When Projects Go Wrong: Every Maker Has Their "Oops" Moments

If you've ever spent hours carefully selecting the perfect pen blank, resin project, or woodcraft…only to have it crack, chip, or completely blow out on the lathe, let me be the first to tell you something:

You're not alone.

This week, I experienced something that every pen maker dreads.

I had two beautiful pen blanks that I was incredibly excited to turn. They weren't just another piece of wood sitting on a shelf. They were special. I had already imagined what the finished pens would look like, how the grain would shine after polishing, and how proud I'd be to hold the finished product.

Then...they blew out.

In a matter of seconds, hours of anticipation disappeared.

If you're unfamiliar with pen turning, a blowout happens when part of the blank breaks apart during the turning process. Sometimes it's because of hidden weaknesses in the material. Sometimes the grain has a mind of its own. Occasionally it's a tiny catch with the tool. Even experienced turners encounter them.

And yes, it's heartbreaking.

The Part We Don't Always Share

Social media is filled with beautiful finished pens, polished bowls, flawless cutting boards, and perfect resin creations.

What you don't often see are the mistakes.

The cracked blanks.

The finish that didn't cure.

The measurements that were just a little off.

The project that simply couldn't be saved.

Every maker has these moments. We just don't always photograph them.

Expensive Doesn't Mean Guaranteed

One of the hardest lessons in woodworking is realizing that even premium materials can fail.

Whether you've invested in a rare burl blank, stabilized wood, acrylic, or a sentimental piece of lumber, there is always some risk involved.

That's part of working with natural materials.

Wood is alive long before it reaches our workshop, and sometimes it still surprises us.

What Failure Really Teaches Us

As disappointing as those blowouts were, they reminded me of something important.

Every broken project teaches us something.

Maybe it's slowing down.

Maybe it's adjusting our tools.

Maybe it's learning how a particular species behaves.

Or maybe it's simply accepting that not everything is within our control.

None of those lessons are wasted.

Don't Let One Project End Your Passion

If you've recently had a project fail, don't pack away your tools.

Take a break if you need one.

Sweep up the shavings.

Have a cup of coffee.

Then come back tomorrow.

The next blank could become your favorite pen you've ever made.

Every experienced craftsman has a collection of projects that never made it to the finish line. Those failed pieces aren't signs of failure—they're stepping stones that helped build the skills behind every successful creation.

From My Workshop to Yours

I'll admit it—I was disappointed. Heartbroken, even.

Those blanks meant something to me, and seeing them break wasn't easy.

But tomorrow I'll be back in the workshop.

Because making things isn't about perfection.

It's about patience.

It's about learning.

It's about creating something with your own two hands, even knowing that sometimes it won't go according to plan.

So if you've had a project go wrong recently, know that you're in good company.

…keep making.

Keep learning.

And don't let one (or two!) broken blanks, chipped wood, or bubbly resin pieces stop you from creating something beautiful next time.

Because sometimes the projects that don't work out are the ones that teach us the most.

— Marilyn