The Top Six Traits of Incredible Craftsmen

Every piece of Penny Mustard furniture was carefully hand-constructed by a skilled craftsman. But, what does it take to be master of the trade? Here are the most common traits shared by some of the world’s greatest craftsmen.

Woodcrafting is a time-honored trade that has been passed down through generations. It's an art form requiring patience, skill, and attention to detail. Craftsmen take great pride in their work and strive for excellence in everything they do. These are the traits of true artisans, and their work is a testament to their dedication to the craft.

Passion

When you work in a trade involving creativity and ingenuity, you must be passionate about what you do in order to be successful – especially if it involves long hours and physically and mentally-taxing tasks. The best craftsmen take pride in what they create and don’t view their work as “just another job.” Their passion drives them to produce extraordinary pieces.

“How different everything is for the craftsman who transforms a part of the world with his own hands, who can see his work as emanating from his being and can step back at the end of a day or lifetime and point to an object… and see it as a stable repository of his skills and an accurate record of his years.” – Alain de Botton

Attention to Detail

True craftsmen know you can’t cut corners if you want the best results. Every detail is important. It’s the little things that make a big difference in the finished product. From the choice of materials to the finishing touches, craftsmen take time to ensure that every aspect of their work is done to the highest standard.

“Without craftsmanship, inspiration is a mere reed shaken in the wind.” – Johannes Brahms

Patience

Creating quality furniture takes a great deal of time and effort, which is why being a quality craftsman requires a tremendous amount of patience. Rushing through a project may appear to be more productive, but putting in the extra hours to make it perfect is what matters most in the long run. Craftsmen know that true value comes from the caliber of their work, not the speed in which it’s completed.

“Craftsmanship names an enduring, basic human impulse, the desire to do a job well for its own sake.” – Richard Sennett

Perseverance

Great craftsmen are tenacious. They understand mistakes will happen and things may not always go according to plan, but they don’t allow setbacks deter them. Mishaps become part of the learning process, and overcoming challenges helps to build new skills that make future projects even better.

“If you want to be taken seriously, be consistent in your craft even when all odds are against you.” – Nicky Verd

Innovation

Being a craftsman means more than just building things. It involves experimentation and pushing boundaries to create one-of-a-kind pieces based on individual knowledge and skills. Most craftsmen are open-minded and willing to try new things – which can result in work that, at one point, seemed impossible.

“We're not machines! We have a human need for craftsmanship!” – Bill Watterson

Respect for Tradition

True craftsmen have a deep respect for tradition. They understand this craft has a rich history and that they are part of a long line of skilled artisans. This allows them to preserve the knowledge and techniques that have been passed down through the generations.

“Craftsmanship isn't like water in an earthen pot, to be taken out by the dipperful until it's empty. No, the more drawn out the more remains.” – Lloyd Alexander

Penny Mustard is proud to partner with the skilled American craftsmen who embody these traits to produce our unique, long-lasting, sophisticrafted furniture. For a history lesson about the tools that have helped furniture-building craftsmen over the years, check out Inventions That Changed the Way Furniture is Made.

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