I enjoy making things. More specifically, I like to make tangible things. If I’m not sketching, creating, or designing, I’m fixing, tinkering, or planning. I’m not materialistic, but my life revolves around the things I own and the things I create for others.

I want to pass this idea down to my children, as my grandfather passed it down to me. My grandfather was a foundry worker by trade- a creator of things by birth. My uncle recently sent me a package addressed from my since deceased grandparents home. Inside was a hand written letter describing the contents: a blanket my grandmother had knitted in anticipation of our newborn daughter, and some old gifts I had given my grandfather as a child.

The blanket speaks for itself. My daughter will never meet her great-grandmother, but she’ll feel her compassion, love, warmth, and dedication through that blanket.

As for the gifts I gave my grandfather, I discovered that for 25 years my grandfather had held on to the handmade crafts I had sent him as a child- an envelope made from notebook paper, broken seashells, and a small wooden set of crooked shelves. Completely useless, meaningless things to anyone outside of my grandpa and me. Gifted as a child to show my love for my grandfather- saved by my grandfather for 25 years as a symbol of his love for me.

Now the shells and crooked shelf sit on my desk as a reminder of why I love to design and make things. Well designed meaningful things can touch people’s lives far beyond their intended use.

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