Bodrighy Wood

long time away

2011-09-21T11:35:00.001+01:00

Getting close

2011-06-04T22:56:00.000+01:00

3 1/2 days and I will hopefully be at or close to my new home. Loads of work been done for me by the sound of it. Can't wait to see it. New life beckons LOL

Not long now

2011-06-01T14:38:00.001+01:00

One more week. This time next week I will hopefully be unloading the van at my new home. Feel like a kid leading up to Christmas....can't wait but have to LOL

Going Home

2011-05-28T21:26:00.002+01:00

Just 10 days and 15 hours and I will hopefully be in my new home, starting a new job and a new life. All exciting !!!!!!!!!! Also have a new workshop to set up so hope that is cleared and ready to get started on.

Odd requests

2011-04-19T22:22:00.002+01:00

Being a woodturner means that every now and then you get some unusual requests. This week I have been asked to make a pair of wedding rings in Lignum Vitae, a handle for a sword for a martial arts exponent and some bobbins for a spinning wheel.. Oh well, they say variety is the spic of life. I'll post some pictures when done.

Bean tree wood: rustic bowl

2011-04-11T21:36:00.001+01:00

This bowl is approx 10" diameter and 8" tall and is made from a bean tree (or part of one anyway LOL) I love these pieces with loads of contrast in the look and feel of them. This was really hard wood and I have some more bits of it so watch this space

Liberty's says no

2011-04-06T18:32:00.001+01:00

I have just heard that Liberty's have decided they don not wish to stock my work. Oh well c'est la vie. Looked promising for a while but never mind. We had a great weekend in London with my daughter and co so no harm done. At least I tried.

Libertys

2011-04-04T23:23:00.002+01:00

Well that's over. Had my assessment at Liberty's on Saturday up in London and it was hopeful. The lass who assessed me seemed impressed with my goblets and was asking about those and is going to talk to her manager in the buying department about them. Fingers crossed, they will decide to stock them and have some from me. Hope so.

New site

2011-03-27T14:46:00.000+01:00

OK, as a shop, it is now open for business. Crafting tools and equipment only at www.bodrighy.co.uk. Anything else I make goes into www.bodrighywood.co.uk. They are linked one to the other so hopefully I will get some more sales via one or the other. Wish me luck

Publish Post

New website

2011-03-26T02:03:00.000Z

OK I have the beginnings of my new website for crafting tools and equipment up online. It is a work in progress so still has typos etc . If you see anything gal;ring wrong or not working let me know please as while it may look fine from my computer it needs to look great on everyone elses LOL

Loads of spindles

2011-03-21T17:27:00.002Z

OK I have now got loads of different spindles up in my shop here.
A fair variety so far with different types etc. They all have their weight in the description so can be sussed out for your personal use.

I am in the process of making a new shop just for crafting items but until it is online all my crafting items are in the shop with everything else.

New spindles

2011-03-13T15:55:00.004Z

Having joined Ravelry, a fabric form, I am researching different types of spindles and have made several which are now in the shop. More to them than meets the eye. Fortunately I have a couple of keen experts locally who are more than happy to advise and critique my work so am able to work closely with them.

Oh good LOL

2011-03-01T13:38:00.000Z

The customer likes the salad bowl so it will be going out soon. Just a quick word about things made for food. Make sure that the wood you use is a safe one. Avoid any that are potentially toxic like yew, laburnum, iroko etc and always use an oil that is food safe.Olive oil can apparently go off after a time so I don't use that. A simple supermarket cheap brand is fine, you don't have to got the expense of the specialised stuff. It also means that the item is easily maintained.

Large salad bowl

2011-02-28T23:25:00.001Z

I was asked to make a large salad bowl for someone. This is th end result. It is 15 1/4" diameter and stands 6" high. It is made form macrocarpa or Monterrey pine and has been oiled.

Handmade Monday

2011-02-27T21:56:00.001Z

Wendy at 1st Unique Gifts runs a link session on her blog at http://www.1stuniquegifts.co.uk/blog/ every Monday. Worth a look for the various different crafters, some beautiful handmade work is displayed. Go have a look.

2011-02-26T16:43:00.000Z

This is an unknown wood I got my hands on and is just under 14" diameter and 4" deep. The wood was really punky on one side and I nearly didn't bother but then decided to be different and use the tear out as a feature. Sanding it was like sanding in a fog LOL. Have I wasted my time or was it worth the effort? Maybe someone will like and buy it

Urgent request

2011-02-25T22:46:00.002Z

A lady ppped in the other day and asked me to make her a platter, to be collected the following morning. Fortunately I was able to oblige and so had a happy customer the following morning.

Cedar, 14" diameter

New spindles

2011-02-24T01:22:00.000Z

This is a pair of Russian spindles made of mahogany ansd stained. They are 10.5 and 11 inches long and weigh 18 and 22 grams.

