WoodyNess Turns a B'log

Mother's Day Unique Gift Guide: 7 Wooden Gifts Handcrafted by WoodyNess

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 17:19:28 GMT

Celebrate with Wood

Mother's Day is a special occasion to celebrate the motherly figures who enrich our lives. At WoodyNess, we have curated a selection of unique, handcrafted wooden gifts for those who appreciate the artistry of craftsmanship and have a passion for natural, sustainable materials.

These gifts range from £15 to £200, each meticulously crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail. These high-quality pieces are designed to stand out and make a lasting impression, far beyond any mass-produced items. The natural variations in the wood and the individual craftsmanship ensure that each item is truly unique, making it a perfect, heartfelt gift.

Charming & Affordable

1. Honey Dippers

Delight the motherly figures in your life with our beautifully handcrafted honey dippers. Each one features a cheeky wooden bee, adding a touch of cheer to a classic kitchen tool. Perfect for drizzling honey over favourite treats, these functional honey dippers are a gift to bring a smile. Made with skill and care, they make a thoughtful Mother's Day present.

2. Tealight Holders

Add a warming glow with our collection of handcrafted wooden tealight holders. Made from a variety of woods, including repurposed old fence posts, our holders feature different textures and designs. Perfect for creating a warm, inviting atmosphere, these elegant or rustic functional pieces make thoughtful and sustainable Mother's Day gifts.

Unique & Sustainable

3. Rustic Fence Post Twig Pots

Add a touch of rustic charm to your mother's home with our handcrafted twig pots, turned from old fence posts. Each piece reflects the history and character of the reclaimed wood, with some pots showcasing a dark finish achieved through scorching and brass brushing to bring out the stunning grain pattern. The variety of shapes and designs adds visual interest, making each pot one-of-a-kind. These charming pieces are perfect for holding dried flowers, twigs, feathers, or other decorative elements. Additionally, some twig pots come with a test tube-sized removable glass insert, offering the flexibility to hold fresh flowers as well. These twig pots highlight both sustainability and rustic beauty making them a thoughtful Mother's Day gift. Show your appreciation with a gift that combines history, character, and the natural beauty of reclaimed wood.

Perfect for Fibrecrafters

4. Needle Cases

A perfect gift for Mother's Day and for those who enjoy sewing, needle-felting, or other fibre crafts. Our handcrafted wooden needle cases are both functional and elegant. Made from native Scottish wood, each needle case is unique, featuring natural variations in the wood grain and slight variations in shape and decoration. These cases are ideal for organising and protecting metal needles, and they will be a charming and helpful addition to any craftsperson's toolkit.

Stylish & Practical

5. Trinket Cushions

Delight the mothers in your life with our exquisitely handcrafted wooden trinket cushions. These unique, cushion-like concave dishes provide an elegant surface for storing jewellery or other small treasures, making them perfect for a dressing or bedside table. Made from native Scottish wood, each trinket cushion features a stunning grain pattern and natural variations, ensuring that no two pieces are alike. The smooth, tactile design of these trinket cushions enhances their charm, making them an ideal Mother's Day gift that celebrates both beauty and craftsmanship. Whether it's for jewellery, keepsakes, or simply as a decorative piece, these trinket cushions add a touch of elegance to any space.

6. Gin & Tonic Chopping Board

Elevate your mother's cocktail preparation with this one-of-a-kind chopping board, turned from a beautifully figured piece of sycamore. Designed with a groove to collect excess juice from chopped fruits, decorated with hand-pyrographed "Gin & Tonic" lettering and finished with food-safe oil, this chopping board is as functional as it is stylish. Perfect for adding a touch of elegance to her kitchen, this unique chopping board makes an ideal Mother's Day gift, combining practicality and beauty. Whether she's slicing lemons or limes for her favourite drink, this board will enhance the enjoyment of crafting and savouring a well-made Gin & Tonic.

A Luxury Statement Gift

7. ' Peggy' A Large Elm Bowl with Broad Hand-Carved Rim

Treat your mother to a truly captivating piece from our exclusive WoodyNess Collection. This substantial elm bowl, affectionately named "Peggy," boasts a mesmerizing grain pattern and an elliptical shape that enhances its natural beauty. The bowl's rounded edge flows seamlessly into the tiered hand-carving on its broad rim, creating a stunning contrast as it undercuts into the inner bowl.

