Before he headed to the Genuine Jersey Christmas market earlier this month, he spoke about the magic of turning timber to treasure…
How and when did you discover woodturning?
I first started in 2019 following a visit to a fair in the UK where you could try out certain crafts, including blacksmithing, pyrography and woodturning. I made a plain beech pen and a stained wood spinning top and, from that moment, I was hooked.
When I got back to Jersey, I ordered my first lathe, chisels, tools and a selection of timber and I haven’t stopped since.
I have always been into crafting and making but never found an area that I was good at or enjoyed as much as I do with woodturning. My grandfather was a carpenter so to an extent maybe this is in my blood.
My favourite part is I don’t always know what I am going to make. I may have an idea, but once you start turning, the plank may have other plans, and you need to adapt and change your design to accommodate the materials.
Pictured: “My favourite part is I don’t always know what I am going to make.”
I love using wood as the grain is so unique, but I also enjoy using more unusual and obscure materials such as shredded banknotes, coffee beans, coloured pencils and pinecones. There is something really satisfying when two materials that you don’t think will work together end up looking incredible.
How do you ensure your work is sustainable?
I try to use materials from suppliers that are from sustainable sources. I am keen on making sure any trees being cut down are replaced to ensure there is always a good stock of timber and the environment isn’t too heavily impacted.
Pictured: “I try to use materials from suppliers that are from sustainable sources. I am keen on making sure any trees being cut down are replaced.”
I am currently looking for more environmentally friendly options when it comes to resins and plastics. All of my packaging is made from card and shredded wood, so it is recyclable/compostable, there’s a wax seal that can be disposed of, so the actual non-recyclable waste is minimal.
What’s your favourite thing about the Christmas markets?
I love chatting about my items and the techniques I use with people that appreciate the skill and effort that has gone into creating these pieces.
It also allows people to handle your items. I always find wood so warming and tactile that these types of items have to be seen and handled before being bought.
If someone ends up buying something from me, I love the thought that something I have spent time and effort creating has been gifted onto someone as a sign of their love and affection for that person.
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This article first appeared in the December/January edition of Connect magazine which you can read in full below…