Hand spindles

2011-02-22T18:16:00.000Z

Three different types made today, well four actually LOL

These are two bottom whorl and one top whorl drop spindles, all about the 20 gram mark

These are replica French hand spindles. They are smaller and highly decorated. Based on one I was shown recently

These are made for someone who had two roman and one medieval lead whorl that she wanted mounted on shafts. The whorls are genuine ones that had been found somewhere.

Tools of the trade

2011-02-22T00:01:00.000Z

For some time I have been making various tools for other crafters, things like spindles, crochet hooks needles and a few other bits and pieces that I am asked for. I was recently introduced to someone who both spins and colects spindles however and my eyes were opened firstly to all the faults in my work (in a really positive constructive way) and to the massive variety that could be available including some that seem to be rare. I am going to look into specialising in making the spindles and seeing if I can make a collection of different types from around the world as well as the variations. I'll post some as I do them. Some differences are fairly subtle and some really obvious so it should be an interesting excercise.

Rustic acacia

2011-02-19T18:56:00.001Z

This piece is 9" tall and 6" max. dia. Partly hollowed. Acacia is one of those woods that has gorgeous colours and as often as not crazy grain patterns. This on also has some burred parts and loads of bark inclusions giving it plenty of character. A very hard wood that shines to a really high gloss contrasting with the bark and natural textures.

2011-02-16T19:42:00.000Z

These two bowls were turned from a slab of dirty old wood I found buried in my workshop. I am not too sure but it looks like Bubinga and is a deep red with a few black streaks in it. Both have some gilding on the rims. Th first one is turned to about 5mm thick and the second is left more chunky. Both are approx 6 - 6 1/2" diameter and a couple of inches tall.

Back to my first love

2011-02-14T21:46:00.001Z

Which is making things from the wood that others would throw away. This piece of hawthorn was well deformed and so I had to have a go didn't I? It may not be everyone's cup of tea but the combination of the natural wood, bark and lichen with the polished surface of the turned bowl is something I really like.

Check out the lovely work at First Unique Gifts while you are at it.

Catching up with bits and bobs

2011-02-12T00:03:00.000Z

Been finishing off a number of pieces that I started some time ago.

A yew pot with textured and dyed rim: 7" tall and 6" wide with a 1 1/2" rim

This is a 22 1/2" platter that I started before Christmas. Made of Macrocarpa or Monterrey Pine.

Getting sorted for a presentation

2011-02-03T00:19:00.000Z

Started putting pieces together and getting them ready for a presentation to impress a potential outlet. Look much nicer like this than just standing up on a table or something...at least I think so.

New bowls.

2011-01-27T20:31:00.000Z

Managed to finish off a couple of bowls that have been hanging around since before Christmas. a 6" spalted beech one and a 9" acacia one. Beautiful wood on both.

Miscellania.

2011-01-26T22:21:00.002Z

I am in the process of designing and making a caddy for beaders. It is loosely based on the type of caddy used by the Victorians for sewing. This particular one is in American walnut. but I doubt they will all be in the same wood. It is waiting on some tubes and the ones in it at the moment are just the ones the beads came in. Thanks toJean at http://jeantalkingbeads.blogspot.com/ for the bits and pieces for this one.

There will be a pincushion on the top as well when it is finished

While waiting for things to dry etc I made a few of these. Will do a load I think using up some of the offcuts etc I have. Very tactile, make good stress relievers LOL

Candle sticks

2011-01-23T20:30:00.000Z

Based on a couple of designs sent to me by someone who knows more about that sort of thing than ,me LOL

Yew, 9" tall Walnut and pear, 12" tall

More bits and pieces

2011-01-19T22:31:00.000Z

This is acacia and is 8 1/2" and 3" deep. Lovely hard wood this stuff.

This is a piece of old oak that I have had hanging around for ages. In the end I blow torched it leaving all the saw marks etc intact and then turned the bowl inside. I love the contrast but it isn't everyone's idea of fun LOL

This one is cedar, gorgeous smell that gets everywhere when yo are turning it LOL. It's 6" dia and approx3" deep. Usually pretty bland but this one has a bit of character to it.

Making goblets

2011-01-03T19:04:00.000Z

I enjoy making goblets but do find the replication the hard part. I am trying to get a pair made for a shop that are as identical as possible and it ain't easy LOL.

1st attempt Made from
Chaperno ( a mexican wood

2nd attempt made from Zebrano

3rd attempt made from walnut

The last one is the best match so far.

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T10:57:00.000Z

May 2011 be a good year for us all in the crafting industry. Could be exciting things ahead as things seem to be picking up in the recognition with some promising things planned have a look at Robin Woods blog for details.

