the benefits of playing with spinning tops Spinning tops are a fantastic traditional toy. Firstly, spinning top games are great for developing fine motor skills, hand strength and concentration in children as young as 2 years old. Secondly, they're...
The One Ash exhibition was held at Chapel Arts Studios in Andover from the 2nd until 23rd of July 2022. It brought together the diverse work of all the craftspeople and artists parts of the One Ash tree had been given to.
Love Heartwood is a Rural Business Awards winner after this year's National Finals. Jules Hudson, the BBC Escape to the Country presenter, once again delighted the finalists as host for the ceremony on Thursday 24th February. The awards recognise...
I love this time of year because I get to go out and be sociable. It's so great to be doing in-person markets again. Lockdown made me realise how important it is to have conversations with you guys about what I make and why. So here's a reminder of where I'll be and...
If you need help planning your big day why not check out 77 Diamond's incredibly comprehensive guide to sustainable, zero waste, ethical weddings. The Full Guide to Sustainable, Zero-Waste, Ethical Weddings It offers plenty of valuable information such as: An in-depth...
Where could be a more perfect sustainable Autumn proposal venue than a rustic shepherd's hut? Especially with a suitably earthy, rustic and rich colour scheme. A campfire and an evening under the stars is a memorable way to start your life's journey together....
the idea I really enjoyed working on this commisison since it involved taking something old and making it into something new and useable. Will first emailed me with his enquiry in March. His idea was to use a Victorian pewter bierkeller cup from Bavaria that he had...
Dad’s are hard to buy for aren’t they? But if yours is a practical soul or loves nothing better than a spot of tinkering then I have some perfect present choices for you.
This Christmas I'm thrilled to have my sustainable products featured in two very cool gift guides. What's really good though is that the gifts featured are not just for Christmas. They could just as easily be given for a birthday, anniversary or any special occasion....
Chapelhall Community Resilience Project As I'm based in my garden workshop, I was able to continue working during lockdown in the precious hours when I wasn't homeschooling my 3 sons aged 4, 8 and 10. At the beginning of June 2020 I received an email from the...
skew & ink - a new creative collaboration Skew and Ink is the name of the collaboration between Love HeartWood and another West Berkshire female-led, creative business Bloom & Bear. The collaboration's named after the tools we used to create this new...
In Britain, rowan trees have long been seen as protective spirits. Because of that it's the perfect wood to craft into a rustic wedding ring box. This ring box was a special commission for a lady who'd seen my boxes in yew and silver birch but wanted hers to be made...
I recently completed my second custom wand commission. Despite already writing about making a wand I had such fun designing Mark's wand with him that I wanted to share the experience with you. I really enjoy it when customers get involved as I love collaborating with...