Perfect as a statement centrepiece, this unique bowl embodies both artistry and elegance. As part of the WoodyNess Collection, it celebrates the combination of craftsmanship and the inherent beauty of natural wood. The tactile shaping makes it a wonderful item to hold and admire.

Show your appreciation with a gift that reflects thoughtfulness and sophistication, making it an unforgettable Mother's Day present. Every WoodyNess Collection piece comes with its own authenticity plaque, ensuring its exclusivity.

Each item in this guide, from cheery honey dippers to the luxurious elm bowl from the WoodyNess Collection, is designed to bring joy and elegance into any home.

We invite you to explore our collection and find the perfect piece that resonates with your mother's individuality and style. Celebrate the love and gratitude you feel with a thoughtful gift that she will cherish for years to come.

To keep up to date with new blog posts and other WoodyNess news then why not join our emailing list HERE . When you join the list you receive 10% off your first order and free UK postage!

Christmas Decor Ideas - in wood of course!

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 20:44:14 GMT

Wooden Decorations for your Christmas Tree

The Christmas Tree often forms the centrepiece of your festive decor and decorating it can be a deeply personal ritual. I fondly remember, as a small child, visiting a magical winter wonderland shop with my mum, and the joy of being invited to choose a bauble of my own to add to the family Christmas tree. I chose a wooden gingerbread house, which comes out every year and always reminds me of the magical childhood feelings of Christmas.

Imagine your tree adorned with cherished handmade pieces, that celebrate shared memories and reflect your family's personality and traditions.

WoodyNess invites you to create a tree full of memories. Our collection of wood turned baubles are carefully crafted and designed to last a lifetime.

They pair beautifully with preloved and vintage pieces. So, embrace slow and sustainable living and take out your cherished handmade heirloom pieces, combine with some new wooden baubles, and allow joyful memories to flood over you as you hang each piece on the tree.

Wooden Christmas Ornaments

Extend the charm of your Christmas decor with some wonderful WoodyNess standalone wood turned ornaments. Each piece is crafted with care, adding a touch of whimsy and tradition to your festive home decor.

Wooden Snowmen

These characterful wood turned snowmen, individually decorated and dressed with hand-crocheted scarves, bring a playful and nostalgic touch to your home. They look great on their own or together as a Carol of Snowmen.

Wooden Christmas Tree Ornaments

These wee wood turned trees evoke the beauty of a winter forest. They are perfect arranged on shelves or window sills as standalone pieces, or arranged in a group as part of a festive centrepiece, bringing a touch of the wintry outdoors in.

Wooden Gonks

Add a touch of magical whimsy and mischief to your home. WoodyNess Christmas gonks, with their quirky hats and fluffy beards, have been inspired by Father Christmas. They're perfect for placing on bookshelves, side tables, or any cozy nook, adding character and a sense of enchantment.

Christmas decorations only come out once a year, so it is nice to have special handmade pieces, that evoke a feeling of festive joy and happiness each time you bring them out. Embrace the beauty of slow living with our unique wooden ornaments.

To keep up to date with new blog posts and other WoodyNess news then why not join our emailing list HERE . When you join the list you receive 10% off your first order and free UK postage!

Wooden Halloween Decorations to Enhance Your Autumn Decor

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 19:13:41 GMT

Add a touch of spooky charm to your Autumn home decor with these enchanting Halloween inspired wood turned creations.

1. Witch Flight

A Witch flying through the night sky, over a secluded cemetery surrounded by trees, accompanied by a cloud of bats and her obligatory cat. This meticulously crafted ash bowl has spectacular tonal variations to its grain pattern and lends itself well to the intricate, pyrographed, silhouetted Halloween scene.

The warm wood tones compliment cozy Autumnal vibes and the Witch in flight adds a mystical charm. Use as a table centrepiece on a lounge coffee table or a hallway table, paired with felted pumpkins (see here) and other seasonal accents.

