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Some woodworking projects require a whole Saturday, a garage full of tools, and a little bit of grit… but some projects are tiny, peaceful, and surprisingly satisfying. Wooden bookmark tabs fall into that second category. They’re quick. They’re lightweight. They’re fun to personalize. And they make beautiful, thoughtful gifts for anyone who loves reading — teachers, friends, family, coworkers, book-club buddies, or even yourself. If you're new to woodworking, these bookmark t

There’s something poetic about starting a batch of homemade wine before the New Year. It feels like setting a quiet intention — a project that unfolds slowly, teaching patience, stillness, and a little bit of magic along the way. Small-batch winemaking is approachable, beginner-friendly, and far less complicated than you might imagine. You’re not trying to fill a cellar or run a winery. You’re simply creating something with your hands, one gallon at a time. This guide is your

Winter grilling hits differently. There’s something about cold air meeting hot charcoal, watching smoke rise into a crisp sky, and pulling a perfectly cooked meal off the Weber Kettle while your breath fogs the air. It feels rugged but comforting, simple but sacred. And for many of us, winter is when grilling becomes a form of therapy — a way to slow down, step outside, and reconnect with the craft. If you’re newer to grilling, you might assume the Weber Kettle is a warm-weat

Cedar fence pickets might be one of the most underrated pieces of lumber you can buy. They’re inexpensive, lightweight, smell incredible, resist rot naturally, and are ridiculously easy to work with — even if you’re brand new to woodworking. That’s why they’re one of my go-to materials when I want to create something simple, beautiful, and giftable. And this time of year, nothing feels more grounding than stepping into the workshop, turning on some soft music, and making a ba

November is a month of transition. The air turns crisp, the days shorten, and the holiday season quietly takes center stage. It’s a month of gratitude and gathering, of slowing down and reflecting before December’s bustle begins. And for those of us who build, cook, and create, November becomes a canvas for something deeper: traditions crafted by hand. As we close out the month, it’s worth pausing to reflect on what November has taught us—and how gratitude, gatherings, and cr

Episode 2 of The Maker’s Table: Holiday Special Series There’s something special about the gifts we make with our own hands — especially around the holidays. The rhythm of sanding, the smell of wood shavings on the bench, the quiet satisfaction of shaping something simple and meaningful… it’s the kind of calm we all crave this time of year. That’s exactly what Episode 2 of The Maker’s Table: Holiday Special Series is all about. We’re stepping into the heart of weekend woodcr

When most people think of Christmas cookies, they picture warm ovens, baking sheets, and kitchens that smell like sugar and spice. But what if you could take that holiday magic outside? What if your grill—or even your griddle—became part of the cookie tradition? Yes, it works. And yes, it’s every bit as fun (and delicious) as it sounds. Cooking cookies over fire might feel unconventional, but it brings a smoky depth, a little outdoor adventure, and a story you’ll retell every

Thanksgiving dinner has plenty of stars—the turkey, the sides, the pies—but when it comes to marking the moment, nothing matters more than the toast. It’s the pause before the meal, the clinking of glasses, the moment when you stop and recognize the meaning of the day: gratitude, family, connection. And while the words of the toast carry the weight, the wine in your glass helps set the tone. So how do you choose the right wine for a Thanksgiving toast? The good news is you do

Thanksgiving is often framed around food and family gatherings, but gratitude is more than a one-day tradition. It’s a practice. And for those of us who spend time building, cooking, or creating, the workshop becomes one of the best classrooms for learning what thankfulness really looks like. Because every cut, every nail, every project—finished or not—teaches us something about patience, humility, and appreciation. Crafting isn’t just about making things. It’s about noticing

There’s something special about handing someone a bottle of wine you made yourself. It’s not just a drink—it’s time, effort, patience, and care bottled up with meaning. Sharing homemade wine feels like sharing a story. But if you’re new to winemaking, you might wonder: How do I bottle it properly? How do I make it gift-worthy? And how do I share it responsibly? The good news: bottling and gifting your homemade wine doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple steps, you