All over bar the day itself

2010-12-23T12:23:00.000Z

One of the nice things about being a crafter in this time of recession is being able to make gifts for people. I am fortunate in that my family (extensive as it is LOL) appreciates the thought and work involved and it means that we don't have to suffer the manic shopping frenzy that so many go through over this period. Also a lot easier on the pocket LOL. We have got everything pretty much done now bar a bit of packing. Just one left to do. Hope everyone actually likes what we have chosen to do for them. Obviously can't post pics as some of the family read this. Hope everyone has a really good Christmas, lot's of relaxing time with loved ones. Stay warm

The Night before Christmas - this made me think

2010-12-04T00:14:00.002Z

It seems appropriate we should think of those who have to fight for peace in our world - all they give for our sakes - especially following on from Remembrance Sunday and in the lead-up to Christmas.

Read below - it gives food for thought - especially in the current wintry conditions and thinking of our forces on active service in Afghanistan.

T'WAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS,
HE LIVED ALL ALONE,
IN A ONE BEDROOM HOUSE,
MADE OF PLASTER AND STONE.

I HAD COME DOWN THE CHIMNEY,
WITH PRESENTS TO GIVE,
AND TO SEE JUST WHO,
IN THIS HOME, DID LIVE.

I LOOKED ALL ABOUT,
A STRANGE SIGHT I DID SEE,
NO TINSEL, NO PRESENTS,
NOT EVEN A TREE.

NO STOCKING BY MANTLE,
JUST BOOTS FILLED WITH SAND,
ON THE WALL HUNG PICTURES,
OF FAR DISTANT LANDS.

WITH MEDALS AND BADGES,
AWARDS OF ALL KINDS,
A SOBER THOUGHT,
CAME THROUGH MY MIND.

FOR THIS HOUSE WAS DIFFERENT,
IT WAS DARK AND DREARY,
I FOUND THE HOME OF A SOLDIER,
ONCE I COULD SEE CLEARLY.

THE SOLDIER LAY SLEEPING,
SILENT, ALONE,
CURLED UP ON THE FLOOR,
IN THIS ONE BEDROOM HOME.

THE FACE WAS SO GENTLE,
THE ROOM IN DISORDER,
NOT HOW I PICTURED,
A TRUE BRITISH SOLDIER.

WAS THIS THE HERO,
OF WHOM I'D JUST READ?
CURLED UP ON A PONCHO,
THE FLOOR FOR A BED?

I REALISED THE FAMILIES,
THAT I SAW THIS NIGHT,
OWED THEIR LIVES TO THESE SOLDIERS,
WHO WERE WILLING TO FIGHT.

SOON ROUND THE WORLD,
THE CHILDREN WOULD PLAY,
AND GROWNUPS WOULD CELEBRATE,
A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY.

THEY ALL ENJOYED FREEDOM,
EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR,
BECAUSE OF THE SOLDIERS,
LIKE THE ONE LYING HERE.

I COULDN'T HELP WONDER,
HOW MANY LAY ALONE,
ON A COLD CHRISTMAS EVE,
IN A LAND FAR FROM HOME.

THE VERY THOUGHT BROUGHT,
A TEAR TO MY EYE,
I DROPPED TO MY KNEES,
AND STARTED TO CRY.

THE SOLDIER AWAKENED,
AND I HEARD A ROUGH VOICE,
"SANTA DON'T CRY,
THIS LIFE IS MY CHOICE;

I FIGHT FOR FREEDOM,
I DON'T ASK FOR MORE,
MY LIFE IS MY GOD,
MY COUNTRY, MY CORPS...."

THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER,
AND DRIFTED TO SLEEP,
I COULDN'T CONTROL IT,
I CONTINUED TO WEEP.

I KEPT WATCH FOR HOURS,
SO SILENT AND STILL,
AND WE BOTH SHIVERED,
FROM THE COLD NIGHT'S CHILL.

I DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE,
ON THAT COLD, DARK, NIGHT,
THIS GUARDIAN OF HONOUR,
SO WILLING TO FIGHT.

THEN THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER,
WITH A VOICE SOFT AND PURE,
WHISPERED, "CARRY ON SANTA,
IT'S CHRISTMAS DAY. ALL IS SECURE."

ONE LOOK AT MY WATCH,
AND I KNEW HE WAS RIGHT.
"MERRY CHRISTMAS, MY FRIEND.
AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT."

This poem was written by a Peacekeeping soldier stationed overseas.. The following is his request. I think it is reasonable...

PLEASE. Would you do me the kind favour of sending this to as many people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to all of the service men and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities. Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us. Please, do your small part to plant this small seed.

Sale at Sainsbury's

2010-11-26T22:12:00.001Z

Well that has now been done and we've been asked by the management if we can do next Friday as well. Niot the biggest success in the world but good for publicity and getting my name out there. Sold the really large chalice and a small goblet as well as some of the smaller things so not a failure, OK not rich yet, maybe another day. LOL

pete

2010-11-21T21:18:00.000Z

Suddenly my wands have become popular and I keep running out. Hope we have enough material to make sleeves for them all. Must be that movie they just premiered in London LOL

2010-11-19T00:57:00.000Z

This is the last of the three leylandii goblets and it is big enough to hold best part of a bottle of wine. One sold, two to go.