2. Frankenpot

Resurrected from a monstrous oak log in a crazed crafters workshop. This scorched and misshapen pot, whose gaping scars have been stitched together with copper wire, has spooky Frankenstein vibes. But the overall sheen, along with the beauty and warmth of the oak that glows from within, creates an alluring and eerie charm.

This unique and tactile piece is certainly a conversation starter and is a intriguing addition to your seasonal home decor.

3. Ravaged Oak

The natural colours and beautiful grain of the sturdy piece of oak, from which this bowl has been hewn, evokes an Autumn aesthetic. Whilst the carvings in the darkened rim look like it has been ravaged by the claws of a wild and vicious mythical creature or perhaps carved with ancient runes, evoking a strong Halloween vibe.

Light the candles in their eerie holders and fill the bowl with dried rose heads to conjure a mystical blend of elegance, romance and autumnal enchantment.

4. Spider's Web Fence Post Twig Pot

The dark brown hue of the fence post exudes earthiness and is reminiscent of a late Autumn landscape. The spine-tingling spider's web spun across the eerily shaped twig pot and anchored into its cracks and holes, captures the creepy feeling of Halloween.

Fill the pot with dried leaves and gnarled twigs and nestle amongst the pumpkins to add some Halloween mystery and rustic autumn intrigue to your home.

To keep up to date with new blog posts and other WoodyNess news then why not join our emailing list HERE . When you join the list you receive 10% off your first order and free UK postage!

7 Autumn Inspired Bowls to Bring the Feel of Autumn into your Home

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 15:46:03 GMT

These Autumn themed bowls can be used as statement pieces to enhance your Autumn decor this season. Perfect in the entrance hall where they can give you and your guests that cosy Autumn feel as you enter your home. Also great as a table centrepiece in the dining room or on your lounge coffee table.

1. Changing Seasons

This beautiful, large elm wood bowl has been stained all over with a delicate honey colour, whilst the broad rim reflects the changing of the seasons as the colours change from green to tones of yellow.

It's a precursor to the vibrant oranges and reds of mid-autumn.

2. Caught in a Rut

A true sign of autumn, here in the Scottish Highlands, is the prehistoric sounding roar of the Red Deer Stags as they partake in the annual Rut (the mating season). The stags quite often lock antlers as they battle to win over a group of hinds.

The scene is depicted, using pyrography (the freehand art of burning details on to wood), on this beautiful two tone ash bowl whose grain provides the perfect natural backdrop.

Bring a touch of a Scottish Highland Autumn to your home!

3. Autumn Leaves

A large tulipwood bowl, hand-decorated with a basket weave effect, using pyrography and Indian inks.

The donut ring shaped rim has been detailed with a pattern and colours reminiscent of Autumn leaves.

Would make a superlative table centrepiece!

4. Autumn Sunset

The broad rim of this striking flamed beech bowl represents the transition from the greens and browns of the earth, to the darkening of the sky at dusk on an Autumn day, using green, honey, burnt orange and plum intrinsic staining.

5. Leaf it Out!

A deep tulip shaped bowl with a spectacular natural grain on the inside, complimented by the lovely autumnal red tones of fallen leaves on the outside. A natural feature of the wood presents as a leaf shaped depression, coloured in leaf green, so as to stand out from the rest of the bowl.

A truly one-of-a-kind piece that would be delightful, on a side table, piled high with apples and pomegranates.

6. Autumn Ash

This large wooden bowl turned from a striking piece of ash evokes feelings of autumn with its enhanced natural grain pattern and honeyed tones of green and yellow.

Fill with seasonal fruits and nuts to celebrate the bounty and beauty of autumn.

7. Scorched Autumn

The burnt colour palette of late autumn, just as the leaves turn brown, has been captured in the wide rim of this gorgeous ash bowl, with the use of intrinsic stains in burnt orange, ruby and flame, and scorching to accentuate the grain pattern.

The perfect autumn inspired centrepiece for your coffee table!

To keep up to date with new blog posts and other WoodyNess news then why not join our emailing list HERE . When you join the list you receive 10% off your first order and free UK postage!

Aged Bronze Platter – trying to make wood look like metal…?

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 13:58:21 GMT

Blog Post August 2022

My blog intention is to pick a piece I think worthy of writing about, either because I’ve tried a new technique, learned from a mistake and thought I could pass on tips, or just share my experience of making a piece I love.

