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Getting Started In Woodworking

Growing up in north central Ohio, there wasn't much to do for fun. We created our own fun in the summers, and I was a typical kid that was always bored, and had nothing to do. However, one of the best parts about the rural summers are the county fairs. The 4-H program offers youth so many opportunities for development, learning, and friendship. I value my experience with 4-H greatly, and believe it helped shape my personality, skills, and friendships that I still have today. 

However, my 4-H experience wasn't "typical". Most people think that 4-H is only "cows and plows", meaning you have to be a farmer and show livestock at the fair. This is far from the truth! I spent 9 years in the program and didn't take livestock to the fair once. My experience was completely through woodworking, cooking, leadership, and other development projects. I was blessed with the opportunity to create, compete, and represent my county at the state level several times, displaying and sharing the work I did in my family workshop. I learned to speak about my work, and talk with others about what I did. I was given the opportunity to participate in county and state camps and retreats as both a participant and a counselor. I learned to work on teams to prepare for the fair, summer camp, or other events. 

So here we are 15+ years later, since my first 4-H judging, and in a recent trip to my mother's house, I discovered all my project posters, books, awards, and everything in between! My mother has kept all the projects, and they are great memories that I have to look back on. In a mini-series of Throw-Back-Thursdays of Humble Beginnings, I would like to share my projects with you. 

4-H Furniture Restoration - Age 10

This is the Furniture Restoration project I took at age 10. We purchased an old dresser from a garage sale, and I remember that it stunk worse than anything I had ever smelled! It was a great first project to learn on. I learned a process, used power tools, and actually won first place at the county fair with it. Today it is still in used and enjoyed at my childhood home.

#TBT #Polaroids #Iwon1stPlace