In the last episode, we built a Walnut Vanity, and my Colorado Springs Client decided they wanted a custom pedestal to hide the plumbing under their custom vanity. So, this week, I built a pedestal with a piece of Onyx on the front. We added an LED light kit behind the onyx so it was backlit. The glow it gives off is truly beautiful. Summary Woodwo…

In this episode, I build a Custom walnut vanity with a live-edge backsplash. This Colorado Springs client wanted a contemporary floating custom vanity with some rustic appeal. To accomplish this, we created a vanity with a beautiful contemporary look and added a live-edge backsplash to give it that Mountain Modern look. Summary Walnut Vanity With L…

In this episode, I build a picture frame from a door casing and cut some matt boards to fit. This project was built for a Colorado Springs Client. Summary Creating Picture Frame Moldings From Door Casing Brian discussed his process of making picture frame moldings from door casing. He highlighted the challenges of using door casing, such as its une…

In this episode, I build a Greene and Greene hall table with a modern twist. I splayed the legs to add a contemporary flair, giving this table a custom look. This table was designed in our Denver, Colorado based studio. Summary Contemporary Entry Table Design and Assembly Brian discussed the process of creating a contemporary entry table with a ste…

In this episode, I build a custom entry table with walnut cuffs. The main table is made from cherry, and the feet are adorned with decorative walnut cuffs. This custom table was designed and handcrafted for a Colorado Springs client. Summary Sugar Table and Decorative Walnut Cuffs Brian discussed the process of building a Shaker table with decorati…

In this episode, I build a floating bookshelf with Japanese-style joinery. The joinery is a tusk tenon that holds the bookshelf together with a wedge. This custom shelf was designed and built for a Colorado Springs Client. The shelf is made from walnut. Summary Woodworking Techniques and Japanese Bookshelf Construction Brian discussed his woodworki…

In this episode, I build a custom kitchen table out of beetle-kill pine. Beetle Kill Pin has beautiful gray streaks, creating unique patterns in the grain of the wood, creating a unique kitchen table. A Denver, Colorado, Client commissioned this table. Summary Milling, Routing, and Glue-Up Techniques Discussed Brain explained how he milled the mate…

In this episode, I build a Custom Industrial Desk, using steel for the framework and Cherry for the top and shelves. This project was completed for a Denver, Colorado, client. Summary Building Industrial Desk With Cherry Top Brian discussed his process of building an industrial desk with a cherry top. He used a jig to cut out parts of the same leng…

In this video, I build a travel cribbage board. The board is compact and integrated into a box that holds a deck of cards and pegs. If you are interested in how to build your own, I have cribbage board plans available. Summary Travel Cribbage Board Design and Production Plan Brian discussed his plan to create a travel cribbage board, which would be…

In this episode, I build a custom Japanese bench made of walnut and accented with mahogany. I start the video by sketching the custom bench design and then creating the bench from start to finish, demonstrating hand-cut Japanese joinery. This bench was custom-built for a Colorado Springs client. Summary Woodworking Process and Precision Techniques …

In this episode, we talk about people we follow for design inspiration. Some of them might surprise you, as inspiration can come from anywhere. For a full list, check out our show notes Hosted byBrian Benham Portfolio: https://www.benhamdesignconcepts.com/custom-furniture-colorado-springs/ Brian On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benham_design…

The guys talk about staying safe in the shop, how to stay safe, wanting to look out to keep you safe, and developing good shop habits. They finish the episode by sharing some of their horror of unfortunate shop accidents; the end gets gruesome, so you've been warned! Hosted byBrian Benham https://www.benhamdesignconcepts.com/custom-furniture-denver…

In this episode, the guys talk about their experiences at tradeshows, art galleries, and arts and crafts shows. They talk about what they do to make the show successful and things that are challenging. Hosted byBrian Benham https://www.briansbenham.com/ Portfolio: https://www.behance.net/Brian_Benham Brian On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/be…

Today, we take a break from discussing designs and making topics and talk a little about what we have going on in our shops: current projects, new projects on the horizon, and the daily grind of being a maker. Show Notes Brian has a large steel table base in the shop, working on new patination processes. The sheer size makes him wish he had a shop …

Curt creates handmade pens from Titanium that are precision machined in his home workshop. He got his start from his curiosity in machining and CAD. He created a pen for himself and started carrying it around with him, and people noticed and commented on the quality. It wasn't long before he was able to quit his job and make pens full-time. You can…

Today, we talked with Custom Drum maker Bryan Bales. Bryan got his start in drum making from his curiosity of wanting to learn how to make drums and his love for making things. Bryan can be found on Instagram at Bales5000, his YouTube is Bales5000, and he is active on Instructables, sharing his drum and prop builds, When he is not building crazy ex…

Is social media still a viable way to promote your business, or is the new business model to be a content creator, making products secondary? Today, we talk about our past successes and our future strategies for getting our products out in front of people. Show Notes Instagram Top 9 in the hashtags, is it still a thing Brian says Social Media no lo…

