Someone once asked me “you hardly make any money at this why do you keep going at it” My reply was “why do you breathe” I guess it’s in your blood and when you deliver your product to the customer and you see how happy you just made them.. well you cannot put a price on that. I just really like making people happy that’s not a crime it’s a gift. Thank you so much for your videos I’m also a woodworker with knowledge passed down from my father and at 56 I’m still learning. Never stop ❤️

Ashley, this video could be a TED talk. The quality of the message was that good. The laithe and band saw are the only machines missing in my shop. After watching one of your videos, I said that not having the tools was not an excuse, so I chucked a jig into my drill mounted the drill so it was stable, and started to turn my own spindles for my deck. Of course, I will never be as successful as a craftsman, as I am missing the most important part. One incredibly beautiful smile that is full of love. Your channel and Culver Propellers are my favorite craftsman channels.

This video should be required watching for everyone who wants to make crafts as a career and not just a hobby.

While trying my utmost to stay positive and be as polite as possible, I'm really struggling to try and imagine how utterly sad the lives of the 30 people who've given this video a thumbs down must be. Not sure where you find solace but I truly hope that you do.

Well said. Having just started turning at 73 I was struggling even with youtube. Took me about 6 months to figure out I just needed to start with the basics and practice. It only took me watching about 15 different teachers on youtube saying the same things till it finally sunk in. I bought a good grinder and diamond wheel, then some sharpening aids and then after watching for about riding the bevel a hundred times.... one day I actually accomplished it......... WOW! Now I actually see progress each time in the shop..... and screw up a lot of stuff but I'm now to the point of understanding how I "got that catch". It's very rewarding. I now go to my local bar and "show and tell" all my screw ups! Keep it up, you are doing great work spreading the knowledge.

Love your work but I love your attitude and caring toward others even more. Thanks for your example.

Your work isn’t as a much a reflection of how the thousands of hours at the lathe have improved your technical abilities, as it is a reflection of how much you have grown as an individual and a piece created by Ashley Harwood is a work of art, infinitely more valuable than one sold in the big box stores.

Hi Ashley I love your work & video's I have never done woodturning but due to me having to retire early due to a hit & run on my motorbike I had to find something to help me in my recovery so I watched youtube & saw woodturning so I bought a second-hand mini Jet machine had to do a bit of work to get it running smoothly plus secondhand chisels & tried it & now I love it it has helped me to forget my pain for a while so thank you all woodturners on KZfaq making & sharing your work & advice. Regards Steve UK London

Having lived in Charleston for a year and a half, giving up A/C is definitely a sacrifice. Thank you for the message Ashley. It really does mean a lot, and may be more powerful than you realize.

The most important thing about having a trade is knowing everything you make is a message that you will make people think about good things.

I just want to start and say this hit me hard, but hard in a way that was positive. I am new to wood turning and only been turning for a year. I have always worked with my hands in some way or another, but never had the satisfaction I get when I turn. I have this urge inside of me to create and have always been told you won't make a living at it. I have struggled lately with this. Making things for other people brings me such joy. I have struggled lately making mistakes messing up on simple things. I have struggled on selling my projects consistently and for a price that represents my time and work that goes into my projects. I have never worked for something I want in life. I have always tried to please everyone around me. For once I have found what makes me happy. So I guess what I am trying to say is THANK YOU....... I needed to hear this from someone like you..

Ashley, Thanks for the fresh insight into craftsmanship. I have almost never sold my work, only gave it away. The few times I did it for profit. My passion for woodworking seemed like a job. As I get closer to retiring from working for someone else. I find I am enjoying the challenge of selling my crafts. It's no longer the feeling of a job, but more of a challenge to produce a piece of art worthy of great conversations. Keep turning and talking.

I am an 80 years young engineer, and all my life, I have designed, engineered and made machines, made large projects, engaged hundreds of people, and felt “great “ when things came through. Now, I would like to take up wood turning, it will be not only be a hobby, but a very different type of YOGA. Ashley, your Yoga is spiritually inspiring.

