Whoa there boy. A bit of a close shave.

Tree, very kindly, pointed me in the direction of some plans for a shavehorse and I am resigned to getting on and building it. My first project will be to shingle the shed roof in oak but I need a drawknife for this. This is where I could bore you with the old ebay bargain story but I shall suffice to say that I found an antique one mis-listed and won for a mere £11 (They usually start at about £40+). The handles are cracked and need replacing but that is no problem on the lathe. I have started by regrinding the edge back to it's original razor sharpness. I shall retrim the ironwork to take the new handles and pressure fit them before burring the ends to hold them in place. I will post the photos after the restoration to show how I did.

Too tired to blog!

How time flies, but I don't know about the fun bit. What with the nights drawing in and lack of sleep, I am feeling very tired of late. Tree and I have been out and about a bit which takes its toll (It's me age you see). On Friday we went to a "murder mystery night" over in Ross on Wye. I had the character of Sheik Aleg and Tree was Candy Strunk, I think. Anyway, we all had to get into character, some more than most, and the game ended with me guessing the murderer correctly. It was Harry Houdidme. Its in the name if you think about it.

Saturday night we went bowling with Elliott, Kate, Mike, Torzee and Sandra. It's funny how Elliott, who hated when I taught him in the Y.B.C ( Young Bowlers Club), is now loving a game and correcting everyone else. A chip off the old block!! I enjoyed spending time with him AND having a bit of competition for a change!

Sunday saw Tree and I going to Westonbirt Arboretum to source more wood for signs, which seem to be in more demand than the mirrors at the moment, and to have a bit of a break really. I was so tired by then that I slept all the way home in the back of the car.

Eostre and back from the brink.

Eostre blessings to one and all!!!
What can I say ? I have been without broadband for a whole week and cut off from the cyber world of blogging. The lesson I have learnt, is to never trust ISPs when they say they'll sort you out in a couple of days !!
Otherwise, I have been having a good time in the real world. Tree and I gave ourselves a break over the Easter bank holiday and needed every minute. Sunday, we went to Westonbirt, and bought shed loads of wood, and Monday we chilled out having lunch out with Elliott, Katie and Sandra. It turns out Elliott is really good at photography and we spent the afternoon round at San's looking online at some of his work. It must be hereditary, as my grandfather and my father were both keen photographers as well.
I have got the confirmation for Tiddesley Wood Fair again this year and I will now have my head down working non-stop until the end of April making mirrors, wands and staves. Deja-vu
I think!

A belated Imbolc greeting to you all!

In all the mayhem that is post Yule I completely forgot to pass my wishes and blessings to all for Imbolc. Tree and I went to Shrawley wood, on one of our rare days out, to get in touch with the spring. Whilst there, I came upon two amazing pieces for wands and they have already begun the transformation. I also have my eye on some deer antlers that I came across a couple of months ago. I am waiting for Mother nature to take her natural course and strip them ready for me to turn into ceremonial staves. They will hold great significance and power as they are only a few feet away from a spot that is very important to me.
Other good news is that my son Elliott got in touch with me and we met up the other day. He has shot up and is now taller than me!! Most people are anyway!! Dan and Sez came over to the shop and I think Dan may be putting some photos on his blog, so give it a click. Blissfields tickets are on sale now, so get em quick. Otherwise, there is not much to report, a blessing in a way as I am beginning to gear up for Tiddesley Wood Spring fair. At least I enjoy my work now!!!!

Westonbirt Tree Festival

As part of Tree and I having a relaxing weekend, we went to Westonbirt Arboretum for the annual tree festival. Amongst the usual wood sculptures and crafts we found some particularly inspiring work by artists such as Malcolm David Smith. His chairs are described as, "seating that just might be alive" and you would well believe it ! Tree and I have promised ourselves one each when we move to Wales. We bought some wood and had a good lunch in the restaurant. I do find it interesting how people pay to visit the show, yet miss some brilliant sculpture in the shape of the roof of the restaurant itself. During our meal I didn't see one person look up. When I build my workshop I intend to incorporate this style of roofing with a reciprocal roof centre window to maximise on the natural light whilst I work. We stopped at Ragged Hedge Wood on the way home and visited the circle where we were handfasted. I still love the calm within the wood when nobody is there. A perfect end to a chilled weekend !!

Yew seats, you see, Yew seats !!!

As promised, I have just uploaded the photos of some chairs I've just finished to the Wyrdewood site. But, in case you're too lazy, here's a taster.