Crafting Joy

In 2007, Craig Wilson shifted gears by leaving his family’s woodworking business to restore cars with his best friend. When Craig Wilson’s band member and best friend passed away in 2020, he couldn’t let off steam playing music or tinkering. Craig channeled his grief back in his barn woodshop. The more wooden pieces he created, the better he would feel. Giving away charcuterie boards, shot trays and heart bowls encouraged gatherings and spread joy.

The unimaginable happened in March when Craig’s barn burnt to the ground while Craig was driving his son to the airport. Not only did my cousin and her husband lose their car, snowplow, lawnmower, and endless tools, but they also lost Craig’s maker space.

As he was making his way through insurance paperwork, Craig’s son came to him to discuss a college friend who was struggling. Craig was working out of their dining room and had spent the morning crafting heart-shaped bowls. The tip of the heart fell off the blade and gave Craig an idea. He polished a “worry stone” for the boy to carry in his pocket and touch as he needed. The boys slid the stones into their pockets and my cousin Niki called me to share the joyburst that Craig felt. I enjoyed the joyburst as well, and ordered myself a few heart bowls filled with stones to share. Thank you, Wilsons for sharing your joy.

https://www.wilsonwoodworks.net/s/shop