Excellent message. Because of an unexpected change in my health, I was forced to retire early from the only profession I've ever known or loved. Woodworking has always been an enjoyable hobby, but now I am looking at it more as something to maintain both my sanity and to give me direction again as my wife and I go forward in this new normal. Thank you for the clarity and honesty you provide in this presentation.

The reason why I follow craftsman like you is because of the hardwork and dedication paid to your craft. These are things I would like to eventually do as a hobby, but I don't have that same desire to put in the 12 hour days, nor the desire to give up a really good steady pay check. But these are things that I can admit about myself and not take away from the hard work of others. I hate when I see others commenting that it was just luck, or I could do that if I were given this that or the other. Maybe there was some luck involved, but that luck only comes into play after putting in the hardwork. And the items that were given only helped to get you further along only after putting in the work to get to that point. I think a lot of people are unhappy with their lives and respond by trying to tear others down. That's why when I leave a comment it is either to show appreciation or constructive criticism or maybe a different perspective.

Love how the southern slips through from time to time.

Thank you. I'm just a hobby wood worker. But your words resonate strongly with me. Both for my hobby, but also for my career craft as a software engineer.

I am a shop teacher in training. In my part of the world, we go to shop teacher school where we learn basic woodworking, electronics, automotive, engineering, metalwork, welding and other trade related skills that we are to teach high school students. Woodturning is my latest KZfaq binge at the moment. Watching you turn that Barolo table is nothing short of amazing! Also, I just purchased a small lathe to start practicing my technique at home so I can better teach my future students. Thanks for reminding me about repetition and giving myself the space to get the technique right.

I'm an accountant and have always told people setting up in business that they will have two jobs. One is what they do, plumber, electrician, mechanic or wood turner, for example, and the other is running their business. Once they've done their first job they have to do the second. Paying bills, dealing with payroll, juggling money, planning the next job, ordering materials, marketing, budgeting, paying taxes etc etc is at least as big a job as what they do. Most people don't much like their second job but it's important and has to be done. Well done you for doing so well and I hope you continue to succeed.

My craft mentor is a master cabinet maker and you touched on SOOO many of the lessons he imparts to me!!! thank you for presenting this without bopping me in the head 🙂 All of this applies across the board in life and parallels directly into martial arts! Practicing the motions slowly and perfectly is far more important than practicing the motions with full force.

Thanks for the pep talk and keeping it real Ashley. Nothing worth pursuing happens overnight and you spell it all out here beautifully. There is very little luck involved, just hard work, practicing the right things, and having that drive to know you have a goal... but the journey should be enjoyed.

I am super impressed with the craftsmanship that you demonstrate. I live in the UK and I am not a wood turner myself, but I love seeing the art that is created from a ‘lump’ of wood. You clearly have the skills, which combined with your passion for teaching make your videos a delightful way to expand knowledge. Keep that smile going too, it’s wonderful.

My first , and only turning was made in high school woodshop in the late 50's. I made a lamp from a bowling pin which I gave to my son a few years ago but I never had the equipment to do more...till now. I am finally getting set up to do the wood turning that I enjoyed in high school I am Inspired to do much more because of you and others I have seen on KZfaq. I don't plan on making a business from it but I will practice to become better every day. Thanks for your inspiration and example. It's never too late to do something again only do it better.

Yes. I have been a software engineer for 40 years wanting to be an artist. Retired from software and trying to be an artist. You inspire me.

Out of all your videos I have watched, this one has had the most impact on my self image as a woodworker/turner/maker. You have inspired me to a higher level of desire to learn my craft. I thank you and look forward to seeing more videos of your work and travels.

Ashley very well done. I have been at it for 30 plus years and work every day, 7 days a week...and I still love it. I think I am very fortunate to make a living as a crafts person, it is a gift. Keep turning!!

I started turning at 15. I taught myself how to do the push cut using Ashley's videos as a guide. I'm currently 17 and looking for a job. I'm thinking about being an on call firefighter and using my free time to do wood turning as a second job. I've joined a local group with some great people and are helping me improve my skills all the time. But without Ashley, I would not have the skills and technique I have today.

