A Day of Woodworking Fun at the School of Craft

18 students along with 2 teachers from SMK Datuk Haji Mohamed Nor Ahmad participated in the first session of School of Craft on Saturday, 22nd of June, 2019. The School of Craft programme is one of the education modules under Cultural Heritage Education Programme (CHEP), a collaboration between Arts-ED and Georgetown World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI). Over the course of the 9-hour long woodworking workshop, the students learned basic carpentry from local experts to raise their awareness and appreciation for wood products through hands-on activities and the application of design thinking principles.

As an introduction to the workshop topic, the facilitator encouraged the students to reflect on their consumption habits, and how they can incorporate the 7Rs (Rethink, Refuse, Reuse, Reduce, Repurpose, Recycle, and Rot) into their daily decision-making. All of the students were visiting Hin Bus Depot for the first time. The facilitator explained the story of Hin Bus Depot, and the owner Mr. Tan’s idea of converting an old bus depot into the current creative space, as a case study of repurposing.

The students visited BOOKOO, a unique space at Hin Bus Depot that collects old books and repurposes old furniture, to see for themselves how some of the 7Rs can be put into practice. The students looked around the store, sketched an item that drew their attention, and shared it with the group. They interacted with LiJynn, owner of BOOKOO, to find out more about the items they chose and how she practices sustainable consumption.

In groups of four, the students were tasked with crafting a bed tray each to be used at an old folks’ home in Penang. The facilitators guided the students through the design thinking process of creating a product using a few samples.

Putting the form and function of the product at the forefront of their consideration, the students discussed within their groups about various aspects of the bed tray such as the ideal dimensions and weight, and safety concerns, from the perspective of the senior citizens who would be the end-users of the product. They then sketched a design for their ideal bed tray with detailed measurements.

The students visited a wood supply shop that produces customized furniture, and consulted Mr. Sim, the owner, regarding the function and feasibility of their design. With decades of experience under his belt, Mr. Sim also shared about some of the clients he has worked with over the years, as well as some insights into the landscape of the wood supply industry in Malaysia, including the variety of wood sourced locally and abroad.

Touring around Mr. Sim’s wood supply shop, the students gained a deeper understanding of how reclaimed wood can be used in furniture-making. Facilitators introduced the students to the sources of reclaimed wood, and the financial and environmental cost analysis involved in using reclaimed wood.

Back at Hin Bus Depot, students learned about basic woodcraft tools and techniques as well as safety guidelines at Woodsmen Makerspace, a woodworking studio. The facilitator demonstrated how to use a sanding machine in a safe manner.

In their groups, the students worked together in all stages of the crafting process: measuring, cutting, assembling, sanding, and finishing to create a bed tray based on their finalized design at Woodsmen Makerspace.

As the students worked in groups, Nic, carpentry expert and owner of Woodsmen Makerspace, guided them in the process.

Reported by Ooi Win Wen, 28 June 2019