Here's another blog post dedicated to a piece of wood I've found! However, this time I want to show how the natural grain structure of timber can create some amazing patterns.

I've just acquired this stump of a cherry tree, which was felled during some gardening works nearby. The outside has a very distinctive shape and looks very much like burr.

I've collected quite a lot of timber over the past few weeks and this all needs to be processed, ready for drying. It's taken me a good couple of days to cut it into blanks, but I'm now ready to start rough turning - the fun part!

It's not often I hear of a walnut being felled in my area, so was surprised when I received a call from the tree surgeon. This particular example had the beginnings of heart rot and was dangerously overhanging a drive.

Here's a sneak preview of my latest set of crush mills. They're made from wych elm and incorporate the same sycamore and walnut inlays, as featured in the beech version.

I've just been to see this large beech tree, which has fallen into a field nearby. It's certainly an impressive sight, measuring over 5' across at the base. I don't think there'll be any spalting, but it should make some excellent boards - I just need to work out how to move it.

I've just acquired this selection of oak burrs, which I discovered at the local sawmill. One of them is quite large, measuring 28" across. These will be rough turned quite soon - hopefully I'll be able to finish them for next Christmas!

Apologies for neglecting my blog this month - as you can probably guess, I've been busy making and posting Christmas presents! However, I've just finished off a pair of crush mills, so thought I'd share some photos.

I've been turning the first batch of my new crush grind mills this week and made sure I took some photo's along the way. There are quite a few processes involved, so I'll try and not make it confusing!

Things have been really busy in the workshop of late - from mid November onwards, it usually gets quite hectic, with loads of extra work required for my website and the galleries I supply.

This is the first prototype of my latest product, which will soon be available on my website. It's quite a departure from my usual work and has got me a little bit excited!

In my last post, I acquired a beautiful burr sycamore tree and have spent the last two weeks cutting up and preparing the timber. The patterns inside are amazing - unlike anything I've seen before.

Two weeks ago, I had a call from a tree surgeon, who was working in some woodlands nearby. He'd just felled a 'lumpy' sycamore tree and suggested I came and had a look.

I've just caught up with a friend of mine, Phil Bradley, who is a local willow grower and basket maker. Phil is a well renowned teacher of his craft and has been making beautiful baskets and sculptures for many years.

I've been busy getting things sorted for my open studio, which will be taking place during the second half of this month. My showroom has just been re organised, so I couldn't resist taking some shots!

I've started turning a batch of tea light holders and thought I'd post some photo's of the first one being made. I'm using spalted beech, which is ideal for smaller decorative pieces.

Three weeks ago, I was preparing to exhibit my work at Lanercost Priory, my main exhibition of the year. It's all up and running now, so here are some photos of the finished display.

I've been invited to display my work during the 'Craftsmen At The Priory' exhibition at Lanercost Priory, near Carlisle. Close to Hadrian's Wall, this is a fantastic location, with many of Cumbria's top craftspeople showcasing their work.

Just thought I'd post some photos of the bowl blanks I've been turning, since my chain sawing session two weeks ago. Most of them have natural edges and there's a couple of really big ones too.

I've decided to make chain sawing and rough turning my priority for the next two weeks. My stack of timber is getting smaller, but it should really have been processed by now.