Excellent information with no sugar coating. This is something all those people offering a true craftsman 1/2 the asking price for a product should watch! All their time and practice and effort are truly worth something. Even as a beginner woodturner I really enjoy your videos.....I'll never turn most of the things you do, but I certainly admire your talent, artistic vision, how you seem to have a soft or gentle touch with your tools and most of all, your humbleness. Take care and keep inspiring!

You have gust turned a light on in my head. In my work it is not the product but the reflection of the joy and love embedded with in every piece a one off or 50. Thankyou Ron

Beautifully spoken and wonderfully inspirational If any of you have an inspiring young artist whom you plan to have watch this video, ( and you should) be sure to not gloss over Ashley's statement, " One big regret of mine is that I never took any business classes in college." It will help shorten the learning curve immensely and avoid some to the inherent pitfalls along the journey.

This is an excellent address of something that often goes unspoken in the pursuit of skill. I do joinery as a hobby, and the box is an important basic form that many start with. Dovetailed corners with a rabbet for a slide top lid, and a rabbet for the bottom. You are going to make a lot of boxes, and I've made a lot of boxes, and will make a lot more boxes. It was while doing this that I realized, truly realized, the lesson Mr Miyagi was teaching Daniel with 'wax-on wax-off'. In repetition of the form at its simplest, that is where you begin to build competency, and from competency you can progress towards skill. Whether you are making a bed frame, a chest of drawers, or a table. The final piece of furniture is derived from the same basic practiced forms, but at different scales and in a different combination.

I had a woodworking business for 38 years. I'm retired now (sort of). You are right, knowing how to run a business is just as important as the work you love to create.

The thing you say at 4:15 was key decision. You can buy anything from ‘offshore’ these days, and so much stuff out there is bought by the container load then passed off at markets as hand made or folk art etc. Proof that you did this was important, glad you did it.

Learning? That is more truth than poetry. I spent most of my life in maintenance, that is different everyday and the learning curve is never ending. I retired a few years back, but now I explain to those who are interested in how to do as many things as the 2 of us can do, as well as learn from those other persons. You definitely hit the nail on the head with this video. Great job young lady, keep it up.

Ashley - When I retired a few years ago I started watching KZfaq and Instagram in lieu of television. Your videos were one of the first I viewed and was immediately intrigued by your dedication and commitment to the craft. Now that I know your story you have my utmost respect. Thank you for keeping both the arts and the industry alive and giving young people a common knowledge of what to expect. Witnessing your experiences is the best way to get you message to the masses! Keep up the great work and keep the videos coming if you can!

You are an inspiration, I teach at a college in ontario, and will pass on these words of wisdom to my carpentry students. Love to see women excel in the trades. Thanks for being awesome!

Creativity is the catalyst to entrepreneurship. True innovation is derived from creative people. The world is full of geniuses, rare is the person with the creative trait and industrial drive. Very special people.

Ashley, I have watched all of your videos and so far I found this video is the best one . You looked relaxed and was very informative. Thanks for sharing.

There's a calming effect to you and the crafts you produce, don't ever stop. Good to know about the classes 😊

We love you Ashley you are a true inspiration for many people on this planet 🥰😭

Such a great treatise on craft and crafting. She eloquently covers process and product in her usual, pleasant delivery. I'm reminded of a Wendell Berry line - her hands know as much as her head.

You are an inspiration. As Jim Sprague says: be proud of your work and sign it.

One of the best woodturning videos I have seen.

Very positive, authentic and real message. Much appreciated. "You get good at what you practice.......good or bad" so it makes sense to learn how to practice progress not perfection. Thanks for this.

I am 70 years young. Retired and disabled. I can not just sit around, so I started carving some time ago, Now for the past year I have bought a mini lathe and the journey begins. I watch all your videos I can find and learn from them. I would hope that someday I could take your classes.

Ashley, The message you give in this video has spoken volumes to me. I’ve been in manufacturing and logistics for 17 years and recently decided earlier this year that I want to make woodturning my new career. You speak from the heart of a genuine professional who knows her craft inside and out, and what it truly takes to make any kind of viable income from it. I cannot express how thankful I am for your outpouring of knowledge to world of aspiring woodworkers. I look forward to taking your classes one day so I can inhale that knowledge and work side-by-side with the Queen of Woodturning!

