I started it the same way I have my students start their projects. I ask them to answer the “Big Three” questions to get the ball rolling.
1. What do you love?
2. Within what you love, what bothers you?
3. And then lastly, what are you going to do about it?
For my first answer I went on a little different tangent and thought if I weren’t a teacher what other job would I love to do? With all the renovations that I have done of late, and how much I love it, the answer didn’t take long “carpenter!”
The second answer came to me later that night when watching TV. It was my cheap, keep while you have kids and then update, TV stand. So quickly came then third answer, I will build a TV stand for my house.
But I wanted to take my project elsewhere and share it globally. So I took pictures of my work, placed it on social media, and asked if anyone else wanted me to make a table for them.
Currently, after one week, I have started a little business. I have taken six orders, which include making benches, coffee tables, TV stands, candle holders and side tables. All furniture is the rustic farmhouse style, that my wife and I love.
During this process I have documented my daily work, followed a S.M.A.R.T. goal plan and drafted up measurements, tweaking them as I go. I am seeing problems, addressing them and fixing them. I am doing everything I ask of my students, and having a blast doing it! The extra money doesn’t hurt either. :)
I hope you enjoy pictures below of my Genius Hour Project and I would love your feedback!