Tonight, we talk about how to price your work so you can run a successful business and put food on your table. Whether it is pricing a custom piece or a mass-manufactured piece, we've got you covered with a few tips you can implement today to price your work for success! Hosted by Brian Benham https://www.benhamdesignconcepts.com/ Greg Porter https…

The Unhealthy Pursuit of Perfection, we have all been there. Every one of us who makes things tries to make it perfect, but perfection is a fool's earned and unattainable. The more you know, the more you know you don't know. In this episode, we talk about how the pursuit of Perfection can reach unhealthy levels and what we do to stay sane and conti…

This is a common issue for creatives that make things. We all have active imaginations; we can visualize lots of things. Then the distractions come into play. We are drawn to the new shiny project or derailed by a project that we have to do to make money to keep the bills paid. https://www.themakersquest.com/how-many-projects-are-too-many-projects-…

In this episode, the guys talk about the power of staying curious and how it will help you stay creative in your journey as a maker. Show notes: https://www.themakersquest.com/how-to-stay-curious-to-stay-creative Hosted by Greg Porter https://skyscraperguitars.com/ Greg On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gregsgaragekc/ YouTube: https://www.you…

In today's episode, Brian and Greg Talk about different techniques for gathering inspiration for their designs and then iterating from basic design principles to more abstract concepts and techniques. Show Notes: https://www.themakersquest.com/gathering-insperation-for-designs-ep15 Hosted by Greg Porter https://skyscraperguitars.com/ Greg On Instag…

In this episode, Brian and Greg talk about how learning new things by learning how to learn. Setting aside preconceived notions about what you think something is about will help you approach learning with an open mind. Then they talk about Chat GPT and how to use it to help us learn and become better critical thinkers. Show notes: https://www.thema…

In this episode, we talk about how makers handle challenges. We talk about acquiring tools, acquiring skills, acquiring new clients, and how social media algorithms are diluting creativity. Website: https://www.themakersquest.com/ Greg Porter https://skyscraperguitars.com/ Greg On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gregsgaragekc/ YouTube: https:/…

We Talked with Eric Gorges about designing and building Motorcycles and his show on PBS, The Craftsman's Legacy, where he seeks out other master craftspeople to get at a taste of their craft and learn from their experiences. Show Notes https://www.themakersquest.com/building-motorcycles-with-eric-gorges-from-the-craftsmans-legacy-ep12 You can find …

In this episode, we talk about the phrase by Microsoft Manager Paul Maritz. Eat Your Own Dog Food. You should use and live with your own designs to know they are good. Test your design out, and iterate on better versions. Full Show Notes https://www.themakersquest.com/eat-your-own-dog-food-to-design-better-ep11…

In this episode, we talk with Bernie from @WorksbySolo about inventing with a creative mind. You Can find more about Berni at https://www.worksbysolo.com/ Your Podcast Hosts are: Greg Porter https://skyscraperguitars.com/ Greg On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gregsgaragekc/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SkyscraperGuitars YouTube: https:…

In this episode, we talk about how to get the job done with the tools and skills we have on hand, even if they are not right for the job. How Notes Make it Work With What You Got Hosted by Greg Porter https://skyscraperguitars.com/ Greg On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gregsgaragekc/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SkyscraperGuitars YouTu…

In this episode, we talk with Andy Birkey, who works as an Architectural Restoration Specialist, restoring old churches and gothic-style buildings in central Illinois. He has a wealth of knowledge, skill, and a loving spirit for all things. Andy Birkey's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/andy_birkey/ His YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/c/…

In this episode, the guys talk about The Fudge Factor and allowing for accumulative error in both your work and planning out your work. Where do you hide the attentional errors or discrepancies, and how to prevent them? Website: https://www.themakersquest.com/ Greg Porter https://skyscraperguitars.com/ Greg On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/g…

In this episode, we are joined by a professional machinist From Hillview Wood & Metal, Tony Rouleau. Tony designs and manufactures heirloom tools for all types of craftspeople, from woodworkers to other machinists. His dedication to quality, style, and a high level of functionality in the tools he makes is unmatched. You can find out more about him…

In this episode, we talk about developing new design ideas and how we present them to our clients. https://www.themakersquest.com/Di Brian Benham & Greg Porter

In This episode we talk about the book by Betty Edwards, Drawing On The Right Side Of The Brain. How to turn the left side of your brain off so the right side can show through and be more creative as well as learn to draw better. Show Notes www.themakersquest.comDi Brian Benham & Greg Porter

In today's podcast, we talk about the oversimplification of Malcolm Gladwell's theory that you need 10,000 hours to master a skill. It is more complex of a theory than you think.Di Brian Benham & Greg Porter

In this episode we talk about turning points in our journey as makers, touching on several topics about how to price your work better, stop doing bids for free, and invest in yourself to increase your skills and shop infrastructure. https://www.themakersquest.com/Di Brian Benham & Greg Porter

Welcome to the Maker's Quest Podcast. This is our first episode, so please join us to find out more about who we are, what we make, how we make, and our quest to make more. Please visit our blog for the Show Notes How We Became Makers - EP1 Website: https://www.themakersquest.com/Di Brian Benham & Greg Porter