# Created to Create: Why I Started Created Workshop

- Link: https://createdworkshop.com/created-to-create-why-i-started-created-workshop
- Published: 2025-07-01T00:20:57-05:00
- Author: Patrick Campanale

![](https://createdworkshop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/A7308313-1.webp)

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.

![](https://createdworkshop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/A7308313-1.webp)

## **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](https://amzn.to/4ejYgMZ). 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](https://amzn.to/4kToecs) 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.

## **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.

## **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. 😳

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, **itput 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 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.

## **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?**

## Head on over and post in the 󠀁[Created Workshop Facebook group](https://facebook.com/groups/createdworkshopteam)󠁿!