2010-11-19T00:05:00.002Z

Crafty Friday:

Check out the original work this clever lass does. She has a wide range of different things and these especially appeal to me.
Kryshees - bringing you handmade, unique adornments for your littlies and you!
Her shop is at www.kryshees.folksy.com www.kryshees.blogspot.com and you can also find her on http://twitter.com/#!/Kryshees
feel free to ad lib as you like.

This is a knee high elephant, in a beautiful blue deck chair type fabric and super soft light bue denim inner ears.
He has a layered vintage button eyes and a tassly wool tufty tail.
Elliefant is very firmly stuffed with 2.5kg of toy quality stuffing and perfect as a sit on animal for a littlie or as a magestic addition to any room in your home.You'll find him waiting for you at http://www.folksy.com/items/947697-S...fant-?shop=yes

Little people

2010-11-18T21:25:00.000Z

These are made from all sorts of wood and come in different shapes and sizes. As you can see they are perhaps best suited as ornaments for the mantel piece or side table but can be hung from the tree if wished. I do several different sizes depending on the woods available to me but sell them as small, medium and large. Large ones tend to be about 5 - 6" tall and are pretty weighty so you will need a good sized tree if you decide to hang him. Each one is lovingly dressed with a hand knitted scarf made by Sue (my wife) who also makes sure that they have eyes and a mouth with her pyro pen.

Good fair

2010-11-13T18:35:00.002Z

Just finished one of my rare fairs. Looks like snowmen, wands, potpurri bowls and hedgehog and snowmen keyrings are popular so as i have another two fairs next weekend (shortlisted) I better make some more. Nice to have some big sales but lot's of little ones are just as good

Christmas shopping?

2010-11-08T09:27:00.000Z

The run up to Christmas seems to start earlier and earlier each year. Once the summer is over it seems to be one thing after the other, Halloween, Gut Fawkes night, then it's Christmas wherever you look. I have a variety of things that may be just what you didn't know you were looking for. If you want something it's worth getting in early as if I have to make it for you I will need notice. Check out the shop at www.bodrighywood.co.uk for ideas and gifts from a few pound for stocking fillers through to more extravagant presents for someone special

Drinking vessels for the dedicated boozer

2010-11-01T17:02:00.001Z

I made the small one first, that sold within 10 minutes of going in the shop and mentioning it on a forum so I have done a couple more.
The original 9" one is the one on the right. I have since made the other two, the middle one is 12" tall, 5" wide and 3" deep. The biggest, unpyro'd one is 13" tall, the bowl is 4" deep and 6" wide. Don't know how much it'll hold but more of a communal chalice or ceremonial one I should think. Sue has yet to burn that one.

National Trust Woodturning Display

2010-10-31T23:22:00.000Z

I've just participated in a display with our club at a National Trust Garden. Saturday was pretty good with a fair few people coming to have a look and some buying, today rain held them off a bit but it was an interesting excercise. Mostly it was the lower end price wise that was selling though a few had some more expensive pieces bought. Hopefully it is something that we will be ding more often. Intersting to see what the people were looking at and buying as they weren't the usual 'craft fair' customers. Also nice to see the vast variety of work that the other turners brought in. Ranging from the ordinary to the artistic. Also had two lathes running which atracted a fair bit of attention.

It's cold

2010-10-25T10:24:00.002+01:00

Frost on the ground. Heater turned on in the workshop waiting for it to get comfortable enough to work in . Don't like the cold and have some orders to make up. Brrrrrrrrrr

More 'Danglies' as someone called them LOL

2010-10-19T00:38:00.000+01:00

These are DIY decorations. They are highly sanded but unpolished and are intended to be decorated by the person who buys them. They can be painted, pyro'd, stained, dyed or simply polished as suits. Ideal for kids to decorate and will last a lot longer than the cheapo plastic ones you can buy. See my shop if you wnat some at www.bodrighywood.co.uk

Insprational work

2010-10-13T16:05:00.001+01:00

Sue and I have become friends with a turner/artist/photographer on facebook called Douglas Fisher. His work is inspirational. Maybe with lot's of practice?........

See his work here
http://www.douglasjfisher.com/index.html

A few more bits and bobs from the arsonist in the family

2010-10-11T23:41:00.000+01:00

I made these little (6") plaques a while ago but did nothing with them. Sue took them on and despite the fact that the wood (iroko) is apparently a pig to work with managed to turn these out

Having a break from seasonal things

2010-10-09T17:22:00.002+01:00

These can be bought here
A couple of pieces that have been hanging about awaiting me to finish them.

This is hawthorn, gorgeous colours....who needs exotics with wood like this growing in our hedgerows?