I am an armature woodtourner from Italy and i really loved everything you just said. You are an incredibile woman and a superbe artist. Bravissima 👏

Ashley, thank you for your videos, my wife a I watch them and look forward to them. We strive to improve with every project and have been making family Christmas gifts for several years. You inspire us, thanks again!

The information you share is very meaningful and useful. Thank you!

Hi Ashley. I’m 67 and love to watch your videos and learn off them.

Thank you Ashley, not only for the great woodturning videos, but also for the great advice. You have transcended craftmenship to become an artist of true note. Keep it up and thanks again for sharing.

I attended your demo in Raleigh, NC and saw you demo for the first time, live. Loved all of it. This video of what it takes to do this full-time, is also spot-on. Clear, concise, down-to-earth, not afraid to share that you are human, which makes your message heartfelt and believable. As a female who has spent her entire adult life in male-dominated professions and hobbies, I have lived some of those experiences you described. Keep speaking your message, there are a lot of young people who need to hear it.

My wife and I are going to make 2021 our year by starting a business for our crafts. This video on craftsmanship is so very timely and directly what we are trying to capture. Seriously, your efforts and craftsmanship are so awesome! Thanks so very very much for sharing!!!!

I'm a woodworker(high end furniture) and there's always some blood, sweat and tears in every piece I make. You're an inspiration to people who don't have a knack for wood turning!

I’m 72 and an average bowl turner. I’ve much to learn about the craft, but as you say.....practice , practice and with enough repetition you will see how your technique is changing and your work becomes “Better”. Never stop learning! Great videos....keep it up.

During my 20's, I ate, slept, lived, breathed, and did photography. It was my life and everything and everyone came second. That is the way it had to be to develop the skills and to get where I wanted to be. For me, I had to get to the point where mind, body, and camera were one. That goes for all the arts. Then, and only then, can you do instinctively do what your mind conceives. And once you achieve that, it gives you the confidence you can do it with anything. It builds strength of character for any challenge in life.

"Practice makes permanent" made me audibly go "whoa" :D great video!

Wow, someone that really gets it. What it means to be a real craftsman and what it takes. I'm so impressed Ashley. By you as a craftsman and as a businessperson. I want to take your class one day. At 60 years old, retired Army, retired Carpenter, and wood carver. My next leg is wood turner. I hope to meet you soon

I just started wood turning you , Nick from UK, and Ben works from Australia really thought me well I watch y'all and take it all in thanks for taking the time

It is so satisfying to make something tangible with your hands and to see improvement in the end product is even more satisfying.

An awesome chat, enjoyed listening to your message, especially the part about practicing. I recently started turning rolling pins, I am amazed at with that simple product, with each one I get better and better. When I did the first one to finish it, I started at 80 grit paper, now I am starting at 220 grit paper which means the smoothness off the chisel has increased exponentially. Thanks again.

Thank you Miss Ashley! You speak words of wisdom that ring so true. I’ve been a woodworker for nearly 70 years and realize that never a day goes by when there isn’t something new to learn. We’re never too old. Good Craftsmanship is indeed a quest we all strive for and as you say, it takes a lot of work. Keep up your great work and stay healthy.

Perspective and Passion, Ashley has both. I think my family would be good friends with hers.

That was an amazing and very well thought out video. You hit the nail right on, woodworking is a passion, and it shows in your work. I have also loved working with wood since I was very young. Now when I do a craft show, the look on someone's face when they say something like "You made that out of a log you found on the side of the road?" I still get that wonderful feeling of satisfaction. Thanks again for your videos. Very inspiring to achieve the name of "Craftperson."

Ashley, you definitely have inspiration flowing! I am 70 years old ,moved my shop to Taos New Mexico, 2 1/2 years ago, and have worked more less everyday since. Everything you have said in your video is so true and inspiring. Keep up the good work!

I've spent 30 plus years perfecting my craft. You are spot on in many things you have pointed out in this video. Thanks for sharing and keep up the GREAT work!