Back in December 2021, I mounted a 12 x 2 inch piece of flamed/spalted beech on my Record Power CL3 lathe. As usual, I had no definitive plan of where to go with it.

My ‘planning process’, whatever the piece, usually goes like this:

Hmm.. fancy a bit of turning today.
Wander into workshop.
Spend an eternity picking up blanks, gaze stupidly and indecisively at each one, then put each one back again, scratch baldy head pensively. Oak? Ash? Chamfootaah?
Finally settle on a piece, usually the first one I picked up, scratch baldy head a bit more, try to decide what to actually make.
Start turning with no idea where I’m going with it.
Have an inkling of an idea what to make.
Idea crystallizes, smile develops, nod of approval, feel smug.
Make mistake, smile turns into scowl, swear a bit, change idea.
Make another mistake, swear a lot, change again.
Lightbulb moment, go with it until mistake dictates another direction.
Almost finished piece, decide to tinker with it, mess it up, swear, change plan.

Once turned, the ‘base’ piece, before any embellishment, was just a broad-rimmed platter with a flat underside leading to a 45 degree slope up to the rim. It looked OK, but I felt it needed some… oomph.

Purists may be upset that I could consider covering wood with paint. I’d agree to a point. I always try to leave at least some of what nature made on show, but I see nothing wrong with experimenting with texture and colour as I think combining these elements, without going over the top, can be stunning. Sometimes, the wood is just featureless and it provides the perfect canvas for colour and texture.

I should explain my lightbulb moment with this piece. The idea came from my trawling of YouTube woodturning videos. I’d recently watched one of Martin Saban-Smith’s videos where he used reactive metal paints on a large piece of sycamore to make it look like an aged shield. The paints, from Modern Masters inc., contain metallic particles that react once a dedicated oxidizing solution is applied. Martin used iron, bronze and copper paints on the sycamore, along with a rust activator spray for the iron, and blue/green activators for the copper and bronze to create what I thought to be a really striking piece.

I had to get me some of this paint to use on the rim of this beech…

Once sourced from Gold Leaf Supplies, I ordered the bronze/blue kit. I’d have loved to get the iron and copper kits at the same time, but they were quite pricey (circa £90) so I resolved to acquire them later.

The Rim

Beech is relatively easy to carve and takes texture well due to the tight grain, so I committed to adding some random texture to the rim, covering this with metal effect bronze/blue paint.

To my eye, the reactive paint effect looks better on a textured surface as I think it enhances the aged, weathered effect I was after. I used a Proxxon angle grinder with an Arbortech 50mm carving disc for the pattern. The lathe was stationary and for safety I used a two-handed grip, resting the neck of the tool on the tool rest to maximize control.

There was no special technique to creating the pattern, I just kinda went for it. Any raggedy fibres left after I was done were dealt with using a Wolfcraft blue nylon wheel in a rotary cordless drill, a 120 grit flap-sanding drum in the Dremel and finally light hand-sanding with 320 grit Indasa sandpaper. Two coats of Hampshire Sheen cellulose sanding sealer followed, applied with a brush, to get into all the nooks and crannies. The rim was now ready for the paint, but first I wanted to finish the sides.

A Bit on the Side

Viewed from the side, the piece needed some impact. I just felt it looked a bit, well, bleh. I didn’t want to overdo it with more colour so opted for texture alone, but in a more regular, repeat pattern to contrast the random effect on the rim.

I have an indexing wheel (Paul Howard Woodturning) which has 14, 36, 48 and 60 evenly spaced holes, allowing the creation of regular divisions along the piece that run parallel to the lathe bed. I could have made it easier and chosen 14, but no, stupidly, I chose 60.

The regular tool rest was swapped out for a homemade wooden contraption, comprising a flat piece of pine approximately 2x2x8 inches with a 1 inch dowel glued into a pre-drilled hole in the centre. 60 pencil lines were drawn on the sides with a 2B pencil.

The idea is that the flat plane acts as a surface along which the pencil can run while drawing the indexed lines. If you insert a live centre in the tailstock, you can use this to ‘centre’ the height of the tool rest. Put the pencil on the tool rest, bring it up to the live centre and adjust the height until the tip of the pencil is level with the point of the live centre, then just tighten the height adjuster.

