Albert Albertyn

Albert Albertyn is a master woodworker based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, renowned for his exquisite craftsmanship and innovative designs. Born in 1968, Albert’s passion for woodworking was kindled in his grandfather’s workshop, a place where he learned the foundational skills and the value of patience and precision. A graduate of Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Albert has honed his craft over decades, specializing in creating bespoke furniture and intricate artworks that blend traditional techniques with contemporary aesthetics. Known for his deep respect for the material, Albert chooses sustainably sourced timber, emphasizing the beauty and uniqueness of each piece. His work not only showcases the versatility of wood but also reflects his commitment to eco-friendly practices. Beyond his creations, Albert is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of woodworkers, sharing his knowledge through workshops and advocating for the therapeutic aspects of the craft.

What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?

My day starts early with a cup of coffee and a walk through my workshop, planning the day’s tasks. Productivity for me is about prioritizing projects that align with my goals, both immediate and long-term. Time in the workshop is sacred, so I make it productive by staying organized and focused, breaking down tasks into manageable steps.

How do you bring ideas to life?

I start with sketching and imagining the potential of a piece of wood. I often let the material guide me, allowing its natural form and grain to influence the design. It’s a collaborative process between my vision and the wood’s inherent qualities.

What’s one trend that excites you?

The trend towards sustainable and eco-friendly woodworking materials and practices really excites me. It aligns with my philosophy of respecting and preserving our natural resources while creating beautiful, lasting pieces.

What is one habit that helps you be productive?

Planning my day the night before has been immensely helpful. Knowing exactly what I aim to achieve when I step into my workshop keeps me focused and ensures I use my time efficiently.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Be patient and persistent. Mastery doesn’t come overnight, and every mistake is a learning opportunity. Also, never underestimate the importance of truly understanding your materials.

Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?

I believe that taking the time to work with hand tools, despite the availability of faster, modern machinery, adds an irreplaceable value to woodworking. This belief in the importance of traditional techniques might not be popular in our efficiency-driven world, but it’s central to my craft.

What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?

Take time to reflect on your work and learn from it. After completing a project, I review what went well and what could be improved. This reflection is crucial for growth.

When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?

Nature is my reset button. It clears my mind and helps me refocus on what’s important.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?

Word of mouth from satisfied clients has done more for my business than any traditional advertising could.

What is one failure in your career,  how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?

I took on too many projects at once, compromising on quality. It was a hard lesson in the importance of saying no and focusing on what truly matters. Quality over quantity always.

What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?

A platform that connects woodworkers with local tree removal services. It’s an eco-friendly way to source materials and saves trees from going to waste.

What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?

SketchUp has been a game-changer for visualizing projects and sharing ideas with clients. It helps me work through design challenges before making the first cut.

Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?

“The Anarchist’s Tool Chest” by Christopher Schwarz. It reaffirms the value of working with a minimal set of quality tools, focusing on skill and creativity.

What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?

I enjoyed watching “The Repair Shop” on Netflix. It’s wonderful to see the skill and care put into restoring cherished items, reminding me of the impact our work can have on others’ lives.

Key learnings:

• Tradition and Innovation
• Sustainability Matters
• Reflective Practice is Key