Anne Briggs: A Modern-Day Renaissance Woman in Woodworking
Anne of All Trades: From Goat Deliveries to Master Craftsmanship
Anne Briggs, known as Anne of All Trades, is a modern-day Renaissance woman whose skills span from delivering goat babies to building intricate woodworking projects. Her journey as a self-taught woodworker began with humble beginnings in her grandfather’s garage, where she was inspired by his DIY spirit.
Early Inspirations and DIY Pursuits
Growing up, Anne’s grandfather instilled in her a love for hands-on projects. After college, she rekindled her passion for DIY by restoring a classic Mustang. This project ignited her desire to recreate the magic of her grandfather’s workshop, leading her to purchase a house with a garage in Seattle.
Sourcing Tools and Learning by Doing
Without any tools, Anne turned to Craigslist, where she resold broken tools to finance her projects. Through trial and error, she not only acquired the necessary tools but also gained invaluable knowledge about their mechanisms.
Social Media as a Catalyst for Growth
As Anne documented her projects on Instagram, she discovered a thriving online community of woodworkers. This social platform provided her with encouragement and connections.
A Big Break and a New Platform
An invitation to the Woodworking in America conference in 2013 proved to be a turning point. There, Anne met the owner of Lee Valley Tools, who offered her a space in their company newsletter to share her projects. This opportunity gave her access to a wider audience and laid the foundation for her future success.
Woodworking Classes and Community Building
In 2015, despite having never taken a formal woodworking class, Anne was offered the chance to run a woodworking school in Seattle. This experience deepened her skills and introduced her to a supportive community of woodworkers.
YouTube Channel and Full-Time Pursuit
Inspired by her friend April Wilkerson, Anne launched a YouTube channel in October 2017. Her videos, focused on woodworking techniques and projects, quickly gained traction. By the end of 2017, she left her teaching position to pursue YouTube full-time.
Relocation to Nashville and School Plans
In 2018, Anne moved to Nashville, drawn by the city’s thriving woodworking scene and the abundance of hardwood. There, she purchased a farm and began planning for a woodworking school.
Challenges and Triumphs
Anne’s journey has not been without its setbacks. Her initial attempt at opening the school faced financial and logistical hurdles. However, her community rallied around her, raising funds through GoFundMe and online classes. These experiences taught her the power of vulnerability and community support.
Sharing Skills and Encouraging Women in Woodworking
Anne’s mission is to fill the void of missing online resources for disappearing life skills. She believes that it’s never too late to learn woodworking and encourages women to join the community.
Anne’s Favorite YouTube Channels for Woodworking Inspiration
- April Wilkerson
- Mr. Chickadee
- Townsends
- Paul Sellers
- Greg Judy Regenerative Rancher
- Rainfall Projects
- Richard Perkins
Anne of All Trades: A Role Model for Modern Renaissance Skills
With nearly 200,000 YouTube subscribers, Anne Briggs has become a role model for those seeking to master diverse skills. Her journey exemplifies the power of passion, perseverance, and community support. Anne of All Trades continues to inspire and empower others to embrace their own modern-day Renaissance spirit.