It might seem like a small detail, but I used a round-section pencil as it doesn’t matter if the pencil rolls during use. Maybe not such an issue with this case but when drawing divisions for, say a basketweave effect bowl, even spacing and consistent, straight lines are more critical to the overall effect.

I intended creating regular grooves in a scalloped effect. First off, I defined each drawn pencil line with a Japanese pull-saw. These tools cut on the pull stroke, so the blade stays in tension during the cut which I find easier to control, the cut remaining true to the drawn pencil line. Then, using a round-section Microplane rasp, the 60 grooves were deepened until only a fine ridge separated each. Final shaping was completed and refined with fine-texture Japanese Iwasaki files and hand-sanding, 120-400 grit. It took a while…

More Rim

Application of the paint to the rim was just a matter of following the supplied instructions and reference to ‘Modern Masters inc.’ YouTube guides. Apply the primer, I used a sponge for this rather than a brush (I’m useless at hiding brush strokes and the sponge circumvents this problem). Let the primer dry, then apply the first coat of the bronze paint, again with a sponge and leave to dry. The second coat is applied and the ageing solution sprayed on while this second coat is still wet. Then just wait and let the magic happen. The spray comes in the bigger, opaque bottle shown and while it works just fine, it’s a bit imprecise. To apply in a more targeted manner, either: decant some into a wee pot and use a brush or sponge; mask-off an area before the second coat; use stencils; or as shown in the picture, use a smaller spray bottle.

As the paint dries, the patina effect appears. Simple as that.

Finishing up and Oops

The final task was to apply finishes and I wanted the top of the bowl finished differently to the sides and bottom. The rim and bowl were sprayed with 6 coats of Chestnut satin lacquer. I sanded just the bowl with 600 grit between coats to even out the spray application. I didn’t feel it was necessary to sand the rim as the lacquer here was simply used to protect the paint, whereas in the bowl any application irregularities would be more apparent. I left the lacquer about 3 days before buffing the inside of the bowl with Chestnut’s buffing wheel kit… and messed up…

The buffing compound removed some of the paint from the inner rim. I couldn’t touch it up as it would have looked pants, so I had no option but to re-turn the bowl to eliminate the defect on the edge. When I remounted it, did it run true? Of course it didn’t. Wobble, wobble, wobble. As James May might put it, Cock!

After re-turning, I re-sanded sequentially from 120-600 grit, then used Yorkshire Grit Original and Microfine, 2 coats of Hampshire Sheen sanding sealer and I opted for the excellent Odie’s Oil to finish this time. I applied the latter with a white Nyweb pad in an overlapping circular motion, left it to soak in overnight and buffed with a cotton towel. Simple to use and a little goes a long way. All as per supplied instructions.

Lesson learned: don’t turn the bowl until the rim has been decorated and sealed.

The rest of the piece I buffed and sealed with carnauba wax.

That’s it!

I loved making this piece. It was a lengthy process due to the carving on the sides, waiting for paint to set and lacquer to cure. The reactive paint was easy to apply and worked as expected. The error I made by turning the bowl too soon in the process was due to lack of foresight and planning, but I guess I know now not to repeat this. Errors are just part of the process and I suppose it forces you to think of ways to overcome them and avoid them in future, which ultimately makes you a better and more experienced turner.

(I’ve acquired iron and copper effect paints since this was made, this time from Chromacraft in their Rustina range, they’re more affordable than the Modern Masters inc. kits, but I’ve found require more coats for equivalent coverage. Axminster stock Chromacraft).

I am not being sponsored to advertise any of these products I’m just letting you know what I have used in this project.

Kit used

Record Power CL3 lathe
12 x 2 inch Beech bowl blank (WP Hardwoods ltd)
Sorby 3/8 inch fingernail bowl gouge
Sorby 3/8 inch beading/parting tool
Sorby ¾ inch negative rake scraper
Proxxon long neck angle grinder with Arbortech mini carver
Microplane 200mm round section rasp
Paul Howard Indexing Wheel
Iwasaki half round and tapered files (Workshop Heaven)
Indasa 50mm sanding discs, 120-600 grit
Yorkshire Grit original and microfine
Hampshire Sheen cellulose sanding sealer
Odie’s Dark Oil (Conkers Wood and Metal Supplies)
Chestnut buffing wheel kit
Modern Masters inc. Reactive Metal Paint, Bronze (Gold Leaf Supplies)
Chestnut Satin Lacquer.

