Making Micarta Mistakes 

"If you can hear the tone in my voice, you can tell that frustration has seeped in." Oh, we could hear the tone in that throw. lol

"That was 8 months ago...." And you can tell Peter has JUST calmed down from it, LOL. :)

Peter u have no clue how much ur mistakes actually help in recreating these projects. Please never remove them :)

That's why I love your videos. You show problems and not make it look like everything is perfect. Thank you

Resin is basically canned frustration. I believe they actually make it by frustrating gnomes and then extracting the frustration via proprietary methods. So it's really pretty cheap considering.

I love that philosophy, when I'm programming and I get very frustrated I either A. Can't do what I want B. Can kinda do what I want. But either way, even if I "get it to work" when I'm very frustrated, I usually can come back in another day and be like "Oh duh, here's a way more efficient way to do what I wanted". Sometimes taking a break truly is the best thing to do.

We've all been there :) I've got a scrap pile full of "That was really good, right up until I made it better..."

Your just brave enough to share fails and I love that, we all screw up, me more than most , to me it is about the process i learned, not what was done wrong , Thanks for sharing

Make a glitter blank. GLITTER

Love that unexpected, out-of-character Hulk-out at 4:15.

The frustrated board toss should be an event at the RU-vid Maker Olympics. Been there! nice to see you power through this one and bring it home.

I like the video.. you're still very polite for a pissed-off guy.

I might be your Bizarro! I'm constantly stressed in my daily life, but I rarely become frustrated while in shop. These sorts of projects have an almost meditative calming effect on me now. It sure wasn't like that for me in my 20's, though.

Peter, your honesty - with both us and yourself - about your mistakes is why I am always so excited to watch your videos. There are so many makers on here who I am subscribed to, some with better audio and video quality, some with far more experience, some with a lot of time and money. Those are all interesting and fun but none of those things are nearly as interesting to me as someone who can be frank and makes me feel like I am learning with them. Thank you.

That's the most fantastic advice for all of us maker types! Just knowing when to walk away.... I know that we joke around a lot, but I admire you so much, dude. Seriously.

Showing how you learned to do it is what makes it nice to watch your projects.

Peter, I honestly truly admire that you show us your process and mistakes. I know that sometimes, it can be embarrassing or disheartening, but it shows us that even the people who we really respect as creators, and who are truly very talented at what they do, aren't perfect either. A girl named Anika Victoria makes fashion DIY's on RU-vid, and was asked why she leaves in her fails or stumbles along the way. It helps us learn what works, what doesn't work, and to think outside of the box. (Pun not intended, but is welcomed) Like you said, what you think will work, may not, and it develops our critical thinking. Thank you for showing us your honest process. Much love from Canada

This is why I like your videos and projects. You leave in the issues and hurdles we makers run into when we go full tilt on a project. Anyone with a RU-vid channel can edit the screw ups out but you show us anything can happen and at times even come up with great remedies to b able to accomplish the task.

"Failed is always an option" Adam Savage

Thanks Peter, this is why I love RU-vid makers. They are real, honest people making cool stuff and sharing their experiences.

You'd think a thirteen year old girl who has no interest in doing anything like this stuff wouldn't be someone to binge watch this channel... but here I am.

I love that you leave the mistakes in. I don't do what you do, but seeing someone who makes the lovely things you make, and knowing that you make mistakes just like a regular human, helps me to persevere when my projects go a bit wrong. Nobody's perfect. Words to live by.

Personally, seeing the mistakes and work put into each of your projects shows the dedication and learning you, and many others, go through to make it successful. Always remember that just because you found ways not to do it doesn't mean it's a complete failure. I can't wait to see what you turn out with this!!

I really appreciate that you include your mistakes / frustrations, and talk about the lessons learned. I'm sure it's really difficult to show it all to the online world, but I love your honestly. This is truly how it goes when you make stuff, and I like your authenticity.

Hole punch the paper while dry. Assemble on a peg/nail bed.

I think everyone who watches your channel appreciates how real you are with us. Leaving in the mistakes makes us feel like we don't have to be perfect. It motivates people to try the things they see on your channel, because they know if they make a mistake, it's not a big deal. You rock, Peter. Keep up the awesome work.

