymama Chronicles' mantra of learning woodworking, one mistake at a time, fits me well. When I made the first desk/hutch unit, I made many more mistakes than I will (hopefully) make this round. I learned a lot, just by doing.

I had always heard growing up that sometimes you have to let kids make mistakes, for they will never learn some things unless they experience them. That's the same way with me, when it comes to building things. I have to see and do for myself. And if (when) I make a mistake, you can bet I'll be less apt to make the same mistake next time.

So:

• On the second desk/hutch, everything is perfectly level, every direction you check.
• I will not permanently affix the top to the desk bases until the cutout for the electrical cords is done.
• I will rout the wood for the hutch sides in one long piece before cutting to size.
• I will use screws only to install the metal shelf supports.
• I will measure at least 5 times before cutting anything.
• I will use a dust mask when cutting, routing, and painting.
• I will buy enough wood so I don't have to keep going back to Home Depot.

DIY-expert Lynda Lyday has good advice for any beginner carpenter, including women. Her first and most important tip? She says, "Don't be a perfectionist. Allow yourself three mistakes because you'll never get started if you don't."

Only three? Uh-oh.