This has a body made of pear wood and the top section is a banksia nut. 'orrible stuff to work but it looks good when finished.

Christmas is acomin'

2010-10-06T22:18:00.001+01:00

These can be found here

OK so time to start getting the ornament made up for all those eager beavers who like to stockm up early. So far I have some half finished snowmen which Sue will pyrograph faces onto and dress with little knitted scarves

These are just prototypes that I have made playing with shapes. These will be sold ready finished and polished or as bare wood blanks so that people can decorate them to suit themselves. Sue is also seeing if she can pyrograph them successfully. She can do the holly leaves etc but will they look good? We'll see.

Teleless

2010-10-04T00:52:00.000+01:00

That's it. Back to no TV again, out of choice. What is the point in paying out for something you don't use that muich anyway. Let's see if we start getting the threatening letters asgain. Really viscious some of them last time.

Some new things and a new website

2010-10-02T21:21:00.003+01:00

I have got my new website up and running as a shop. Just debating whether it is worth while keeping Misi, Folksy and Etsy going as well. I will probably leave them until after Christmas but not sure if |I will after that unless I refine them so that each one is aimed at a different market. I already have the Misi one mainly as a tool and equipment shop. Maybe keep the Etsy one for more expensive things and the Folksy one for the lower end, gift market. We'll see. Anyroad, here are a few more bits and bobs I have made recently.

A couple of contemporary style vases in yew and hawthorn. The yew is 8" tall, hollowed for dried flowers / grasses etc and the 9" tall hawthorn is also hollowed for dried flowers or grasses.

This is a vase I made a week or so ago. It's made of pear and is 8 1/2" tall and tapers from 3 1/2" at the bottom top 1 1/2" at the top. She has done a collar and a small piece on one side at the bottom. I have included closeups of the work.

Sue's work

2010-09-27T00:35:00.001+01:00

Sue has really taken of with the pyrography. Here's some examples.
These and more of Sue's work can be bought here

Tunisian / Afghan hooks

2010-09-18T20:32:00.000+01:00

I haven't been asked for one of these for ages so thought I had better have a quick go and get my hand in when someone mentioned them to me today

It's 15" long and 15mm dia. Made from hazel

New bowl

2010-09-15T13:34:00.001+01:00

Knocking out a few of these lately. Check out my new shop for them at www.bodrighywood.co.uk.
This one is ash, 6 1/2" diameter and 4" tall. Lovely tactile piece that begs to be picked up.

Talk talk no talk

2010-09-13T21:50:00.001+01:00

I haven't been able to receive or make phone calls on my landline for over a week now. Messages to talk talk have not been acknowledged yet they will still expect me to pay for a service I am not getting. I can use my broadband so it isn't the line, I have tried three different phones, nothing, dead as a dodo but nothing from talk talk. I am afraid that I am not impressed and look like having to change services. any recommendations? Half expecting an email asking me to ring a number if I am having a problem...yeah right

Ash cone bowl

2010-09-13T16:12:00.000+01:00

Ash bowl, 7" diameter and 2 1/2|" tall. Ideal for a display of potpourri. Nor sure if it is actually spalted or not as the markings are very dark but follow the grain in the main.

And another one

2010-09-10T01:37:00.000+01:00

Did this one at the club tonight. Nice surprise as I half expected it to fall apart on me

A bit lax at blogging

2010-09-09T22:58:00.000+01:00

I suspect that you should ideally do some entries a bit more often than once a fornight or so. I just never seem to get around to it. Anyway I'm here now so here's some bits and pieces I have been making this last week or aso.

Bread and butter bits

2010-08-16T22:54:00.000+01:00

It'd be great if I could spend my time making things that I like making, and make money from them but that is a daydream. Just been making more of these seam ruippers, that's a good couple of dozen I've done so far. Still all helps with the housekeeping.

Just a plaque

2010-08-10T01:30:00.002+01:00

This time none of my work getting burned, cut or anything. A simple plaque . Approx 7" max dimensions both ways.

Flower box?

2010-08-08T23:13:00.000+01:00

Another collaboration. Becoming a habit this though I sure ain't complaining LOL

Burnt and cut up

2010-08-04T22:22:00.000+01:00

Not content with burning my work she has now graduated to cutting it up.

Dirty sycamore, 5" dia. Not yet polished

Something new

2010-07-14T18:06:00.000+01:00

These are seam rippers and are about 1" longer than the plastic ones you get. These are just the prototypes and I think I'll make them like the one of the far left with wooden sleeves. Much nicer

Back to my old ways

2010-07-12T16:42:00.000+01:00

Sorting out my wood stock I found a root ball I had forgotten about. Decided that I really needed to check it before carrying on with the (boring) jobs I had assigned myself and found this little bowl inside it. Only 3" across the bowl section, it has gorgeous grain, colours etc in it.

