From Crazy Idea to Boardroom (Okay, Workshop)
From Crazy Idea to Boardroom (Okay, Workshop)” gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how BCN Woodcrafts turns wild thoughts into real, shelf-ready pieces. From bourbon-fueled brainstorms to rough sketches on napkins, prototype failures, and final polish, Brian Nelson shares the workshop chaos, laughs, and lessons that fuel our most fun and functional wood creations. Whether it’s crab mallets built for Maryland blue crabs, Murphy bars that hide your booze, or tabletop cornhole games that steal the show, this story celebrates the messy, joyful process of creating something remarkable from ‘what if?’ to ‘heck yeah!
Maple Mayhem: A Guide to the Wild World of Figured Wood
Dive into the wild and wonderful world of figured maple! In Maple Mayhem, Brian Nelson breaks down the dramatic grain patterns that make certain maple woods true show-stoppers in woodworking — from curly and tiger maple to wormy and rain-drop styles. Learn what makes these unique figures form, why woodworkers and luthiers crave them, and how they transform ordinary lumber into breathtaking furniture, instruments, and art. Whether you’re a wood nerd or a maker curious about what gives wood its personality, this guide brings texture, humor, and insight straight from the shop floor.
Wood Whisperer: Why Real Wood Feels Like a Hug from Your Favorite Tree (And How BCN Woodcrafts' Tagline Became my Battle Cry)
Discover why real wood feels undeniably better than laminate or veneer in Wood Whisperer. Brian Nelson dives into the sensory magic of solid wood — from its warmth and natural grain to what inspired BCN Woodcrafts’ tagline, “Real Wood Feels Better.” This playful yet thoughtful piece explores how authentic wood connects to our senses, evokes emotion, and elevates everyday objects into heirlooms you’ll cherish for years.
Why How to Win Friends and Influence People Still Slaps a Century Later (Or: Why Dale Carnegie Could Still Teach Your Boss a Thing or Two)
In this thoughtful and entertaining blog post, Brian Nelson reflects on why How to Win Friends and Influence People — Dale Carnegie’s classic guide to human connection first published in 1936 — still resonates nearly a century later. Rather than corporate buzzwords and modern leadership fads, Carnegie’s timeless principles focus on real, human‑to‑human interaction: sincere appreciation, listening, understanding others’ interests, and making people feel genuinely valued. Whether you’re leading a team, working with customers, or navigating everyday conversations, these lessons still pack a punch in today’s fast‑paced world.
Scrooge Showdown: The Movie Adaptation Rating System
Because part of the holiday fun is debating which A Christmas Carol movie version reigns supreme, Brian Nelson presents his totally biased (but passionately argued) Scrooge adaptation rating system. From George C. Scott’s haunting classic to Jim Carrey’s motion‑capture spectacle — and even the Muppets — this list ranks favorite adaptations, explains what works (or doesn’t), and celebrates why Dickens’ timeless tale still resonates no matter how it’s retold. Whether you agree or want to duke it out in the comments, this showdown brings holiday cheer and spirited opinions straight from the shop blog.
Degree or No Degree? How BCN Woodcrafts is Flipping the Script on “What’s Next?” (And Why Your Kid’s Garage Band Might Beat Harvard)
In Degree or No Degree?, Brian Nelson challenges the conventional “college or bust” mindset and shines a spotlight on alternative paths to success — especially hands‑on skills, side hustles, apprenticeships, and creative entrepreneurship. With his signature wit and real‑world experience, he argues that what you build with your life matters far more than what’s printed on a diploma. From turning $50 in scrap into $500 on Etsy to celebrating muscle memory over memorization, this post flips the script on traditional success metrics and makes a compelling case for empowering young makers, tradespeople, and creative hustlers alike.
“Father Forgets” — And What It Taught Me About Leadership (Not Just Fatherhood)
In Father Forgets (and What It Taught Me About Leadership — Not Just Fatherhood), Brian Nelson turns a simple, human moment into a powerful lesson on leadership, empathy, and responsibility. Reflecting on a personal story of forgetfulness and the quiet weight of accountability, he draws parallels between parenting and leading a team: both require patience, humility, clear communication, and the courage to own mistakes. Whether you’re a parent, a leader at work, or someone striving to be better for the people who depend on you, this post blends vulnerability with insight and offers a heartfelt reminder that great leadership starts with humanity.
What to Do With Leftover Resin: The Beer Can Bottle Opener Hack You Didn’t Know You Needed
Every resin project ends the same way — a little bit of leftover epoxy you can’t throw away and don’t want to waste. In this fun and inventive post, Brian Nelson turns that sticky situation into a creative recycling challenge: a resin‑filled beer can transformed into a one‑of‑a‑kind bottle opener. Step by step, he walks you through building a functional tool out of project remnants, turning chaos into craft and zero‑waste into pride. Whether you’re a resin veteran or a curious maker, this quirky hack celebrates ingenuity and the joy of turning scrap into something useful and whimsical.
How to Paint Engraved Letters Without Losing Your Mind (or Your Sanity)
Painting engraved letters can be one of the most satisfying — and most frustrating — parts of a woodworking project. In this practical and personable guide, Brian Nelson breaks down his proven techniques for filling and painting engraved lettering cleanly and confidently. From prepping the surface and choosing the right tools to avoiding common pitfalls and achieving crisp, professional results, this post gives makers of all levels the tips and tricks they need to conquer text detailing without the headache. Perfect for sign makers, gift builders, and anyone who wants their work to look as good as it feels.
