Visit to the Centre for Fine Woodworking
These few weeks have been about sharing knowledge. As I get older, the need to share what I’ve learnt is becoming more pressing and I spend so much time in my little workshop that, when given the opportunity to get out and about, I pounce like a hungry little wood borer.
Earlier this month I had the privilege to teach my coffee table course at the NZ Centre for Fine Woodworking. I am blessed that the practice of woodworking attracts the most wonderful people and in this visit, I was reminded of this magic once again.
For anyone interested, the NZCFW has a range of courses in the craft of woodworking and has been the epicenter of our craft in New Zealand for decades. Without the NZCFW, our knowledge and craft would be at risk of being forever lost. It is situated in Glenduan, a glorious little valley on the rocky shores of Nelson.
Lucky for me, I had the pleasure of meeting up with my good friend, Stuart Faulkner from Heartwood Woodworking (heartwoodcreative.com.au) on this occasion. Stuart is a master of the craft and I never fail to pick up insightful words, ideas and inspiration from him each time we meet.
Free Consultations
Now that the warmer months are here, you and your family may begin to start thinking about the entertainment season! Is your furniture looking like it needs a little touch up? If so, don’t hesitate to book in a free quick meeting with me. I can take you through the re oiling procedure.
I’m finding Google Meet to be a great way to keep in touch with clients. The video meeting makes it easier to get across any techniques or queries you may have.
I also have some maintenance kits here in stock should anyone need one.
Elodie Inspired Coffee Table
I have had the pleasure of designing and building a new coffee table this week.
It is for a local couple who have recently moved into the area from Germany. While they await a houseful of furniture to arrive from overseas, they’ve made a start to their NZ lives with a few Lloyd Brooke Furniture pieces. It is an honour to be a part of that story.
They already have a pair of Elodie side tables and requested a coffee table inspired by that design.
The challenge with this piece was keeping the original vibe of the Elodie whilst making the new version “feel” like a coffee table.
We were chasing lightness, distinction and a bit of play. I’m really happy with how this design has turned out. First coat of finish is on and only assembly to go!
New Youtube Video
I made up a quick youtube video last week on how I sharpen a handplane. For those of you that are interested in seeing the tools of the trade in action, you can view the video here:
https://youtu.be/UVpxpnQX6sA?si=BDPvqEtxsanEm0Zl
What I’m listening to:
Big Thief – Double Infinity
What I’m reading:
John Michael Greer: latest blog post – “The No-Ego Ego Trip: An Interlude“
I love this quote from the article:
“Very, very few of us deliberately invent our own egos. Most of us take our self-representations off the rack, as though we were buying a Halloween costume, and tolerably often the costume in question has at least two problematic features. The first is that it fits very poorly. The second is that it benefits the manufacturer much more than it benefits us.”