The Way of the Woodshop: Creating, Designing & Decorating with Wood – A Woman's Empowering Guidebook to Handmade Objects and the Joy of Making

by Aleksandra Zee

Shop Class as Soulcraft meets Norwegian Wood in this gorgeously illustrated DIY guide for aspiring woodworkers of all levels.

“There’s just something about wood. It’s an imperfect material with cracks, knots, and irregularities. As an imperfect being, I find that by working with wood and all its inconsistencies, I can also tackle my own.” –Aleksandra Zee Roll up your sleeves and get ready to master the basics of woodworking in Aleksandra Zee’s cozy Bay Area studio. The Way of the Woodshop  is a meditative guidebook and a feast for the eyes, an illustrated journey through the joys of working, decorating, and crafting with wood. Packed with gorgeous photography and do-it-yourself projects ranging from easy to advanced,  The Way of the Woodshop  takes you step by step through the process of creating nesting cutting boards, a blanket ladder, a daybed, a table and bench, and more. Zee covers the basics, from choosing the right lumber, to understanding different wood types and grains, to curating a tool collection, along with tips on decorating with wood and curating a space that you love. Along the way, she encourages you to tap into your creativity and relish the joys of working with your hands, and she shares lessons from her own empowering journey, as a woman carving out her space in a stereotypically male profession. Whether you want to decorate your home, create personal gifts, or just love handmade objects,  The Way of the Woodshop  will inspire you to grab a sander and discover the joy of making!

Genres: Nonfiction

192 pages, Hardcover

Published October 22, 2019

Reviews

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Laila Collman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been following Aleksandra Zee on Instagram for years, inspired by her aesthetic as well as her measured approach to work & life. This book provides a range of introductory information, not only for those interested in the basics of woodworking, but also on how Aleksandra carved out a place for herself in a traditionally male-dominated sphere, and found a balance in pursuing her artistic passion as a full-time career. In addition, the photos of her interior design and the beloved western landscapes that inspire her work are particularly beautiful.

[Mary Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The subtitle of this book is somewhat misleading. It’s an interesting mix of lifestyle, design, woodworking craft, personal journey and travel. Has a western design aesthetic. I enjoyed it but it would not be my first choice for a woodworking how-to. There are other books better on that front. This was nice for inspiration however.

[Martha Rubin · Rating 4 out of 5]

good book with directions and supplies listed

[Karen Nash · Rating 4 out of 5]

love the original ideas and thinking in this book.
The pictures and description of the different woods is So valuable!