Ken Craggs CF ’07

Before enrolling in the Cabinet & Furniture Making program, I did lots of different things. I lead cycling trips through Europe, worked in a woodshop, managed a small publication company and backpacked through New Zealand.

The biggest obstacle I faced before applying to NBSS was my own doubt. “Can I really do this?” I’d been considering NBSS since I discovered it in 1995 but I didn’t apply until 2005. After I decided to go for it, everything fell into place. The money materialized in one way or another, from savings, help from family, and I took out student loans.

I always felt that it was important for me to make furniture. The Cabinet and Furniture Making program gave me the skills to make whatever I dream up. It was an excellent investment in terms of who I am and what I want to do. My only wish is that there was more appreciation in the world for what we do, how long it takes and the skill involved, and that a better appreciation would lead to a stronger willingness to invest in hand-made objects.

The program goes by extremely fast. My advice to students is: don’t get bogged down in overly complicated pieces but don’t shortchange your ideas either. Come in early and stay late if you can. Push yourself and find a good balance.

The biggest obstacle I faced before applying to NBSS was my own doubt. “Can I really do this?” I’d been considering NBSS since I discovered it in 1995 but I didn’t apply until 2005. After I decided to go for it, everything fell into place.