Created to Create: Why I Started Created Workshop

Being a content creator and small business owner isn't always butterflies and rainbows

Hey friend,

I want to take a break from tips and tools today and just share something a little more personal: why I started Created Workshop.

Why I Started Created Workshop

When it began, Created Workshop wasn’t a business. It was a way out.

I was working a job that started as a creative outlet—but over time, it became just another job. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned about myself, it’s this: I need to create. It’s part of who I am.

So, I turned to woodworking.

I had watched woodworking YouTube and thought, "That looks fun!" so I decided to give it a try. I had barely touched hardwoods before, but I dove in headfirst—learning by doing, failing, improving, and repeating.

That’s where it all began.

The First Projects and the Spark of Something New

Woodworking quickly turned into content creation (which is my true passion outside of ministry). But one Black Friday… everything changed.

I grabbed a cheap hobby CNC router. It was small, underpowered, and not fancy—but it was mine. And I was pumped.

From that little CNC, I eventually upgraded to a larger machine (the Shapeoko 3XXL) and thought, “This is it. This is the future.”

Then came lasers.

First, I picked up a tiny 5W diode laser that mounted to my CNC. It was very underpowered, and it only lasted about a week before I returned it.

That’s when I got a 10W dedicated diode laser—and that’s when it all clicked.
From that point on… the fire was lit.

A garage with a Shapeoko 3 XXL CNC sitting on a long workbench.

What’s in a Name?

People ask me all the time: “Why ‘Created Workshop’?”

The answer’s simple:

I’m a creation of Jesus, created by Him—creating things in the workshop.
I’m a creation… creating creations.

That truth is the foundation of everything I do here. It’s more than a clever name. It’s my identity and calling.

An iPad and Bible sitting on a table, open with notes on the screen.

From the Shop to the Stage

Since starting Created Workshop, my entire life has changed.

I’m now a youth pastor.
I’ve built partnerships and friendships I never imagined.
I’m even speaking at one of the biggest laser conferences in the country this year. 😳

A banner image for The Next Level Laser Conference happening in August of 2025 in Grapevine Texas.

None of that would’ve happened without that one step: trying something new.

The Struggles Behind the Scenes

But let’s be honest: it hasn’t all been easy.

Created Workshop started out as a creative outlet, and eventually morphed into a possible full-time job. That was my goal, at least.

In 2023, I lost my job, and decided to try and go full-time with Created Workshop. This was my dream: working for myself full-time. I was determined to make it work, but in reality, it put a real strain on my family and finances. Throughout the journey, I doubted myself constantly. I wrestled with thoughts like:

“Am I even good enough?”
“Will this customer think I overcharged?”
“What if this fails completely?”

There were seasons where I was in the shop… even when I wasn’t. My body was home, but my brain was focused on the next task.

I hit burnout. Hard.

And yet, God used every moment of it—to grow me spiritually, personally, and creatively.

A messy workshop with tools everywhere, lighting and camera equipment set up.

A Full Circle Moment

If you’ve been following along, you’ll know I recently closed down the retail side of Created Workshop to focus on content again.

That was a hard decision—but the right one.

Over the last 24 months, I’ve realized that I’m just not built for retail.

I’m a content creator. That’s where I thrive.

So now, I’m back creating content full-time for How-To Geek while rebuilding Created Workshop around education, inspiration, and content—just like it started.

A camera on a tripod with a monitor facing the camera operator and a person visible on the screen.

Created Workshop’s Mission Going Forward

My mission is simple:

To inspire you to pursue the dreams God’s put on your heart.

Whether that’s:

Making something new,
Trying a tool you’ve been scared to use, or
Stepping into a calling you’ve been hesitant to chase…

I hope that through a file, post, project, or verse, I can encourage you along the way.

Because we’re not just here to make stuff.

We’re here to make stuff that matters.

Thanks for being here.

Thanks for being a part of this.

I’m truly grateful for you.

~ Patrick
Created Workshop
Ephesians 2:10

What’s Your Story?

I’d love to hear it.

What got you into making?

Why do you do what you do?