What happened to craftsmanship?
I have to work and probably so do you. But in trying to make a living, do you think we’ve lost touch with the idea of making things well?
I have other questions too:
- Is work just a means to an end?
- Have we lost touch with the idea of doing a job well for its own sake?
- Should I have to sacrifice my creativity on the altar of economic pragmatism?
What I need… perhaps what we all need is a template for living. This sounds complicated, but it’s not.
But it’s not easy either. Here’s one solution:
“Do a good job.
For its own sake.”
That’s it..!
You see, doing a job well for its own sake IS a kind of template for living. You have to flip a switch inside your head to do it, but when you do you’ll see that work ISN’T just a means to an end.
Instead of just working to live, I think we need to bring back craftsmanship.
Why don’t we approach our work, tasks, and job as a craft and pursue mastery with sincerity and intention?
It doesn’t matter if mastery is an unobtainable goal. Screw the goal…!
Craftsmanship and mastery aspirational… This is about the process and the journey. That’s where you’re going to find meaning.
And one of the reasons why you find meaning is that when you learn to build, make or create you learn to think. To really think.
And I don’t mean just thinking with your head.
Thinking with your head is not enough. It’s not really thinking. We’ve had enough of that. What you need instead is to learn how to connect your head and your hands.
This is how you literally MAKE meaning.
You see, building, making and creating ARE thinking. But the reverse isn’t true. And more than that… Your mind doesn’t just engage once the work is completed.
The process of building, making and creating contains thinking and feeling. You can’t separate them.
Anyway, the desire to do a job well for its own sake is a basic human urge. This is what skilled craft and craftsmanship are about.
And along the way, if we work to get a better understanding of how we make things, then we can achieve a better understanding of ourselves.
But wait… there’s a hidden agenda. You might have spotted it.
Do you want to master yourslef? Of course, you do. That’s why you’re reading this. Then understand this truth: making, building, creating is the path to self-mastery.
So:
- Get in touch with the idea of making things well.
- Work hard and take pride in what you do.
- Do a good job even when you’re not financially rewarded for it.
- Learn new skills then practice and repeat (and practice and repeat).
- Become engaged in the work for its own sake.
The satisfactions of your work are their own reward. This… all of this is what I’m calling The Way of the Craftsman.
It’s a way of enormous motivation and inspiration. And it’s for all humans including you.
Now, start with yourself and set an example.
- Do you feel overwhelmed by how to get going?
- Looking for a new hobby or wanna learn a new skill?
- Not sure where to start?
- Unsure of what your craft is?
Here are some things you can do:
- Buy my new eBook using this link to get the pre-order discount of 50%…!
- Join me and others in learning the fundamentals of Leatherwork in the Smith Bros Ultimate Leatherwork Fundamentals Mentorship.
- Check out all my various projects here.
- Sign up to my email newsletter.
How To Make Cool Stuff – 50 Minute Craftsmanship Masterclass & eBook
Embrace the Way of the Craftsman
Do you remember what it was like to hang out in your grandfather’s workshop? Do you want to know how to literally MAKE meaning in your life and the lives of others? Do you want to get in touch with the idea of doing a job well for its own sake?
Making, building and creating ARE thinking and you can learn to do it. You can learn a craft and even make the nice things that you want to have. Embrace the Way of the Craftsman and discover how today.
NEW – How To Make Cool Stuff now comes bundled with FREE 50 Minute Masterclass
- As well as this ebook and some other freebies, you’ll get my 50-minute masterclass – Exploring Craft and Craftsmanship
Read more here
CHECK OUT HOW TO MAKE COOL STUFF – LEARN NEW SKILLS, DO A GOOD JOB AND EMBRACE THE WAY OF THE CRAFTSMAN BY GRAEME SMITH
Click the link below to find out more about How to Make Cool Stuff – Learn new skills, do a good job and embrace the Way of the Craftsman
Learn how you can kickstart your leatherwork hobby with the right tools for cheap
Make your own cool stuff out of leather
If you’re reading this it’s might be because you imagine what it’s like to make your own cool stuff out of leather. Just think of it… wallets, bags, all kind of accessories… There’s so much cool stuff to make. Here’s what you’re thinking right now:
- What’s something creative I can do that won’t break the bank?
- Do I really want to get started with leatherwork?
- What tools do I need to buy?
- How do I avoid spending too much money before I know whether I’ll like it?
Pay what you want for this short guide and I’ll answer all your questions. Read more here and check out SMITH BROS on Instagram.
CHECK OUT SMITHBROS LEATHERWORK QUICKSTART TOOLS GUIDE BY GRAEME SMITH
Click the link below to find out more about Smith Bros Leatherwork Quickstart Tools Guide
Using Medical Scalpels for Craft and Leatherwork
Because an insanely sharp knife doesn’t have to break the bank
Everyone has their own idea about what to use for cutting leather and other materials. But we can all agree on one thing – a craftsman needs a good blade. Whether you’re starting out or not there is nothing worse than blunt tools.
- Are you tired of sharpening blades?
- Are you sick of snapping the tips off Exacto knives?
- Have you been wondering what to get to replace that rusty Stanley knife?
Pay what you want for this short guide to using medical scalpels for craft and leatherwork. Read more here
CHECK OUT USING MEDICAL SCALPELS FOR CRAFT & LEATHERWORK BY GRAEME SMITH
Click the link below to find out more about Using Medical Scalpels for Craft and Leatherwork
Follow Smith Bros on Instagram
Follow Smith Bros projects on Instagram
Follow Smith Bros projects step by step on Instagram. I make all kinds of stuff from short, fun Sunday afternoon projects to much longer more involved work.
You’ll be able to see the exact tools and techniques that I use to create cool stuff that I love to make and use.
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