Weekend crafts: do you prefer building from scratch or upcycling old stuff?

The imperfections? I see them as features, not flaws. Adds character and makes each piece unique.

Totally get that. Some of my favorite projects are the ones where I had to work around a weird gouge or knot. Sometimes those “mistakes” end up being the best part. I’ll admit, though, prepping old wood can be a headache—especially when you think you’ve found every nail and then your planer says otherwise. Metal detector tip is gold. I keep one in my truck now after wrecking a blade on a hidden staple... learned that lesson fast.

Mixing new and reclaimed is a solid move too. Sometimes you just need that stability for the base, but the old stuff on top gives it soul.