I'm a Maker Because...
Miniviews series - No. 7 with Evan and Katelyn
You’ve landed on the seventh installment of the Maker Miniviews (mini, two question interviews) series. Learn more about these maker interviews and view a list of all Miniviews.
Husband-and-wife duo Evan and Katelyn are creating woodworking pieces, concrete, home decor, and more.
Check out this interview with woodworkers and husband-and-wife YouTube duo, Evan and Katelyn.
What inspires you to keep making things?
"We're constantly inspired to try new things, which is probably why our [YouTube] channel bounces around from woodworking and CNC to 3D printing and props to home projects and silly projects. We recognize that we have a lot of curiosity, and we hope to inspire that curiosity in other people as well.
When we hear that someone picked up a new tool or tried a new technique because of something they saw in our videos, it makes us want to continue to stretch ourselves and show others that if we can try new things and figure it out, they can too. We also are kind of in awe of the fact that we actually get to work together every day, which is so awesome, and that inspires us to keep doing all the hard work it takes to grow and run a channel. We feel incredibly grateful for everything we've built so far and it's a great motivation to keep on making!"
What one piece of advice would you give to other, budding woodworkers?
"As people who did not grow up with access to a shop or anyone to show us the ropes, we can relate to folks who might feel a little intimidated by getting into making when they're new. Our advice is to pick one project you're really excited about, and just focus on what you need to know for that one project. And within that project, take it one step at a time.
Our very first woodworking project was making 2 foot tall wood and metal marquee letters for our wedding. We bought a jig saw, a hammer, some wood, some nails, and some metal sheeting, and built them on our tiny apartment balcony. So for us, step one was figuring out how to cut wood into letters. We researched what type of wood would be best (plywood) and what cutting tool would allow us to cut curves, straights, and corners (jig saw).
And then we figured out the next step, then the next step, and by the time we were done we were a lot more comfortable with the tools and materials we had worked with. As you do more and more projects, one step at a time, you'll build your repertoire of skills and tools and the confidence to figure out things you don't yet know."
Evan and Katelyn’s videos and channel display a wide variety of techniques and tutorials, with their consistently lighthearted vibe and humor. They obviously love what they do.
"We feel incredibly grateful for everything we've built so far and it's a great motivation to keep on making!" — Evan and Katelyn
As well, these two are selling their handmade goods, project plans, merch, and more online. Check out their YouTube Channel and Evan and Katelyn’s Instagram.
Thank you all for reading this article, now get out there and make things!