To keep up to date with new blog posts and other WoodyNess news then why not join our emailing list HERE . When you join the list you receive 10% off your first order and free UK postage!

Reflecting on my First Pyrography Project

Thu, 16 Jun 2022 14:12:33 GMT

My First Blog Post

Gulp… here goes…

My first blog post.

It features a piece of spalted beech, a hot wire pen and a swan I called Malcolm. Just to warn you, there might be a few made-up words throughout this and uppitycoming blogs.... and although we’ve lived in the Scottish Highlands since 2005, for the eagle-eyed, a bit of my native Yorkshire speak might slip in here too.

By the time I created this piece, I’d been turning for about 14 months.

I’d been steadily finding my way with woodturning - how to correctly present the pointy tools to the spinning wood without a trip to A&E and whether to embellish with colour in the form of dyes and acrylics. Additionally, as I suspect might be the case with other hobbyists, I’d also been haemorrhaging my hard-earned cash on ‘have-to-have’ toolage. One such ‘essential’ was a pyrography unit, because I couldn’t sleep, eat, or think straight until I had one….

Which unit to get though? Hmmm. Choice is a curse sometimes, as is reading reviews as they can muddy the waters rather than provide clarity. Burnmaster? Colwood? Peter Child? Razertip? After turning myself in knots trying to decide, I settled on a Razertip SK with interchangeable tip BHP pen. It’s been excellent, with no regrets.

So, back to Malcolm…

Along with spending a ridiculous amount on ‘essential’ toolage, I’d also been unable to correctifunction without spending even more on ‘essential’ books about woodturning, carving, pyrography, art templates, et cetera, et cetera. It was getting harder to find hiding places for them all, tucking them into the books already on the shelves was drawing suspicious strokey-beard moments from my wife.

One of these books - Deborah Pompano’s ‘Woodburning Project & Pattern Treasury’, Fox Chapel Publishing – provided the inspiration and design for the pyrographic decoration on this beech bowl.

As the grain pattern emerged, I thought the darker band of spalting (looking really hard through squinty peepers) looked a bit pondy…? Enter Malcolm and the water foliage.

The image of ‘Malcolm’ from Deborah Pompano’s book, was photocopied, cut, and placed in the bowl to see whether it needed up- or down-scaling to fit. In this case it was down-scaled, I can’t recall the exact percentage but let’s call it 30% smaller. I must add - this process involves guestimation. All I do then is re-photocopy, setting the photocopier to 70% original size and repeat until you’re happy with what you get..

To transfer the image to the wood, I used carbon paper and traced directly onto the darker grain area in the foreground. Taping the image/carbon paper to the wood with magic tape will stop any movement while tracing. I used a ball-ended, burnishing tool thing to follow the outlines of the image rather than a pen or pencil.

Checking the clarity of the transfer on t’wood, I went over any indistinct areas in pencil. A sharp 2B works well, the marks are more easily rubbed away than with an HB for example and are less likely to leave indents in the wood.

Below, the image has been transferred, hopefully you can see which bits have been pyro’d (darker lines) and the bits still to do (greyer area around the wing).

Below again, further along in the process, loop pyro tip shown.

Different woods burn at different temperature settings so I either test on the centre of the wood blank before the bowl is tooled, or if you forget, like I usually do, set the machine to low power and gradually increase until the desired burn level is reached. Plus, if you make a mistake on a low setting its easier to remove it.

I used a loop tip, a medium knife tip and a medium spoon shader. The loop tip is not one I use much anymore, preferring the knife tip as this cuts a crisp line in the wood, whereas I found the loop tip had a tendency, at least in my hands to skate around a bit. The spoon shader kinda glides over the wood and from what I’ve read (and did here) try to shade lightly first and build up to darker shades by going over the light areas until you’re happy with the appearance. Take care with wood choice for any pyro project.