Outstanding video, Peter. It is definitely easy to get frustrated mid-build, walking away is sometimes a much better option. Thanks for showing your mistakes, I think it makes us follow makers feel better about our errors and missteps.

Making mistakes is learning & showing them is teaching. I appreciate your honesty & humbleness in being willing to show EVERYTHING...

Props for owning up to mistakes, I love your videos!

The last few minutes is why I watch you so faithfully. I am a painter, and making mistakes is just a part of art. It's how we learn. Love your channel.

I'm glad you posted, because we all make mistakes but they aren't often shared.

One of the reasons I watch your videos is because of how human you seem. The magic of editing makes artists seem like perfect beings who have no flaws. But your videos show you making cool stuff and making mistakes.

idea: do a denim micarta skateboard for braille! maybe use one of their t-shirts for the outer layer.

Peter, Thank you so much for all of the effort that you put into your amazing videos. I know it is not easy. There are so many wonderful things that you do in your videos in order for us to benefit. Always take care of yourself before your RU-vid channel. If you need a breather, just turn off the camera and step out. I appreciate leaving in the mistakes. I watch videos more often that have mistakes in them than the ones that do not because then when I am attempting a project, it helps me to not be as frustrated. The mistakes help me to know that I am not the only one frustrated with the project and that it is okay to struggle. Thank you Peter for all of your efforts. I really appreciate your work and frustrations. Take care, keep up your hobbies, and remember to relax. -Storm

Peter, a fail is only a fail if you didn't learn from it. my 1st. experience with micarta was a disaster. I used the wrong epoxy, that was a lot of fun.... Not. I watched a yt video about the easy way to make micarta. I can't remember where I found it, but essentially it was a rectangular plastic cake pan. He wrapped 1 pieces of wood (the same size as the cake pan) with parchment paper.

To be honest, the mistakes are my favorite part. They make you human, humorous, and totally relate-able. It's why I subscribed.

I was legitimately surprised when you threw that laminate to the floor. I was like whoa this escalated quickly. My initial thoughts when I see the blank you produced is that you should try your hand at making a micarta skateboard. Essentially a deck is just 7 plies of hard maple glued together and what you've produced there looks like it could be a few plies. Maybe like 5 sheets of color per ply or something. Anyway you should make another skateboard deck for braille with the micarta technique.

It takes a strong person to admit their mistakes, and to recognise what you could have done better. It's something I really appreciate. Thank you

Can you make a box with shallow sides and the inside of the plastic box, is the same size as the paper, like making a turning blank box. Place a sheet of paper in the box cote it with resin and when you have enough sheets in the box insert a lid the exact size as your paper, then add some weight till dry. I think this will keep the paper from moving. Keep filming I really enjoy watching. Thanks

leaving in the imperfections makes the final product more beautiful. when we have frustration, the natural inclination is to not show it to others by not expressing it, but if you can express something that makes it more than it was, and it's the way you express something that makes it beautiful. yes you got frustrated, and you expressed that frustration, but it did not end there. instead of hiding your frustration like a shameful secret you shared it for the betterment of others, and that makes the expression of that frustration beautiful, and it gives it meaning. thank you.

Peter, this couldn't have been posted at a better time! The USB hub challenge project is totally kicking my butt, and I can relate to much of what you said here. Thanks for shining more light on the mistake part of making. It is a difficult part of the process, but a necessary one if we are to truly learn something worthwhile from a project. Cheers! That being said, I am about to demold the 3rd attempt....wish me luck! :D

As someone who has always "sucked at tools" and suffered some self esteem issues as a result, and is now starting this journey of making things with my own hands, I'm telling you this video has done more to make me feel better about my efforts than any other of your videos. As much as I draw inspiration from them, this one gives me confidence and shows me that mistakes happen, even to someone as gifted as you are. I saw myself in this video, it is both humanizing and profound. It really encourages me to keep going, even if I get setback or something doesn't materialize the way I wanted. We can't all be Bob Ross, and we shouldn't. Thanks for posting,this, it was not a mistake! :-)

I've got a lot of respect for you, Peter.

I love that you show us your mistakes. Because it is more true and if someone will make the thing they will learn more seeing what not to do. I really appreciate that you show all your attempts to do the thing, not only the one that worked. And I love watching how you search for another solution to a problem and you're not giving up.

