Local craftsman Jon Baily (based in St Ives, Cambridgeshire) is celebrating his successful application for a bursary from the Worshipful Company of Turners. Jon was informed of his success in July 2022 after submitting plans to develop his business, JBWoodcrafts.co.uk, to deliver training on greenwood working skills. Jon Baily started turning greenwood in 2015 after…
Are you looking for a new hobby but you’re not quite sure what you’d like to do? Do you want to exercise your creative skills by learning a new skill? There are several benefits to learning a new skill. If you’re interested in greenwood woodworking but aren’t sure where to start, I am offering short…
An end grain cup is made from greenwood, and as the name suggests, the cup is made by cutting into the end grain of a log to create a cup. This allows the cup to have very thin walls because the fibres run lengthways along the wall. This means that the cup will naturally flex…
Held at Abundant Earth the Norther Bowl Gathering is an annual event where green woodworkers meet to share ideas, teach, learn and generally have a good time. I arrived on Thursday evening and set up my polelathe and tent in anticipation of going on Yoav Elkayam’s end grain cup turning course. As you can see…
Greenwood woodworking is the art of working with freshly harvested, or “green,” wood. This type of wood has a higher moisture content than kiln-dried wood, which means it is softer and easier to carve or shape. Greenwood woodworking techniques include using hand tools such as axes, knives, and chisels to create functional and decorative items…
Milk paint has been used throughout the ages with early examples surviving from ancient Egypt. It has recently become more popular with interior decorators and craftspeople. Its aesthetic finish and non-toxic appeal to many today. I like milk paint as it fits well with the rustic feel of the handmade bowls I make. The way…
I make wooden bowls using a traditional pole-lathe. I often get asked does that make your leg tired (the lathe is foot-powered)? And why don’t you use an electric lathe? In answer to the first question – yes. But it’s not just the leg I use to power the lathe that gets tired. I use…
St. Ives is a historic and picturesque town in Cambridgeshire. It is a popular tourist attraction and has been used as a location for film, TV, and photography shoots. It also offers a range of shops including The Courtyard. Independent traders at The CourtyardThe Courtyard includes a collection of over 35 independent traders. Many of…
Valentine’s day is coming up and you are still not sure what to get your girlfriend. The unique and handmade Valentine’s Heart will show your love how you feel. You don’t want to give her the same old flowers, chocolates, or jewelry. A unique gift that she will cherish forever. This is why I have…
The first greenwood woodworking project I completed was making a neolithic-style bow. I attended a course in Siccaridge Woods in Gloucestershire. These ancient woodlands are a wonderful setting to spend some time getting in touch with nature. The course involved felling an ash tree and working the log into staves using nothing more than a…
