A Tree You Can Punch

Out in the park with Matthew yesterday a spot of climbing in a yew tree for Matthew. But I had to give it go too and show off my climbing skills!further on we found a few Wellingtonia nice big specimen tree's I told Matthew about when I was shown how to identify these trees ,the forester punched the soft bark, He had to try it for himself. This parkland was the grounds of a big country house owned by rich land owners , they handed the house and the grounds to a local authority and is enjoyed year round by many families ,joggers and dog walkers including Matthew and I :)

Shaping Up

Ive been roughing out the seat and back rest for a chair ,from an old piece of oak.
Lots of planing and shaving with drawknife and spokeshave. Making nice soft curves on the edges it's shaping up nicely ,theres a touch of blue-green in the grain that will make the chair more interesting .
The sun has been out a few times this week, Thursday the nicest day of the year so far.
But the buds are breaking and catkins on hazel hang like bunches of lambs tails and there are snowdrops here and there .
After a long wet cold spell the sun and signs of spring are shaping up too :)

A Big Stir

I was asked to make a big spoon for a local Chinese takeaway.At 3' long with a spoon part of around 6"X4" it is pretty big as spoons go. This is the third spoon of this size I have made for this purpose. This ones from a bit of Ash, which I haven't used much but it seems to work well with good sharp tools. This spoon will stir up sauces in a huge pot and feed hungry locals. I hope it makes the food extra tasty :)

Elm And Ash

I finished a long stool today gouged Elm for the top with Cherry stitches to stabilise some splits. The legs are peeled Ash with angled rails for strength, these go the opposite way on each to add a little quirk. Take a look for Yourself :)