Good, good, let the hate flow through you. Embrace the power of the Dark Side!

I really appreciate your willingness to talk about your mistakes and be honest about your emotions. Thank you.

This is very mature of you. Good job being honest

I appreciate your frustration and occasional over thinking, it's what keeps me from smashing things I have been over engineering for hours, sometimes days. Thank you for the free therapy and great projects.

Idea for a dip it. Use metal shavings from a lathe. You can get all kids of shapes (I had curls in mind) and they end up in like a nice blue.

I appreciate the fact that you leave the mistakes in your videos. It's awesome to see you continue forward and start again until you're satisfied with the outcome

IMO, the Best videos are when mistakes are left in.

I echo the sentiments of most everybody else. It's great seeing your failures and frustration, it's always hard when a project goes south and then watch other creators post these perfect amazing projects that seem so darn easy. That and your great sense of humour are what keep me watching.

Scared the shit out of me at 4:15

The fact that you leave your mistakes in the videos is half of the value of your videos for me. Knowing what pitfalls await me before I start is extremely helpful. If every project I saw others do went perfectly and every project I did was fraught with mistakes, I would get frustrated and give up. Every mistake you make on camera is a mistake one of your viewers doesn't have to make. As far as taking a step back, I think that might be universal. I'm a software engineer. Anytime my code just is full of bugs or becomes overly complicated, I have learned to step back, talk it over (even with someone who doesn't know anything about code) and the right path becomes clear.

you should make a drinking glass by carving quartz

Your humility and forthrightness is a service to us all.

Life Lessons with Peter Brown.

Personally, I appreciate that fact that creators leave in the "mistakes". That helps all of us greatly by NOT making the same ones. SO by you leaving them in, WE are all better "makers" Thanks Peter and keep'em coming - mistakes and all.

I'm such a fan girl for you. lmao. Seriously though, i LOVE your videos.

I really appreciated this. I feel like people reflecting on themselves in such a frank way is very seldom. Humility is a virtue.

Please send braille skateboarding a micarta board! I would appreciate it immensely and it could be a great idea

I love how you leave in your mistakes, and how often you show your resourcefulness in working past them. There was even some of that in this video even if it didn't work out in the end.

If I didn't make mistakes I wouldn't make anything.

Dog-gone, he's human. God Bless my friend.

I'm glad you leave your mistakes in your videos, shows that not only are you human but, you have a great sense of humor within yourself to be able to laugh at yourself (in a good way) and be able to keep on working...much love from Chicago!!

Make a flower crown for your daughter, but with dried pressed flowers in epoxy :D

I'm glad you showed your mistakes. Not enough RU-vidrs do that and it makes you guys more relatable when you do.

when you did the book holder, did you put the resin on every page?

Pete, thank you so much for this. As a maker myself, the mistakes and frustration of seeing a project go one way and it not working always seem to make a project go sideways and go worse. I appreciate you putting this and yourself out there.

this is trending. congrats peter :D

I love that you posted this. We all make mistakes and we all let our frustration get the better of us sometimes. It can be nice to see others doing both of those things, it makes me feel more normal.

Is paper mache micarta?

thanks for being sincere about the process - it's really refreshing to be reminded that we're all just people, and that mistakes happen, and frustration happens. I can see where it's uncomfortable for you to show that, but you're helping fledgling makers understand that it's just part of the process. kudos.

Make micarta wheels for Braille skateboarding it would be awesome and would get a lot of views

Of all your videos, I think I appreciate this one the most. It's sometimes hard watching the incredibly talented people on youtube making amazing things and then thinking "how could I ever hope to get to that level?" so to see that even you occasionally just have a frustrating shop day where everything seems to go wrong is somehow really comforting. So thanks!