While not a wood turner, every word hits the mark. I can appreciate my journey as an artist/animator. I'm now retired but I can agree there are no shortcuts - even the computer aided drawing packages require a significant learning curve. They simplify in many ways, but don't help with the basic skills involved in drawing and colour.

This video is from your heart. From the heart of a father of four and grandfather of eleven....thank you!

You are an absolute inspiration......at present I can only sit in my shop and look at my tools and wood....had a rotator cuff operation......

Thanks Ashley. Your channel is my new favourite. I’m a hobbyist making some simple stuff like honey dippers and dough pins.

After four decades in business there are a few fundamental truths I have come to (not because of me but because they are just facts..). If it is not a viable business, it's a hobby. The person signing the front of the check make the rules. The craft will never be as hard as the business. It doesn't take motivation, it takes dedication. What an outstanding talk Ashley, you have covered these facts of life so well. Such a joy to hear.

There is so much to making a living with your own business that others never realize. I think only a very few craft people can make a profit at it, let alone a living. Thank you for sharing .

Thank you so much Ashley . I am working on a "shadow box" coffee table . I have spent all summer working on it , questions came up in the design, issues that I had to address on the fly. I work as flooring installer with my brother for a "surviving job" . To keep a long story short , I have been restless with not moving my creativity in the direction I want .The direction of a self sustaining business. I love every aspect of wood working , from carving to turning to making furniture; I even get into the cutting down and milling of my own timber, more to do than I have life in me I am afraid. This video was a good way to tell me to "do your business or get off the pot ". Well , your words of wisdom hit home . your way more talented than you let on. your a beautiful person Ashley. thanks for letting us into your life through the "miracle" of KZfaq. Keep the inspiration coming , I know I need it . Bless you lady

Inspiring, succinct life lesson for any artist or craftswoman/craftsman. Thank you for giving this tough talk, with raw honesty, and experience to back it. Every college student should be required to hear this, and spend a day working with you. Thanks & God Bless You!

This is excellent! Finally getting into my new woodshop space and can't wait to start back turning!

In photography we always said (say) that Photography is an 80/20 proposition. 80% business and 20% taking pictures. I think to some degree all craftsmen/artist come across the same type of thing once they go into the business. It's all fun and games until the business aspect steps in. Ok, it is still a really good time, but man do those hours involving the business aspect wear you out sometimes. As always, thanks for such a great video. You have such a calming affect. Happy Thanksgiving to you and all of yours.

Well spoken inspiration. I make spoons and spatulas and other wood items. I began this journey a couple of years ago. I love it!

Fantastic video; you and Alec Steele have so much the right attitude. Inspirational

Thank you Ashley for your honesty. I love your work .

Thank you Ashley for all of the inspiration and the instruction in the class the class was great.

Ashley, you seem to be a natural in front of the camera. I sell my turnings in a gallery, and truly enjoy woodworking in general. Your journey and progression are inspiring!

im a disabled woodcarver...im feeling very discouraged..i needed to hear this.

Well I really appreciate that you sharing this story of you. I have to say, yes you are right. It's all about repeating things to get more comfortable with the work, the own body during work and to kinda build reflexes for start working on for example on the lathe. That you are able to feel how to grab and hold the tool, but also what you have to check, before you start to work or between different steps of work. Building up skills is a long way, but i think, no amount of money can you give the feeling of being proud and confidence, when you've made something with your own hands. This feeling increases incredible, when other people would like to buy these products and worship you work. When i sold one of my first items on a market to a little girl and she was so proud of having this handcrafted leaf neclace and started to presenting it to other people... it meant the world to me. Nobody can reach these feeling with money. It's just amazing. I love your videos, they give me more than just informations and inspiration. What I've seen especially in this video was the wooden jewellery. Maybe you can tell and show us some creation process of these pieces as well. I do wooden jewellery as well, but more simple carvings, today I saw these beautiful necklaces and I really would love to know how you did it. Please go one and follow your way. Lovely greetings from Dresden in Germany.