Chomping Through Chaos: Why I Binged All Five Piranha Movies (and Why You Should Join the Feeding Frenzy)
In Chomping Through Chaos, Brian Nelson dives head-first into the wild, gory, and often absurd world of the Piranha movie franchise — and discovers there’s more to these cult classics than cheap scares and toothy fish. With humor and surprising insight, he explores what makes these films entertaining (and strangely compelling), how they fit into the broader shark-and-monster movie genre, and why a good midnight-movie binge still has a place in the maker’s downtime. Whether you’re a horror fan, a pop-culture enthusiast, or someone who just enjoys a fun deep dive, this post serves up laughs, commentary, and a recommended feeding order for the full piranha experience.
Graboids, Guts, and Glory: The Joy of Binge-Watching Tremors and Why Michael Gross as Burt Gummer Is Peak Awesome
In Graboids, Guts, and Glory, Brian Nelson dives into the underground chaos of the Tremors franchise and explains exactly why this blend of creature feature, humor, and practical effects has earned a devoted following. Through the lens of a binge-watching marathon, he highlights what makes Tremors enduringly fun — from relentless Graboids and quirky townfolk to Burt Gummer’s unforgettable survivalist swagger. Whether you grew up loving these desert-dwelling monsters or you’re discovering them for the first time, this post celebrates the joy of cult classics, practical effects that still hold up, and why Burt remains peak awesome. Tune in for laughs, nostalgia, and a passionate endorsement of one of the most beloved underground movie series ever made.
Why Bruce Campbell Movies Are Peak Awesome
In Why Bruce Campbell Movies Are Peak Awesome, Brian Nelson celebrates the one-and-only Bruce Campbell — the king of B-movie charm, practical effects, and charismatic grit. From Evil Dead mayhem to cult classics Bubba Ho-Tep and beyond, this post breaks down what makes Campbell’s filmography uniquely entertaining. With humor, personal insight, and a deep love for genre cinema, Brian explains why Bruce’s blend of over-the-top action, comedic timing, and unshakable screen persona has earned him lifelong fandom — and why his movies continue to inspire, delight, and define “peak awesome” in the world of cult cinema.
The Campfire Storytelling Tradition: Where Mishaps Become Legends
In The Campfire Storytelling Tradition: Where Mishaps Become Legends, Brian Nelson reflects on the timeless magic of gathering around the fire to share stories — the good, the goofy, and the downright unbelievable. From sparks in the night to near-miss mishaps and laugh-out-loud moments, this post explores why campfire storytelling remains a beloved tradition across generations. With humor, heart, and a nod to the shared human experience, Brian shows how even simple misadventures can become cherished legends when told beneath stars and embers. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or an armchair storyteller, this piece celebrates the joy of connection through tales that keep us laughing and wondering long after the fire has died down.
The Art of Rolling With It: Embracing the Glorious Chaos of Camping
In The Art of Rolling With It: Embracing the Glorious Chaos of Camping, Brian Nelson explores how the unpredictability of the great outdoors becomes part of the adventure itself. From gear mishaps and weather curveballs to unexpected wildlife visits and campfire laughs, this post celebrates the mindset of rolling with it — embracing the imperfect moments that make every trip memorable. With humor, practical insight, and a deep appreciation for nature’s unscripted moments, Brian invites readers to let go of rigid plans and discover the joy that comes from camping’s glorious chaos. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or a weekend camper, this piece reminds us that the best memories often come from the moments we didn’t plan for.
The Wildlife Mafia: Protecting Your Snacks from the Furry Underworld
In The Wildlife Mafia: Protecting Your Snacks from the Furry Underworld, Brian Nelson takes readers deep into the chaotic, cunning world of campground critters — raccoons, squirrels, chipmunks, and even bears — all scheming to steal your snacks and raid your cooler. With humor and practical insight, Brian breaks down the tactics these furry food thieves use and offers clever tips to outsmart them. Whether you’re a weekend camper or a seasoned backwoods explorer, this post blends personality and useful strategy to help you defend your trail mix, s’mores, and sauces from nature’s snack-stealing syndicate.
Camp Food That Doesn’t Suck
Tired of cold hot dogs and crushed granola bars on your camping trips? In Camp Food That Doesn’t Suck, Brian Nelson serves up a fresh take on outdoor cooking that’s far tastier than the usual fare. From cast iron skillet breakfasts and foil packet fiestas to s’mores-stuffed bananas, this guide blends practical gear tips with delicious, simple recipes designed for the campfire. Whether you’re prepping for a weekend getaway or just want meals under the stars that make you feel like a culinary champ, this post turns camp cuisine into something to look forward to.
The Gear Test — Avoiding the Rookie Setup Disaster
In Campfire Coffee & Rituals: How to Brew Better Morning Magic in the Woods, Brian Nelson explores the cozy, soul-lifting ritual of making coffee while camping. More than just a caffeine boost, brewing coffee over a campfire becomes a moment of calm, connection, and intentional slow-living before the day’s adventures begin. From choosing the right beans and gear to mastering campfire brewing techniques, this post blends practical tips with the sensory joy of that first perfect cup in the crisp morning air. Whether you’re a coffee purist or a casual sipper, you’ll discover how to make your outdoor mornings feel richer, warmer, and just a little bit magical.
