99% through trial and error in my workshop. I’m a definite “Watch then have a go / Learning by doing” person so I spend a lot of time watching YouTube/Instagram then going to the workshop to have a go myself

Ask around and find someone who can let you have a go. There are local woodturning clubs and shed groups all over the country. If you’re feeling confident you can buy a 2nd hand lathe and tools and just give it a go. YouTube and other online resources are a fantastic place to learn. Be safe!

Nearly every piece I make comes from locally sourced or reclaimed materials. Whenever you purchase from me I’ll be able to tell you where your item came from.

Anywhere I can!

I don’t like to pay for wood when tonnes of it is thrown away or left to rot.

I forage where I can (with permission) and people will often offer me felled trees from their property.

I also keep an eye out for fallen trees and an ear out chainsaws after storms.

I’m not above skip diving or flagging down tree surgeons if I think there’s something good going

Unfortunately not. Yet

This is still a hobby/side hustle that I’m trying make self funding.

Perhaps once I’ve paid off the mortgage and my kids have left home…

Yes

All of my bowls, spatulas, spurtles and other utensils are treated with a beeswax and mineral oil blend. This provides a food safe, easy to maintain, water repellent coating.

All of my products are handwash only / not dishwasher safe

Some species of wood are poisonous if ingested. This will be made clear on the product page

Depends, but on average somewhere between 1 and 2 hours depending on the size and how well behaved the material is.

Most of my bowls are twice turned. This means that I will turn the rough bowl shape when the wood is still green/freshly cut and then leave it for a few months to fully season. This allows the wood to twist, crack and settle. I will then give it a final turn to finish the product.

Most bowls are a couple of hours work spread out over several months

Not usually

Due to the nature of how I source my materials I cannot always guarantee I’ll have the resources to be able to make specific items from specific species/types of wood.

Please drop me a message and I’ll see what I can do

I am currently based in North Hertfordshire, United Kingdon.

I attend craft fairs and will collect materials anywhere within the county. I’ll also hop over the border in to Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and Essex

I try and attend at least one craft fair a season/quarter. Check my “What’s on” page or my social media

Potentially

Please send me the details and I’ll see if I can

Yes, absolutely

Please contact me to discuss the event and my rates

No. My products are not intended to be children’s toys

There are UK rules and regulations around product safety and testing that I’m not set up to meet.

At shows I will turn whistles and other small items to order but these are musical instruments and not toys

I will strive to have your item(s) dispatched within 2 working days of placing your order

If you need your item sooner please get in touch and I’ll see what I can do

My items are priced based on the size of the product, the material(s) and how long it took to make.

I try to keep the pricing honest and simple

Yes, unless it sold after you saw it

I take all of my products temporarily off sale so I can take them to my craft fairs. Those that haven’t sold will be re-listed. This may take me a day or two after the event.

I am very sorry if a product has not lived up to the high standards I strive to put in to everything I make.

Please contact me through the contact tab with proof of purchase and we’ll resolve the matter

Depending what it is then yes please!

My usual arrangement is I will make you a bowl or similar valued item and then keep the rest for myself.

I am not a tree surgeon so please don’t ask me to fell a 20’ tree from your garden

Maple definitely has to be in my top 2

It’s always well behaved (doesn’t explode in my face), cuts beautifully and looks gorgeous

My other favourite is Beech

I’m fortunate to live next to a beech wood where I have permission to collect wood for my projects. I’ve found some stunningly beautiful pieces of naturally spalted wood that always create wonderful products

Oak

I just don’t enjoy turning it. I’ve turned oak worktops to make platters and locally felled trees and it just doesn’t do it for me

A close 2nd would be fast grown pine/softwoods. They’re cheap/easy to acquire for practice but can often be more trouble than they’re worth IMHO