Spalted wood like this can be quite soft in areas and there is a risk that the pen tips can sink into and melt the spalted areas, making a blobby mess. Open-grained woods like oak and ash can also be a bit tricky, the tip risks being deflected as it passes from softer to harder grain. It’s easier to get a consistent, burn on tighter grained woods.

The colours used are Chestnut Spirit Stains, applied with brushes, the whole piece being protected with 6 coats of Chestnut Satin Lacquer, gently sanding between coats with 600 grit sandpaper. Finally, it was buffed with t’Yorkshire Grit Original then Microfine to give it shine. I’ve had to learn patience where applying finish is concerned, giving time for oil, etc to cure. It does pay dividends.

There is a real skill to pyrography, and I’ve lots to learn - shading to add depth, knowing which tip best suits which situation, mistake correction. I’m happy with the result as this was a first go, but I can see areas where I’d like to do better. I think the swan/water interface could be better, and if I did it again, I’d try to make it look more like Malcom is ‘in’ the water than superimposed ‘on’ it. Practice is the key and if errors are made, think about why, and how to avoid making the same error again.

Aware of the possible conflict/copyright infringement regarding the swan image, we contacted Deborah Pompano to clarify our position. She was kind enough to grant permission for me to use this image on the bowl and for its onward sale. I would like to thank Deborah for her kind permission and words of encouragement.

‘Your bowl is truly a work of art, and I am honored that you have used my swan design, which looks lovely. The colors you used really enhance the design and the bowl.’ Deborah Pompano

That’s it. Bye for now!

To keep up to date with new blog posts and other WoodyNess news then why not join our emailing list HERE . When you join the list you receive 10% off your first order and free UK postage!

WoodyNess Turns a B'log

Mother's Day Unique Gift Guide: 7 Wooden Gifts Handcrafted by WoodyNess

Celebrate with Wood

Charming & Affordable

1. Honey Dippers

2. Tealight Holders

Unique & Sustainable

3. Rustic Fence Post Twig Pots

Perfect for Fibrecrafters

4. Needle Cases

Stylish & Practical

5. Trinket Cushions

6. Gin & Tonic Chopping Board

A Luxury Statement Gift

7. ' Peggy' A Large Elm Bowl with Broad Hand-Carved Rim

To keep up to date with new blog posts and other WoodyNess news then why not join our emailing list HERE . When you join the list you receive 10% off your first order and free UK postage!

Christmas Decor Ideas - in wood of course!

Wooden Decorations for your Christmas Tree

Wooden Christmas Ornaments

Wooden Snowmen

﻿

Wooden Christmas Tree Ornaments

Wooden Gonks

To keep up to date with new blog posts and other WoodyNess news then why not join our emailing list HERE . When you join the list you receive 10% off your first order and free UK postage!

Wooden Halloween Decorations to Enhance Your Autumn Decor

1. Witch Flight

2. Frankenpot

3. Ravaged Oak

4. Spider's Web Fence Post Twig Pot

To keep up to date with new blog posts and other WoodyNess news then why not join our emailing list HERE . When you join the list you receive 10% off your first order and free UK postage!

7 Autumn Inspired Bowls to Bring the Feel of Autumn into your Home

1. Changing Seasons

2. Caught in a Rut

3. Autumn Leaves

4. Autumn Sunset

5. Leaf it Out!

6. Autumn Ash

7. Scorched Autumn

﻿ To keep up to date with new blog posts and other WoodyNess news then why not join our emailing list HERE . When you join the list you receive 10% off your first order and free UK postage!

Aged Bronze Platter – trying to make wood look like metal…?

Blog Post August 2022

The Rim

A Bit on the Side

More Rim

Finishing up and Oops

Kit used

To keep up to date with new blog posts and other WoodyNess news then why not join our emailing list HERE . When you join the list you receive 10% off your first order and free UK postage!

Reflecting on my First Pyrography Project

My First Blog Post

To keep up to date with new blog posts and other WoodyNess news then why not join our emailing list HERE . When you join the list you receive 10% off your first order and free UK postage!

To keep up to date with new blog posts and other WoodyNess news then why not join our emailing list HERE . When you join the list you receive 10% off your first order and free UK postage!