Woodcraft is so much more than the skill involved in turning wood into shelter and functional furniture. The artistic side of woodcraft has drawn ever more people to take it up, and each new convert is just the latest in a centuries-long chain of master woodworkers which was old when the ancient Egyptians were carving wood coffins for their deceased Pharaohs.

Woodcraft is a blend of artistic inspiration, highly developed manual dexterity, and perseverance. It is nothing if not highly challenging and equally satisfying. Woodcraft produces fine sculptures and decorative frames; it accomplishes things impossible in other media like metal, ceramic, and glass; being able to form wood into shapes is ability entirely different from those needed to sculpt other substances. Properly finishing woodcraft is another area in which specific training is highly recommended.