Returning to the heart of the season — where handmade still matters. Every year, when the holidays roll in, life seems to speed up. Stores get louder, the to-do lists get longer, and somewhere between shopping and schedules, it’s easy to lose the quiet joy of simply making something with your own two hands. This year, at Third Shift Crafts, we wanted to do something different. Something slower. Something meaningful. Something rooted in the reason we fell in love with woodwork

When you think of holiday feasts, turkey usually takes the spotlight. But what if this year you took the celebration outside—and let the fire turn your table into something unforgettable? Few things command attention like a beautifully smoked prime rib or a flame-kissed picanha. They’re bold, rich, and surprisingly approachable for home cooks. And the best part? Cooking them over fire doesn’t just feed your family—it creates a memory they’ll never forget. Why Fire Belongs at

There’s something magical about giving a handmade gift. It’s more than just an object—it’s a piece of your time, your effort, and your creativity. It says, I thought about you long before I wrapped this up. And here’s the good news: you don’t need months of prep or a massive workshop to build Christmas gifts that people will love. If you start now, you still have plenty of time to make meaningful, practical, and beautiful gifts that will be used and cherished for years to com

Wine has always been more than just something to drink. It’s been part of rituals, celebrations, and family gatherings for thousands of years. And nowhere is that truer than during the holiday season. Across the globe, wine takes center stage in different ways: mulled and spiced, poured to toast, shared in community, or served as part of symbolic traditions. Each culture brings its own flavor, reminding us that wine isn’t just about taste—it’s about meaning. Here’s a tour of

The holidays are noisy. Calendars fill, stores crowd, ads scream for attention, and somewhere in the middle of it all, we’re supposed to find joy. It’s easy to get swept up in the frenzy. But that’s why crafting—whether it’s woodworking, cooking over fire, or even bottling homemade wine—matters more during the holiday season than almost any other time of year. Crafting slows us down, roots us in the present, and reminds us that the best gifts and gatherings don’t come from st

Hosting family can be one of the most joyful—and stressful—parts of the season. There’s the planning, the prepping, the cleaning, the cooking. By the time everyone arrives, you can feel like you’ve already run a marathon. But here’s the secret: outdoor cooking can make it easier. When you take the food outside, you free up the kitchen, cut down on chaos, and let the fire itself become part of the gathering. Hosting stops feeling like a performance and starts feeling like conn

Every time I step into the workshop, there’s a rhythm that unfolds almost without thinking. The flip of the light switch. The feel of sawdust under my hands. The soft hum of tools waking up. It’s not just routine—it’s ritual. Because building isn’t only about the projects we finish. It’s about the rhythm we keep, the rituals we create, and the way those patterns quietly fuel our creativity. Why Routine Matters There’s a reason so many makers start their time in the shop the s

Thanksgiving is a meal built on variety. You’ve got turkey, rich sides, roasted vegetables, savory casseroles, sweet potatoes, and cranberry sauce all sharing the same plate. That mix of flavors can make wine pairing feel intimidating—but it doesn’t have to be. The truth? Thanksgiving is one of the most wine-friendly meals of the year. With a few smart picks, you can find wines that balance richness, highlight the star flavors, and bring the whole table together. Here’s a gui

Turkey might be the star of the Thanksgiving table, but let’s be honest: the sides are what make the meal. Creamy mac and cheese. Crispy green bean casserole. Sweet potatoes that taste like dessert. They’re the dishes that bring comfort, tradition, and joy to the holiday. This year, take those classics outside. The grill or smoker can transform ordinary sides into unforgettable ones—adding smoky depth, richer flavor, and a little holiday magic. Best of all? Moving some dishes

Thanksgiving isn’t just about the food—it’s about the way we serve it. The cutting board that becomes the carving station. The tray that carries drinks to the table. The serving board that doubles as a centerpiece. These small details don’t just hold food; they hold memory, care, and tradition. And the best part? You don’t have to buy them. You can build them yourself. Woodworking projects for Thanksgiving don’t have to be complicated. In fact, the simplest builds are often t