Meet the Sisters: MARI Mc Donald
Mari McDonald is in our community famous for her clever wardrobe-building hacks and her good sense of aesthetics. The relationship with power tools started when she realized how much money she can save with building the desired furniture instead of buying it.
Where are you from and how did you end up in Berlin?
I am originally from Charleston, South Carolina (USA). And after finishing undergrad, I moved to Shenzhen, China to start yet another degree. It was during this time that I met my now-husband and we embarked on what has been the best journey of all, creating a family together. Fast forward 8 years and two small boys (Theo 5 and Max 3) later, I began to long for the comfort and love of family to begin close by. I wanted our boys to have strong family ties and living in China and visiting once a year either to the US or Germany, wouldn’t allow this to happen. So in 2016, we moved to Berlin.
When and how did your woodworking journey begin?
My Grandpa is a carpenter by trade so I grew up with him always building things. It was truly lovely to see how happy he made people by repairing something that was broken or creating something unique/special just for them.
Starting a family and deciding to settle down in Berlin after years of studying in living in China, was one of the reasons why Mari decided to start investing in woodworking tools.
But it wasn’t until we moved to Berlin and I knew we were going to be putting down roots here that I, I say I but it is definitely WE, started to explore building furniture. It grew from, honestly, a place of frustration… I wanted things that I couldn’t get here OR was (in my opinion) ridiculously expensive.
Where do you find your inspiration?
Pinterest and the University of YOUTUBE are my greatest tools. There are so many wonderful people that are willing to share their knowledge and plans (and sometimes for FREE). And then after a few builds, you definitely acquire skill and gain confidence.
When I started building we were living in an apartment so we just didn’t have the space for lots but I knew (don’t mention this to my husband) that the projects would never really stop. So I bought tools slowly over time, after each build. I started with just the basics: power drill, hand saw, hand sander, hammer, tape measure, and circular saw. And the collection just grew from there.
I did look into renting tools but this wasn’t really a viable option for me.
“I started with just the basics: power drill, hand saw, hand sander, hammer, tape measure, and circular saw. And the collection just grew from there.”
What projects have you made?
WOW That’s kind of a loaded question there… a better one (at this point would be what haven’t we made?
Bookcases, our dining room table and the light that hangs over it, my son‘s bed, a storage trunk, our outdoor terrace furniture, basement table, mudroom cabinet and bench, console table… just to name a few.
The greatest thing I have learned during this time is PATIENCE and how to work with my partner effectively. A little story: I can laugh about now but we were really at each other’s throats. We both knew what was best and it was tense for a while there. But I am happy to say we were able to weather that storm and it has brought us closer together.
Is there anything you have built that makes you especially proud of yourself?
I would say I have two projects that I am especially proud of one being my last project (mudroom) and one of first (dining table). I see them every day and it puts a smile on my face.
Are there any jobs you would rather delegate?
My least favorite job would have to be, hands down, removing wallpaper and skim coating walls. These are the things that nightmares are made of… started off fun but really did become a major thorn in my side.
Berlin and its infamous popcorn wallpaper. A job that can seem at the beginning like a lots of fun can turn into a nightmare very quickly. Luckily Mari has help.
Do you have a dream project in mind?
I wouldn’t say I have a dream project but rather projects that I am looking forward to doing in the new house: built-in bunk beds for the boys and doing a complete renovation (DIY style) of the bathroom. I am talking laying tiles, changing the tub and sink…everything. But it with everything it boils down to $$ or rather €€. So these projects are things that we have to save up for, so they won’t be happening at least until 2023.
What would you say to a woman who is hesitating to start learning woodworking?
My advice to any woman hesitant to learn woodworking would be, using the words from NIKE, “Just do it”. I mean because what’s the worst that can happen, you waste some material. Being able to take control and fix or create things for yourself is an amazing feeling and in my opinion a very important life skill that everyone should have in their skill set.