Unexpected sale

2010-07-10T10:28:00.002+01:00

Someone contacted me and asked if Sue's dragon plate was for sale. She said yes so that's gone as well. Nice one. Like it when the 'pleasant' surprise happens as we hadn't put the plate up for sale.

Quick sale

2010-07-10T09:00:00.001+01:00

One of the yew vases sold within an hour of posting. Nice when that happens.

More stock on Folksy

2010-07-09T19:08:00.001+01:00

Just completed these four vases for dried flowers and grasses. Tallest is 9" and smallest just over 6" All finished with a wax polish.

Something more ordinairy

2010-07-08T23:47:00.000+01:00

I don't often do things that require buying accessories but as I got the lids free I have 1/2 doz. of these to make, first one, in cherry, a potpourri bowl with pewter lid

The lady has talent

2010-07-04T09:19:00.000+01:00

I had turned a large sycamore platter which proceeded to warp and was wondering what to do with it. My wife, who has been having a go at pyrography on scraps of wood took it on and produced this which I think is extremely good. Look out for more co-operative pieces in the near future

The piece before decoration

The decorated piece after improvement

Ego booster

2010-07-01T16:42:00.003+01:00

I had a phone call from a lady who wanted to buy a bowl as a wedding present and she wanted to know if she could come and have a look at what I had in stock. On arrival she immediately spotted a large one I was in the process of finishing off and wanted that one. She then ooked at all the others and ended up buying 5 I think it was as she couldn't make her mind up which ones she preferred. It's so much nicer selling to peoples faces than over the net as there's no worries about 'Will they like it' Extremely good for the ego as well when someone oohs and aahs over your work

No peace for the wicked

2010-07-01T00:05:00.000+01:00

I have got to make some wedding goblets for my daughter and her fiance for the end of July. I keep telling myself that I can get started as I don't have any paying commissions to do and another one pops up. If people were buying things from the shop it would be a case of just posting them but I seem to get more commissions than actual sales. Not that am complaining. Just have to work harder.

Too much wood?

2010-06-24T17:11:00.000+01:00

Working on the principle that you can't have too much wood, I rarely say no when it is offered. I have now reached a point though where I must build a proper wood store and sort it all out properly. I even have the wood to make the store, just need to get my finger out and make it. Also sort out the workshop so I don't have to move things and climb over things to do anything. All in between filling commissions.

2010-06-18T14:15:00.000+01:00

New additions to the menagerie, three white campbells. Make the Khaki's look small. Wonder if their eggs will be bigger as well?

Crafting tools and re-enactment societies as markets

2010-06-17T00:11:00.000+01:00

There seem to be two specific markets opening up for me at the moment. Crafting tools and reproduction for re-enactment aficionados. I have been asked to make two medieval style sausage fillers, 40 lucets in a primitive style, about 100 small dice and a 25mm crochet hook in the last couple of days. I hadn't thought of the re-enactment side of things as a market which is daft really as we have a young 'viking' in our club who does bits and pieces. Something to perhaps investigate.

pete

Cutting Masterclass

2010-06-10T11:52:00.001+01:00

The BBC are cutting Monty Don's Masterclass. Robin Wood and others have set up a petition page on Facebook which needs our support. Please go and add your name

Getting more specialised

2010-06-10T00:01:00.000+01:00

Doing a market stall over the last few weeks has got me thinking of perhaps changing one of my online shops to a specialised one for crafting tools and equipment only. Listing all the things that I have been making or can make I am surprised at the number of different things there ar. Also putting it up on some forums has brought in a number of new ideas as well.
Here's the list so far.

Andean plying tools
Drop spindles:
           Russian with support bowl
          Tibetan with support bowl
          Standard bottom whorl
          Standard top whorl
Couronne sticks
Needle cases
Yarn tidies
Buttons
Crochet hooks
           up to 4mm with metal tip
          4mm and larger all wood
Outsized knitting needles (10mm +)
Kumihimo discs
Pin bowls
Tassle forms
Seam rippers
Lace bobbins
Spinning bobbins
Tapestry bobbins
Niddy noddy
Nostepinne
Peg loom
Scarf loom
Darning mushrooms
Lucets
Knitting bobbins (for jewelers as well as for braiding)
Prodders
Stilettos

I'm sure there are others as well so any suggestions please let me know

2010-06-05T00:22:00.000+01:00

This is the finished privet bowl.

Top View

side view

Some new pieces

2010-06-04T00:08:00.001+01:00

I had to do a couple of pieces for the market so did a couple of pot pourri pots in some spalted mimosa

and a large, 15" bowl in Monterrey cypress, the bowl itself is 12 diameter

and last is a bowl from a piece of privet. 7" max diameter (where it can be measured) and standing 4" tall, still on a glue chuck to finish sanding

Getting stock back up

2010-05-19T18:33:00.000+01:00

A shop in Bristol bought me out of my higher end stuff so I need to make the stock back up. Started wth these.

