2025 Projects and visits
Light saber
31 July 2025
Jane in Dereham made an unusual request - could we make a light saber in wood? After clarifying what she had in mind, the answer was yes. We made the handle from oak, and the "beam" from ash. Other designs are possible.
With thanks for the idea to Spoonbill Woodcrafts in the USA. They don't ship to UK, which is why Jane contacted me. I did request permission to use their idea, but have not as yet received a reply.
Lake District trees
30 July 2025
More tree pictures have been added to the Tree Gallery, this time from visits to the Lake District over a number of years. There are photos from some of estates, parks and gardens, as well as the open countryside.
Have a look at the Tree Index for thousands of other photos in the collection.
Bud vases and goblets
25 July 2025
John from Malton asked if I could do anything with a branch that had fallen from his magnolia tree. These are the results. Magnolia turns well with a smooth, tight grain. This branch had blue stain a.k.a. sapstain, refers to a group of fungi that cause a bluish or greyish discoloration in wood. While it affects the wood's appearance, it does do not weaken it, and becomes inert when the wood dries out. running through it, which creates the purple-grey streaks in the pieces. Have a look at more goblets and vases.
Kindness cup
11 July 2025
Bob from Swindon requested a kindness cup on his retirement from Abbey Meads Community Primary School. The result is this pyrographed oak cup, which stands at 10 inches tall, about 7 inches wide.
Have a look at more cup trophies.
Walking sticks trophy
and Arts and Crafts trophy
11 July 2025
Two trophies made for the annual Thornton le Dale Show. The first is for the most points in the Shepherd's Crooks and Walking Sticks category, the second for the children's Arts and Crafts section. The plinths are oak, topped with a variety of other woods for different components, and pyrographed with inscriptions and icons.
Have a look at more trophies on plinths.
Oak tapestry pole
11 July 2025
A pole made for Jack in Ayrshire to hang a 110 cm wide wall tapestry, with beehive end finials and wall mounting brackets, the overall length being 130 cm. This was made in two parts with a joining centre screw. More or less any length can be made, including curtain poles, but longer poles will incur high postal charges. Another possibility is to purchase just the finials for an existing pole.
Have a look at more tapestry poles.
Kindness cup
26 June 2025
Mark from Wigan requested a Kindness Cup for St Marie's School, Standish, in memory of his wife Emma. The cup is 5" diameter, by 9" tall, including the pyrographed base, with the overall height increased by it sitting on an the 8" x 3" square sapele plinth, making the trophy 12" altogether. A solid brass engraving plaque has been fitted to record annual winners.
Have a look at more cup trophies.
Pet urn
14 June 2025
Sarah in Leeds' beloved pug Bodhi died recently, and she asked if she could have a small pet urn for his ashes. Here are 3 options in ash and sycamore. Have a look at more small boxes.
Junior triathlon trophies
13 June 2025
A batch of 10 small disc trophies to be presented to junior triathlon winners at Dulwich Cranbrook School. These follow on from orders for a large cross-country trophy and a cricket trophy.
Kindness cup
26 June 2025
Mark from Wigan requested a Kindness Cup for St Marie's School, Standish, in memory of his wife Emma. The cup is 5" diameter, by 9" tall, including the pyrographed base, with the overall height increased by it sitting on an the 8" x 3" square sapele plinth, making the trophy 12" altogether. A solid brass engraving plaque has been fitted to record annual winners.
Have a look at more cup trophies.
Pet urn
14 June 2025
Sarah in Leeds' beloved pug Bodhi died recently, and she asked if she could have a small pet urn for his ashes. Here are 3 options in ash and sycamore. Have a look at more small boxes.
Newel post caps
13 June 2025
5 large bespoke newel post caps made for Roger in Pickering. They are based on a half-finial at the top of a staircase, and made to fit on five other stair-rail posts. Turned from pine, the finished caps were primed for painting and, Roger being local, were fitted on the staricase for him.
Horticulture trophy
13 June 2025
Chris from Harbury requested a horticulture trophy, to be presented annually. This one is in oak, on an elm base, with a dedication pyrographed around the cup. Brass plaques will be fitted to the base to record annual winners.
Junior triathlon trophies
13 June 2025
A batch of 10 small disc trophies to be presented to junior triathlon winners at Dulwich Cranbrook School. These follow on from orders for a large cross-country trophy and a cricket trophy.
Spalted burr beech bowls
8 June 2025
I was given two spalted beech burrs from two different people recently. The first was quite rotten inside and had bark inclusions - hence the bowl has some holes in it, but hopefully they add to the character. The second was large and heavy - it ended up at 13" diameter.
Perthshire trees
8 June 2025
More tree pictures have been added to the Tree Gallery, this time from a visit to Perth in July 2024. There are photos from Branklyn Gardens, Rodney Gardens (on the eastern banks of the River Tay in Perth) and Scone Palace. These additions bring the database of trees up to 698.
Have a look at the Tree Index for thousands of other photos in the collection.
Squirrels Scout Trophy
6 May 2025
A trophy disc made for Scarborough and District Scouts, for the Squirrels groups (age 4 to 6). Made in oak, with a squirrel logo carved from bubinga (an exotic wood) in the centre, and oak leaves and acorns attached to the rim. The Scouts will add small plaques annually to the plinth to record winners.
Have a look at other disc trophies , and trophies generally.
Sales items
1 May 2025
A selection of items made for sales, many having been turned from offcuts of larger projects.
Have a look at other ornaments..
Christening stool
24 April 2025
Anne-Marie requested a stool for her grandson's christening, with a simple pyrographed inscription on top and a dedication underneath. This matches the one we made for his brother Harry back in August 2022. It is oak, with an oiled finish.
Have a look at some other stools that we have made.