Out came the sunshine.....

 ....and dried up all the rain. So Jon, the riven oak joiner, got out his froe again....

I've mainly been hunkering inside while the storms raged, so hats off to all the brave souls who came to my Open Workshop. The gazebo survived; even though it's screwed down to the concrete; it still nearly went into kite mode in the gales the other day.

So, good to get out in the sunshine and do some actual riving.

Some rail and stile stock for the next cupboard, and some small panel stuff for beginner's carving courses running soon. 

Cleaving off the sap.

Still, that hunkering down inside has been productive also.

If you're interested in doing a course get in touch.

Visitors from Estonia

It's been an eventful week. Lots of visitors and some special ones from Estonia. Meelis Kihulane is a heritage woodworker from Estonia specialising in bentwood items. He has been in England this week, seeking out other woodfolk who are trying to keep traditional handcrafts alive. He and his friends did me the honour of visiting on Tuesday, which was a pleasure. We discussed many things, and he invited me to come to Estonia.

I believe he played a part in the re-publishing of:

Of course, I asked him to sign my copy.

 

Ever since reading the book, I have been intrigued with all the traditional items that were, and still are (thanks to Meelis) made in Estonia, so it will be fascinating to go and see. Hopefully we will collaborate in the future!

It was a stormy day, very much brightened by their visit.

Exeter panel finished

 

V&A panel

The great thing about having an open workshop for two weeks, is that I actually have time to carve. With the sun streaming in it's ideal conditions, so let's crack on.

 

I've been meaning to attempt carving this panel for some time.

 

It's a panel which is held in the V&A, although I've only got an old photo in a book to work from. The original forms part of some wall panelling from a 1600 Exeter house. I think the house might have been demolished a long time ago, so we can be grateful that someone saved this part of it.

 

 

It's interesting to carve because the main part of the strapwork is lower than the border, to allow for the satyrs, monkeys, fruit and what-have-you, tangled up in it.

 

 

I wonder who lives here

 

It's a sign I tell you, a sign......

Hanging around.

 There's a lot of hanging going on today.

Carvings and paintings.

Early morning sun shining on my painting 'One Morning'. Bowls out next.

Then furniture.....

.....and spoons.

 

There will be demos of riving oak, carving, spooncarving, bowlmaking etc. Although not all at the same time!

 

Starts Saturday morning. Come and say hello.