12" yew bowl

and an 8" hollow form

top view

bottom view

and the side view

Revamped stall

2010-05-17T13:40:00.000+01:00

We had a bit more time to work on the stall Friday so had a go at tarting it up a bit. We now have 3 tables, one at the front with the cheaper range, behind that it is mainly bowls and one to the left in the picture is the fancy arty, more expensive stuff. Probably won't sell a lot of the fancy stuff but it is definitely an attention getter. It looks as good as we are likely to get it for a temporary stall but if we do get it on a more permanent basis we'll go to town with some shelves and peg boards etc. Plenty of interest and some sales. Also offers of wood to collect.

Market stall

2010-05-09T21:35:00.001+01:00

I have been given a trial in a market for free for 10 days and had the first two this weekend. Went well, not a millionaire yet but covered my costs. The traders and management are friendly and helpful as well which is good.

Booth is 10' x 10' square and right by the main entrance. Looks like this at the moment though hopefully we can use the time to practice our layout and design

The lass is my boss pyrographing a dibber. I am able to use my mini lathe there which is good as it attracts attention and bad as I have to clear up afterward

Last of the boxes

2010-04-30T18:25:00.000+01:00

Well possibly as my supply of dry wood has dried up. Pictured here with a £1 coin to illustrate size. Ideal for tight fisted tooth fairies who only give 20p per tooth.

Hopefully a new selling opportunity.

2010-04-24T20:14:00.001+01:00

Selling things online is one way of doing things but a decent permanent outlet would be so much more convenient and hopefully more lucrative. I have had a request from a shop that specialises in sustainably made furniture for some of my work Yahay!¬!!!. It is on a buy and sell not sale or return terms so hopefully my work will have a decent market.

Some more boxes

2010-04-21T19:53:00.000+01:00

A bit more dry wood, a few more boxes

Finally sorted

2010-04-11T10:59:00.000+01:00

I finally got this sorted. I have made a little sycamore egg and put it onto a fixed black pedestal so it loks as though it is floating inside.

I also finished of this which has been hanging around waiting for inspiration to strike. This is larger and so has a larger, golden egg floating in the same way

Boxes

2010-04-10T19:20:00.000+01:00

I don't often do boxes as you need dry wood to make them. I found a few pieces today so did a couple to make a change

This is 3" tall and is sycamore with an ebonised lid

This one is mahogany with a sycamore inlay in the lid. It's 2" in both directions

This one is hawthorn with a mahogany lid and is 3" tall

Something more arty

2010-03-30T01:21:00.004+01:00

I had some firewood that looked as though it had interesting grain in it, had a bit of a play and this came out of it. The shell is not going to stay when it's up for sale as the general consensus is that it isn't right. It (the hollow form) is 7" tall and 5" max. diameter.

Something a bit different

2010-03-16T11:09:00.001Z

This is a couronne stick I made for someone. It is graduated into 16, 14, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4mm steps and is used in Habedo embroidery (a Danish style open cut work)

Ethical wood

2010-03-13T20:55:00.001Z

Many of the most beautiful woods come from South America or Africa. Some are in fact endangered species and should never really find their way onto the market. Some such as Honduras Rosewood and African blackwood do appear occasionally as does Spanish Mahogany. It is difficult to really ascertain what is or isn't endangered so personally I tend to use wood that is native the the UK or is common in gardens. Perhaps of equal ethical consideration though is the use of rubber wood, commonly found in wooden objects in supermarkets and euphemistically often sold as environmentally farmed. What they don't tell you is that the farms have often supplanted the farms of the locals who are reduced to having to work for the corporations that are growing the rubber. If you are buying any wooden objects don't be afraid to ask where the wood comes from as some turners such as myself use a lot of recycled wood and offcuts from other products. Anything turned in this country has probably been made by someone who loves wood and is unique as well as environmentally sound but ask all the same. Have a look at the work you see in a craft fair or gallery and compare it to those that you see in supermarkets and see the difference.

Something different

2010-03-13T20:45:00.005Z

I have neglected my lathe the last 2 days and had a go at something different. I was asked to make some garden sculpture but, not being at all artistic I couldn't see me doing a full size statue in wood so have had a go at something slightly different. Pictures to follow when completed.

Old habits die hard

2010-03-12T20:10:00.001Z

My favourite work is doing pieces made from wood that others may well reject. This is a case in example. It's the sort of work I always used to do before having to earn money from it, these make people go" Ooh" and "Aah" but not "here's the money" This is made from a piece of wood I found half buried in the garden. Full of knots and twisted grain

Playing with design

2010-03-08T22:42:00.000Z

This started out to be a goblet then ended up looking like this. I have been advised to call it a chalice. It's 10" tall, 4" diameter and made of Leylandii.

