I was that kid in math class that wanted to know, "how can this ever be used in real life?” I loved it when my teachers would use applications to model math concepts. So much so that I became a math teacher that teaches using real-life examples any chance I get. Of course I'm still queried by the occasional free-thinker looking to put me on the spot with the rhetorical question, “where can you ever use this stuff?".

“Great question", I say, and happily bring up some application they are familiar with and talk about the math involved. In one of the latest examples of this, I displayed an image of my planters on the classroom monitor. This gave them a chance to ponder the real-life application problem they were seeking. I spent a few minutes describing how the different math disciplines (fraction-decimal conversions, squares, square roots, algebra and geometry) figure into the development and construction of a custom planter. Math application and problem solving are everywhere.

I have taken this mathematical/problem solving approach in developing my planters. Consider something as simple as building a side of a planter to a specific measurement. Things that have to be considered are: Is this an inside or outside measurement? Have I allowed for the thickness of the material used? Have I allowed for the thickness of the saw blade? (Yes, that needs to be considered!) At what angle do I need to cut the angled supports (Trigonometry)? How long should I make those angled supports (Algebra 1: Pythagorean Theorem)? The list goes on and on and involves much more than simple addition and subtraction.

Building a custom planter for you is my creative release, my practical application for the puzzle-solving math that has held my interest for so long. It satisfies both my creative side and the desire I have for things to be nice and tidy. I have designed (and redesigned) these planters to be practical, durable, and beautiful. Nothing leaves my workshop that does not meet the exacting standards that I have. (We have all had a math teacher that required things to be a certain way. I AM THAT TEACHER!) I have work diligently to produce a product with which you will be happy to own and use.

I still love to teach so I regularly post articles and the occasional video about how I do what I do, and I have a lot of fun doing it. Take a look in our Woodshop and tell me what you think. My ultimate goal is not just for you to purchase a custom planter. Ultimately, I want your life to be enriched by my precision, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. It would be my honor to build a custom planter for you.