Hygee
Hygee (pronounced “Hoo-ga”) is a Danish concept that that that sees people create a comfortable, cosy friendly environment. One element of Hygee that has grown in popularity is the art of woodwork.
During the harsh winter months in Scandinavian countries with little sunlight and cold temperatures making it hard to get out of the house in the evenings many Scandinavians choose to settle in for a long hard winter. Keeping a home cosy and keeping the mind active made me wonder why then in such a harsh environment do Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark top the poles as being some of the worlds happiest places to live? I’m not for one minute thinking they have it all right and other factors are helping Scandinavian countries become a happy place to live. However it did make me think what are they doing right that I could do to help myself? Some years back I worked for a large Danish company and I was always left thinking the workers all seem very content and measured. Not stressed and all very practical. I did work for an engineering firm so that might explain some of that. But did I learn that could help me through our UK winter months?
Reading online about Hygee and the art of crafting your own items I decided to try woodwork. Specifically cabinet making. I had never been a star pupil at wood work at school but always enjoyed the machiens and having a “gift” to bring home for my parents to proudly display. I’ also fascinated by tools (I’m not quite sure why but I always look at a workshop and think “I’d like a space like this”). Rather than veging out on the sofa every night last winter I decided to start making things. Starting with small boxes and furniture. I purchased a few cheap tools and some cheap pine and I started making my first small bits and pieces. Needless to say my first attempts where awful, but it had sparked a new found enthusiasm. Slowly I learnt how to cut dovetail joints, select different types of wood, how to use different tools and spend all my evenings in my now converted garage having fun. The simple concept of turning a few pieces of wood into a usable item is just the ticket to get you through those cold winter months. Plus you have something to show for your time. All of my family now have handmade gifts which I have spent ages constructing. I now go out and look at the trees around me. The types of trees and how long it might take to grow etc. Nature and craft going hand in hand. My furniture will never make me a living and nor would I want it to but I now have a good excuse to get out of that winter rut and do something constructive.