Wood work to me is a hobby which I have taken to a little later in life than I would have liked. If I could change my career I would do as I love being able to build things out of wood. I particularly enjoy rescuing unwanted pieces of wood and making them into something useful which can be used and appreciated.

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I am self-taught – with the mistakes to prove it! However, I am lucky in that I have a good friend who is a first-class joiner by trade, and who, over the years, has given me plenty of tips and help.

 

I love turning creative ideas into reality. My interest started when I fell in love with the waney edged mirror frames, particularly those with the interesting patterns created by the grain – especially those with burrs which look like paw prints.

 

I began making waney mirror frames for friends and family and then moved on to special corkscrew planters which I managed to get into a local garden centre. After this my second hobby of personal fitness began to take over as I began to make out door fitness stations with pull up, dipping and monkey bars being very popular. I started to add powder coated coloured metal into the design to create interest and originality. This then extended into landscaping a few gardens which was very rewarding. However I was still drawn to the challenge of making things.       

 

Last year a friend of mine showed me a video of a fold-up bench and asked whether I could make one. Liking a challenge, I made one and began to experiment to perfect the design.

 

After receiving several commissions which spread aby word-of-mouth, I decided to take the plunge and take a pitch at the Penshurst Craft Fair – something that I have always wanted to do! So 2017 sees me beginning to fulfil my dream of being able to work with wood on a more permanent basis. What’s your story?