Do Make is James Otter's case for slowing down and returning to craft — an argument built not from theory but from the lived practice of shaping wood, riding waves, and finding meaning in the work of your hands.
About This Book
There is a particular satisfaction in transforming raw material into something useful or beautiful, and Do Make sets out to explain why. Written by award-winning wooden surfboard maker James Otter, this is a book about craftsmanship as a practice of attention — a counterweight to distraction and speed. Otter moves through the stages of making: preparation, process, and the development of genuine confidence in one's own abilities. He is less interested in perfection than in presence, arguing that the act of making reconnects us to creativity, to natural materials, and to ourselves. A practical guide to handplane construction is included, designed to take you bodysurfing.
Key Features
- 128 pages of photography and practical guidance on craft and making
- Written by James Otter, award-winning wooden surfboard maker
- Includes a step-by-step guide to making your own handplane for bodysurfing
- Published by The Do Book Company
What You'll Discover
- How to approach preparation: choosing what to make, sourcing materials, and getting started without overthinking
- Why trusting process — and releasing the grip of perfectionism — is central to meaningful craft practice
- How working with natural materials builds a more conscious relationship with your environment
- A hands-on project: how to make a bodysurfing handplane from scratch
About the Author
James Otter is an award-winning wooden surfboard maker whose practice is grounded in a passion for craftsmanship and the ocean. Through his work, he has developed a philosophy of making that centres slowness, skill, and the intrinsic value of handmade objects.
Specifications
- Format: Paperback
- Pages: 128
- Dimensions: 120 x 178 mm
- Language: English
- ISBN: 9781907974861
- Publisher: The Do Book Company
- Publication Date: [Details available upon request]
Perfect For: Designers, makers, and practitioners drawn to craft philosophy, material thinking, and the restorative value of working with your hands.