Building Our Own Seats at the Table

Session: Young Women’s Design and Building Institute, Summer 2020

Builders: 27 participants, ages 12-18

Materials + tools: handsaw, wood glue, sanding sponge, hammer, nails, drill, impact driver, screws, plywood, redwood dimensional lumber

Description: Each participant built a unique wooden chair, inspired by the exhibition and forthcoming book Making a Seat at the Table: Women Transform Woodworking. We used a speed square and a tape measure to layout and mark the pieces, a handsaw and clamps to cut each piece to fit our design, and a drill, a driver, bits, and screws to attach the legs, seat, back, and braces. Everyone designed their chair with elements that expressed their individual personalities and stories. Customization included painting, wood burning, upholstery, mosaic, electronics, textiles, storage compartments, and more!