Junior high student crafts distinguished end table, credits ability to early grasp of tools
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Skills like being able to read, write and follow directions are not just a prerequisite for English class anymore. Without these skills, the dangers of power tools may have permanent consequences.
Family ties and a love of tools prompted Garrett Childs, '13, to participate in the woodshop class.
?Woodworking is really fun,? Childs said. ?I enjoy it because I get to use sharp tools and make stuff. My stepdad does woodwork, so I have learned from him.?
Childs received power tools at the age of four and lives only three minutes away from school. After seeing the plans for an end table in a magazine, he began constructing one out of poplar wood early in the semester.
?I started making the end table in January and it took me until April," Childs said. "I saw the idea for it in a magazine and it had instructions. The legs were hard to make because there are a lot of cuts and shapes involved and it was hard to keep the end table balanced."
After laboring for four months, Childs completed the end table.
"I felt really good when I finished it," Childs said. "It was a lot of work but it looked really good so it was worth it."
Woodshop teacher Randy Hurley recognized Childs' expertise while he constructed it.
"It was fun to watch somebody who had talent," Hurley said, "and it always feels good to see someone succeed at what they're trying. Everyone has pictures in their minds about what they want to look at, but they usually don't turn out that well. It was exciting to see him come really close to what he wanted."
Every day after school, Childs goes home to his house which is being remolded. His stepfather requests Child?s help in making the woodwork for the remodel.
"Woodshop can help you if you need stuff and don't want to spend a lot of money," Childs said. "Also, you feel good about making it yourself. I like working with all the tools and I love seeing the finished product.?
The end table is now in possession of mother Lisa Raynes who keeps the piece of furniture in her bedroom.
?I am proud because for his first woodshop project, it is beautiful," Raynes said, "but mostly I am happy because Garrett found something he is really gifted at. I know he put his all into the end table and it turned out amazing! It is a beautiful piece of furniture made by my son, which makes it priceless.?
Hurley believes Childs?s previous experience complemented his talent and skill.
?He came to class with experience he got at home, so that made a difference,? Hurley said. ?What made his piece so great was a combination of style and the use of materials, including the finish."
In addition to a familiarity with tools, Hurley believes Childs' success stems from an understanding of the directions.
"Part of being good at woodshop is being able to read, understand and follow directions," Hurley said. "Some students are better at that than others, but by the time they leave class, I hope all the students are better.?
Next year, Childs plans to continue in woodshop with the intentions of making more artistic pieces and a chair.
"I want to make a rocking chair," Childs said. "It is more difficult than an end table and I want to challenge myself."
For more information please visit the following:
Sean O'Neal's March 5, 2008, article, Woodshop wakes carpenters
Randy Hurley's e-mail
Lisa Raynes' e-mail
Posted by "Tami Grimmius" on May 22, 2008 at 12:27 a.m.
Wow, Garrett! Your Mom bragged to us about the table you made for her, and I thought she might have exaggerated just a tad. But now that I've seen it, it's obvious she was just stating the facts. It's an amazing work of art.
I can't wait to see the rocking chair!
Posted by "Jon Raynes" on May 22, 2008 at 12:27 a.m.
Good job, Garrett !
I have enjoyed working with you over the years and watching you develop into a woodworker. I was told that I was crazy for buying you tools at age 4, but I knew that you were ready.
God has blessed you with this gift. Now it is time for us to teach Hunter.
Posted by "Nicole J. Whittaker" on May 22, 2008 at 12:27 a.m.
Garrett, awesome job! I am so proud of you for completing what is "one good looking end table"! Your attention detail and patience shines through! Keep it up!
P.S Has Mom asked for the matching one yet?
Love,
Coley
Posted by "Sharon Reed" on May 21, 2008 at 12:27 a.m.
It was kinda scary for Grammy to see such a young child handle power tools... (at 4 he had better power tools than I did) ha .... I am so very, very proud of him! He did a wonderful job on the table; it is amazing.
Grammy aka Sharon Reed
Posted by "Karen Babcock" on May 21, 2008 at 12:27 a.m.
Wow, Garrett:
This article touched my heart, I am so proud of you and your determination to complete what you start, not to mention, how gorgeous it turned out! Way to go, Bud!
Can't wait to show Uncle Paul! He will be envious. :-)
We love you!
Posted by "Pat Unruh" on May 21, 2008 at 12:27 a.m.
Garrett,
Wow, don't most woodworkers start with a shelf?
You are one "particular guy." I see a real future for you in an occupation that takes preciseness. Your parents are going to need to build on to their house to accommodate all your wood creations.
Keep those aspirations high, Garrett!
Mrs. Unruh
Posted by "Toni Smith" on May 21, 2008 at 12:27 a.m.
Garrett, I recall that you enjoyed building structures even in the 5th grade. As your prior teacher, I am proud to see that you have pursued your interests and have taken your special talents to acquire new skills and abilities!
Toni Smith
Posted by "Dan Reed" on May 21, 2008 at 12:27 a.m.
Fantastic table, Garrett. I am so very proud of you!
I look forward to watching you accomplish great things.
Love,
Poppy
Posted by "David Raynes" on May 21, 2008 at 12:27 a.m.
Garrett, what a wonderful job you did on the end table. You have always been a detail person who likes to build and create!
We can't wait to see your next project! We are very proud grandparents!
Posted by "Kathy Pierce" on May 21, 2008 at 12:27 a.m.
Garrett, what a talent and gift from God! That is a beautiful end table. May God help you expand your ability in this area.
I love how you challenge yourself to more complex projects. Some day I may be purchasing furniture you have created.
Posted by "Stacey Ferguson" on May 21, 2008 at 12:27 a.m.
Way to go Garret! What a great gift for mom! I know she is so proud of you! :)
Posted by "Norma Nickel" on May 21, 2008 at 12:27 a.m.
Garrett,
You are so talented! What an awesome end table! It is beautiful.
I can't wait to see your next project. I am very proud of you and your accomplishments!
Posted by "Lisa Raynes" on May 21, 2008 at 12:27 a.m.
Dear editor:
To watch your child use their God given talent is a gift in and of itself. I am so happy to see Garrett enjoying the gift God has given him. He is happiest when he's building and that makes me happy!
I thank God every day for letting me be his mom. :)
Posted by "Julia K" on February 3, 2010 at 7:44 a.m.
Garrett,
I found this article and realized I had not posted a comment earlier. It is still amazing to read it and see how talented you are. I hope you have continued to do what you love and what you have been born to do...using your hands to make beautiful things from your heart.