My Woodturning

Initially I was happy to turn any piece of wood that came my way but as competence and confidence increased I became more selective. I now have a small but very well equipped workshop and turn mainly English hardwoods including Ash, Beech, Chestnut, Elm, Oak, Walnut, Sycamore and some fruitwoods. Although Yew is technically a softwood, it is a favourite of many woodturners as it frequently displays beautiful grain and colour variation. If I can source these locally, so much the better.

I also turn very small amounts of ‘exotics’ – hardwoods from around the world. There is a huge variety of such woods many with beautiful grain and colour. However some are endangered species and thus I only source from a reputable importer with Certified ‘Chain of Custody’ documentation which means the wood is from licensed and legally managed plantations. I use such woods for decorative items – perhaps a small box or a special pen.

And occasionally I use artificial materials such as acrylics or specially produced composites that are virtually indistinguishable from rare or illegal materials such as tortoiseshell or ivory which are rightly now protected. Again, these are principally used for small decorative effects.

In the early days I left my work natural apart from a finishing oil or wax thus allowing the natural beauty of the wood to be the focal point. I still turn much of my work this way but have also now diversified in that for decorative pieces I sometimes incorporate carving, texturing, piercing, pyrography and colouring using airbrushes and spirit stains or special paints. Such items will normally be made to enhance a plain wood with limited visual appeal in its natural state.

My work falls broadly into three categories:

Useful items – bowls, platters, candlesticks, clocks etc.
Decorative items – wall platters, hollow forms etc – often enhanced with carving, texturing or colour.
Small items – often both useful and decorative such as jewellery boxes, pot pourris, small ornaments and particularly pens. I make a wide range of pens in wood and acrylics from twist or click ballpoints to fine quality fountain and roller ball pens. Always a popular gift item.

I sell my work mainly through local Craft Fairs and markets around the Stroud area and hope to have a presence through a couple of local craft shop outlets in due course.

I am always happy to receive enquiries, without obligation, from potential clients so if you see something that is of interest, or would like a special piece made do get in touch through one of my Contact links.