I like your talk, I was inspired by the kind words you have to say about not stopping and continuing going on because it is not about how much money you can make but it's about your happiness. I don't know if can do woodworking, but I was told it is about learning and continuing to learn. The same words you mention

Very enlightening. My job is the opposite end of the spectrum but I love woodworking, actually since I was pretty young.

This was by far the best from the heart video concerning choosing woodworking as a possible career. I echo many of your statements in the video. After 42 years I look back at the early days just starting out, the mistakes and the sacrifices I made. A big Powermatic Bandsaw over Car AC. Bandsaw wins everytime! You inspired me over the past few months to buy a new Laguna 1836 (An upgrade from my Jet Midi Lathe), chucks, tool rests, better bowl gouges etc. A host of other items I see you use. I figured heck if she can get good so can I, at least I hope so. Turning pens and other small things are okay, but look out bowl turning. Richard Raffin was who I have looked up to over the past 25 years, now I look up to you! This video was long overdue, Thank You!

Ashley. don't regret the Business Degree. It doesn't teach you how to deal with small business finance, dealing with vendors or customers. I guarantee you that you have a knowledge base well in excess of any degree. I have an MBA. There is no substitute for real world experience. Keep inspiring others and sharing your story! Well done.

I've been a professional photographer for 40 years, and what you said applies to my craft too, I connected exactly with so much of what you said, thank you for sharing.

Great presentation and encouragement about pursuing and attaining a craftsman level. The caution needed for the first 50 turnings start to drop away. At 500, you aren't even aware of how those early cautions are not even a conscious thought. You can put your attention to the fine points that you could not even try for the first couple hundred pieces. It took me 5 years to get good at cutting tile freehand so I was bold enough to cut right at the finished shape rather than grind, trim and sand to get that final dimension. I reduced the time to finish a job by 50% and greatly increased the quality of my result. Sure, I increased my profit but more importantly, I increased the frequency of being able to turn to look back at my work after I finish a job and start to walk away. That "One more gaze at the result before I turn out the lights." is beyond anything other than a customer's glow as they take possession of the piece of work. Great job.

Fantastic message Ashley, thank you for being an amazing craftsperson.

Ashley, thank you so much for sharing this video, such great value in your advice. You have so much talent in so many ways (including the piano) You have inspired me to take the plunge & work for my self doing something I love to do. Thanks again, take care.

You're very right about pursuing an art, (any art and why not more than one!), and the rest of your life gets better. More real, more focussed and more satisfying. Nothing more rewarding than bringing an idea or a point-of-view to life. And when something hand made communicates...

Most inspiring motivational talk I have ever heard Ashley. As a aspiring 73 year old wood carver this old man needed to hear that. On to farmers market! Thank you! ❤️

Learning that Ashley plays the piano makes sense to how she speaks and why her words come to life. She speaks with a cadence and softness that keeps you engaged. Thank you for sharing exactly what it takes to be an artisan.

Definitely the best video of yours ever! You are obviously very dedicated and pay much attention to detail and put your heart into your work. I don't comment on videos much but this one just made me!

Thank you Ashley I enjoyed listening to your prospective on your experience and how you have come to be the artist that you've become. I am only 1 yr into turning. I love it thank you.

I still want it all. I felt it.

Hi, I just started following you. I forwarded this video to my daughter in-law who is just beginning to follow her passion in photography as a business. I've always told her she had a great eye and now needs to focus on technique. Your story here is so on point for her and anyone trying to pursue a career as a craftsperson. Thanks you...

Thank you. I agree with you. I tried to write more about the art I make but I like to know someone enjoys their purchase as much as I enjoyed making it.

So generously shared, Ashley. You have covered in less than 20 minutes the sage skill set and dedication most people take a lifetime of hard knocks to learn and then they still need to add the business skills. I have had the privilege of spending my working life in the greenhouse farming world and now as I reach into my 60s I have taken to bowl turning as an aside. Your current video is invaluable as a learning tool set in any career. To end off, as a farmer I fully understand your having to master many skills and your having to wire your shop had me smiling in deep understanding. Well done and thank you, so many reminders for me in 16+ minutes.