I have a Dip It idea, Paint i think it will look like a frozen lava lamp

I actually love it how you also leave the mistakes in your video. Art is all about making mistakes anyway! And you always find a way to work around them. Thank you for posting this, I really enjoyed it

Coul dbe my favorite video of yours. I love you Peter! #nohomo

This is exactly why I'm subscribed to your channel. When I initially found your videos I was so impressed by how happily and easily you rolled with setbacks. Your videos are always uplifting.

can you make videos of you cleaning up the messy stuff, like the salt, crayons, etc

Peter is one of my favorites to watch BECAUSE he does leave in his mistakes and shows how hes gonna attempt to fix those mistakes. That way if me or someone is trying to do what he did in that video, and we run into a problem just like him, we also know that instead of freaking out, we cam try whatever solution hes about to try. Keep up the amazing work peter!!!

Sometimes when I drop things I also say "that's where that goes " LOL does anybody know where that comes from?

I greatly appreciate that you made this video where you showed your frustration and processed it at the end. Too many times have I started a project and become frustrated with it because all the videos I watched the person made it perfectly and it's nice to see someone who makes really rad projects get annoyed and make mistakes too.

peter mate, you make the mistakes, so we dont have too. and for that, i thankyou :)

I for one would like to thank you for showing these sorts of things, mistakes and all. While it may make some say that the video is less polished or some other nonsense, its incredibly important that people understand that making mistakes is part of the process of both learning and exploring novel ideas. As someone who likes to make things, any time you are stretching your abilities or trying something new, making those mistakes and figuring out what works for you is part of the deal. Seeing that you are not alone in getting frustrated with a project is going to resonate with anyone who has tried to go anywhere beyond paint by numbers.

Mr. Brown, I need to ask a question to you. I have a set of "chisels" my aunt had gotten for me from a friend, she did not tell me if they were normal chisels or lathe chisels, and I thought if any one is to know it's most defiantly you good sir. please reply and I'll give you detailed I have a video on my channel the only video on my channel. (not a plug just want info on the chisels)

The end of this video is perfect, explains so much about how over working doesn't always lead to success, sometimes you need to just take the mistakes you've made and use them to your advantage.

"Orange you glad I didn't make a stupid orange joke?" Um yes lol but also wow what a dad joke

I appreciate your honesty Peter. It shows integrity. And it feels genuine.

You should make a 12x12 blank of this and send it over to demolition ranch to shoot at.....

“I have always left in my mistakes, and it doesn’t feel good. It doesn’t feel good to leave those in because it feels like I make a lot of mistakes, but the truth is, everybody makes a lot of mistakes. It’s just a part of making.” Thank you for leaving it in, Peter. I make mistakes making things and I can say it’s more helpful and encouraging to see someone I look up to working through mistakes or hard parts of their projects. It’s good to see that it doesn’t always come easily.

I appreciate the mistakes you leave in the videos. It gives a more accurate forecast of a project that I may attempt. Which means I know what can happen and prepare to make adjustments. So THANK YOU, because so often project videos make things look super easy and quick and unprepared for the various scenarios.

As I'm the LAST person in the world who should be encouraged to do shop-projects, I am so happy I discovered your channel. I shall vicariously live out my shop-project dreams through you.

Peter you are my hero for leaving the mistakes in your video. Seeing your mistakes gave me a lot of courage to get started in wood working.

I like this, it's a nice contrast to those "perfect" RU-vid videos out there. You know the kind, you watch someone perfectly create something, seemingly in one take, with no mistakes, no fumbled or dropped tools, no "standing and thinking about what to do next". And while they're also good to watch, I do find myself thinking "you either do this as a job, and the process is so deeply learned you don't need to think" or "just how many outtakes did you go through to get this perfect outcome?". Also, don't underestimate the things you accidentally teach your viewers when you make mistakes. Like, now I know that if I decide to play with resin, when it starts to drip on the floor and I tread in it, it's just one of those things that'll happen.

Leaving your mistakes in is why I love your videos so much. Seeing someone as skilled as you having a little trouble makes me hopeful that I can create things too.

hey brother, thank you for being humble enough to share this process and how you learned from it. I think you went from a lesson about your craft to a lesson about life and it was greatly appreciated. thank you

Peter -- I love that you share mistakes. you're real with your viewers. thank you for sharing your frustration.

I deeply appreciate seeing the mistakes. As a maker learning everything on my own it is both encouraging and inspiring. While seeing a polished how-to video is educational, it can also be demotivating.

I appreciate learning about your mistakes. I think it does a greater service to your RU-vid community by showing them what doesn't work as well has what works.