[The Final Chapter of My Beginner’s DIY Journey] Completing My Kitchen Wagon – The Joy of Assembly and Finishing Touches

投稿日 2024-11-18
更新日 2024-12-05
著者 peli
カテゴリー DIY
カテゴリー English

Opening: The Emotional Finale of a 3-Part DIY Series

ぺり

Hi, this is Peli from Hayama!
This is the final installment of my 3-part DIY journey✨

Through building my custom kitchen wagon, I learned how to draw blueprints, select the right wood, and tackle mortise-and-tenon joinery. With Ohara-san’s guidance, I’ve grown little by little, overcoming challenges along the way.

And now, in this final chapter, I’ll share the unforgettable moment when I assembled all the parts to create my original kitchen wagon. If you’ve been hesitant about trying DIY, I hope this inspires you to take the leap. You may find yourself saying, “I want to try this too!”✨If you haven’t read the first two chapters yet, check them out here👇
📖Chapter 1: Blueprints and Wood Selection

📖 Chapter 2: The Challenge of Mortise-and-Tenon Joinery

1. Introducing Hayama Woodworks Studio and Its DIY Workshops

Let me first introduce Hayama Woodworks Studio (Hayasta) for those discovering this blog for the first time✨

Hayasta is run by furniture craftsman Ohara-san, who specializes in creating high-quality solid wood furniture. It’s also an online shop and a welcoming space for anyone eager to try woodworking through its DIY workshops. These workshops are held at the Hayama Craftsmen’s Lodge, with wood sourced directly from Nagatsu Lumberyard.

Complete with tools and a well-equipped space, this workshop is perfect for beginners. Whether you’re scared of tools or unsure where to start, you’ll enjoy learning with Ohara-san’s gentle and supportive teaching style!

2. The Excitement and Challenges of Assembly

With all the parts cut according to the blueprint, it was time to assemble them. I thought, “It’s just assembling, how hard could it be?” But, to my surprise, it turned out to be trickier than I expected.

For example, fitting the tenons into the mortises required just the right amount of force, and I struggled to find the right balance.

ぺり

Sensei, I can’t get this part to fit..

小原

Let’s tap it gently with a rubber mallet. The key is to use just the right amount of force.

ぺり

Oh, it worked! Thank you, Sensei!

小原

Seeing it fit perfectly is so satisfying, isn’t it? This is the real joy of woodworking✨

3. The Final Step: Oil Finish Brings Everything to Life

Once all the parts were assembled, it was time for the finishing touch—applying an oil finish. This step enhances the natural beauty of the wood and protects it as well. Watching the wood come alive with a rich, warm tone was a magical moment.

ぺり

Master, I did it!

小原

This looks incredible for a first-timer! It’s so well done, it could even sell!

ぺり

Really? That’s amazing! Making your own furniture feels so special. Thank you for your support, Master!

4: What I Gained from This DIY Journey

Through this DIY experience, I learned so much:

The joy of creating something with my own hands
The fun of working with wood and tools
Growth through trial and error

Additionally, DIY has been a great stress reliever, providing a refreshing break from daily life. Most importantly, I gained confidence in myself—“I can do this!”

Next, I’m planning to make a chair or a stool… I can’t wait to take on my next project!

Summary: Discover the Joy of DIY at Hayasta Workshops

Through building my kitchen wagon, I—a complete beginner—managed to overcome challenges like mortise-and-tenon joinery and assembly, culminating in a project I’m proud of. This journey wasn’t just about making furniture—it was a new challenge that brought me immense growth and joy.

If you’re thinking, “I’d like to try this too,” why not join a Hayasta DIY workshop?

Coming soon, we’ll announce a stool-making workshop that’s perfect for beginners. These one-day programs offer the perfect introduction to woodworking, teaching you how to choose materials and assemble parts step by step.