International Drop spindles

2010-03-03T19:06:00.000Z

I was asked by a spinner on a forum if I could make a Russian drop spindle. The three without whorls are these and I also did a Thai one as well. I am going to have a look at the different styles and make up some of as many as I can find. Apparently the Russian ones are similar to the spindles used for spinning yarn for Orenberg Lace. Amazing what you learn doing woodturning :smile2:
These are 12" long and made of hawthorn and mahogany. The whorl on the Thai one is fixed. The Russian style are supported in use in a small bowl like the one above.

Pete

Good wood or bad wood?

2010-02-16T00:24:00.001Z

Please note that this is intended as a guideline not as gospel and doesn't allow for personal allergies etc that can arise.

Certain woods are often used for making things that are for use with food that are potentially dangerous. Some are obviously not good such as yew and laburnum, both of which have potential dangers inherent in their makeup. As a simple guide, traditionally things for food have always been made from beech or sycamore, both because of their ability to withstand washing etc and because they are known to have no harmful substances in them. There are those who say that most woods are sterile after being cut but personally I would be wary. It may be a myth but there is a story of the Romans coming over here and seeing the druids drinking out of goblets made of yew. Yew was one of the woods that was sacred to them (the druids). The Romans went ahead and made cups etc from yew and found that with prolonged use they were poisoning themselves. The druids apparently only used them for ceremonial use. If you ere to Google 'toxic woods' you would probably frighten yourself off ever using anything of wood again but be sensible. Something that is going to be taking a pounding such as a mortar and pestle or a chopping board will inevitably have something of the wood in the food so stay safe and stick with beech or sycamore. Hazel is also a safe wood but isn't often found in large enough sections to make things like these.

For those who have access to it (North American turners) maple ( of which sycamore is one) is also considered food safe as the tree family apparently has some anti bacterial properties in it.
Other woods that can be used include cherry and birch (birch sap is used to make a drink as well)
The greatest danger from wood being used for food stuffs is however not so much from the wood as the finishes used. Drinking vessels were traditionally finished off by melting beeswax into the cup so that it impregnated the grain. Modern finishes would include melamine or an oil such as liquid petroleum or mineral oil (sounds awful but is sold as a food safe oil) Vegetable oils can be used as well as long as they are not left untouched for a great length of time as they can go rancid.

2010-02-14T14:44:00.001Z

Thanks so much to Pod bags for the Sunshine award. I will do a search and pass it on to another 12 deserving bloggers.

Awarded to
Minky Magic
Carl Martin
OOAK Fairy

More to come

New idea

2010-02-13T17:48:00.001Z

Prompted by a thread on a craft forum I will be posting various ideas and things to think about when buying handcrafted wooden items and in particular turned items. There is a huge amount of really top class work out there if you know where to look but there is also a lot of tat as well. I won't be pointing fingers or mentioning any names negatively but I may point towards work that is an example of quality. Anyone who is as ignorant of wood as I am of say jewellery will hopefully find it useful and help when thinking of spending hard earned cash on something in wood. If anyone has any queries regarding this please leave a comment and I will do my best to answer it.

New crotch piece

2010-02-13T09:24:00.001Z

Crotches are always a bit of a random exercise and you never know quite what they will look like when you start turning them. Again this is hawthorn but a bit smaller than the last one. Looks a bit like a hand this time. I was tempted to carve away part of it and call it a finger bowl lol. This one is about 6" along the long section

Ego boost

2010-02-11T02:45:00.000Z

When you make things for sale, if you have any sense of responsibility and lack personal confidence you are always on tenterhooks whatever you sell as there is always the chance that the customer may not like what they have paid good money for. The very fact that someone is willing to part with cash for something that you have made is an ego boost in itself but you still worry about it. I put the bowl in the last posting up for sale and it sold within 2 hours. To someone who has seen my work before and that was a real ego boost. Why then do I still worry that she won't like it? if anyone reading this is a crafter, I hope that you feel the same and never lose the sense of awe that someone is willing to pay fr things that you make. Half the pleasure at least has to be in the fact that what you do for fun as well as perhaps a living gives pleasure to someone. What better way of earning a living is there?

Something new

2010-02-09T15:04:00.001Z

OK, so it's nearly valentines day so decided to do a heart bowl. Not being terribly romantic it resembles an actual organ rather than the traditional cupid thing but it's a heart shape right!!!!

It's approx 6" diameter made from a hawthorn crotch and finished with a natural beeswax.

Older stock

2010-02-09T14:03:00.000Z

I have been uploading some older stock I had that I had put aside for craft fairs. It's been going into Folksy mainly but some into Misi as well. Quite a few smaller bowls (pin bowls I call them)

And weed / twig pots

2010-02-07T11:34:00.002Z

And now we have something to put the mini bowls etc onto. This is 1/12th scale again and would be 2' tall and 18" wide in real terms. You can work out how big it actually is.