Here’s where I share interesting stories, my thought processes and how stuff happens. I also like to share other lovely people and their work here too.
Talk and turning demonstration given for members of Men’s Sheds Cymru on 7th August 2020 via Zoom.
This is a recording of the Zoom talk and demonstration I gave in August for Men’s Shed Cymru. It’s the first talk and demonstration I’ve ever done so I was quite nervous. However, once I got going I really enjoyed it, especially the discussion at end.
I talk for about 50 minutes about how I got into turning, give a tour of my workshop, which is very fittingly an actual shed, and then demonstrate how I turn a spinning top. Then we have a bit of a discussion and question time.
The technology used was just my phone. I had researched using my ipad as a second camera and planned to use a headset with attached microphone to improve sound quality but there were teething issues (aren’t there always?) so I hope to use these the next time.
I was really pleased to be able to support Men’s Shed in this way. As you can see from the info below they offer a very valuable service and are really helping to break the still (!) somewhat taboo subject of talking about mental health.
If you belong to a group who’d like a virtual talk and demo please get in touch. I’d be happy to tailor it to your interests.
What is the Men’s Shed Cymru’s Zoom Room – Virtual Shed
Things were going so well tackling social isolation and loneliness in Wales, one shed at a time, and then there was COVID 19, and then there was social distancing. How on earth do you tackle social isolation during a time of social distancing? It has been a challenge even for those of us with strong family and friend connections, but for some shed members lock-down is a frightening return to loneliness; perhaps even intensified by the loss of recently discovered camaraderie.
Zoom Room Virtual Shed The Men’s Shed Cymru Zoom Room is a virtual Men’s Shed. Where we invite skilled crafters and tradespeople to come and discuss their talents. Hosted live on Zoom, there is a great opportunity to meet men from across Wales and the world. Find out more https://www.mensshedscymru.co.uk/zoom…
Who are Men’s Sheds Cymru
Men’s Sheds Cymru are the organisation supporting the development of Men’s Sheds projects in Wales. We are a Hafan Cymru project funded by The National Lottery and have been operating in Wales for almost 6 years, during which time we have moved from no sheds to around 65. The project has been a great success and we have a range of sheds engaging in such activities as woodworking, gardening, photography, music making and even lunch making. Two things that sheds in Wales, in fact sheds across the world, have in common are the kettle and conversation. For some men their shed session is a genuine life line, and the social interaction they get at the shed has made immeasurable improvements to their lives.
Want to share your craft or skill?
Are you skilled, crafty or knowledgeable in a fascinating subject? Happy to share the above in a fun, informal way with ‘shedders’? Do you know what a men’s shed is? Curious to know more and take part in The Zoom Room Virtual Shed? We can setup a mini conference using Zoom and invite Men’s Sheds members from Wales and beyond to attend. If you have something contact Chris.Southern@HafanCymru.co.uk
The Digital Christmas Craft Festival is a really exciting fair for me and my main Christmas event this year so I’m making some limited edition tree ornaments. These will only be available during the festival.
Join us for a celebration of makers and making. Meet and buy from 120 selected makers, listen to talks, watch films, book workshops for all ages, enjoy yoga and watch live demonstrations.
How will the digital craft festival take place online?
The festival will happen online via Instagram, Facebook and Zoom. There will be live interviews on Instagram, recorded interviews for our Show & Tell series, live and recorded demonstrations, Master Maker Q&A, children’s activities and storytelling, live yoga, qigong, breathework, Kitchen Disco and more.
As part of Global Collaboration Week, a selection of fantastic ‘in-person’ markets are coming together for ‘The Creative Collaboration Market.’ The market’s being organised by Pedddle. A whole host of local markets are taking part, including myself and other local sellers from Reading Indie Market. We are uniting with 15 other markets from England, Scotland and Switzerland. The 16 events will be held on Saturday 26th September from 10am.
It’ll be an exciting day of independent shopping. So visit the Pedddle website on the day and use the map to find sellers local to you or select a market to find out more about it.
Summer evenings are perfect for picnics. If you’re looking to ditch the plastic and replace it with more sustainable picnicware then 3 Bears Woodware’s the answer.
3 Bears Woodware is eco friendly tableware that can grow with your family. It’s a great alternative to plastic whether you’re eating indoors or out. So join the Schuller family for a picnic in the park.
goodbye single use
The 3 sizes of lidded bowls mean you can say goodbye to tupperware, single use cling film or foil. If food needs to be sealed why not use wax wraps?
The boys enjoyed lifting the lids to see what the bowls had inside.
eco friendly alternatives
Wooden cups are a great alternative to plastic ones. These ones have weighted bases to prevent spills and accidents. To avoid plastic straws trynatural wheat straws.
functional & multi purpose
Once the lids are off they can become plates and cup rests, very useful for preventing spills on the uneven ground. Different sized bowls and plates means there’s one that’s “just right” for everyone.
stackable
Once the picnic’s done tidying away’s simple. Keep the mess contained by popping the lids back on. Easy to store too as they’re stackable.
I believe that educating future generations to care for our environment and manage it sustainably is crucial if we’re to reverse the damage done by Man to the environment. Educational projects that create connections between the community and nature are a great way to do this. A project I’m lucky enough to be involved in, is a great example of this.
Andover Trees United a volunteer-led group and registered charity is running the One Ash project. They work in partnership with schools, local authorities, businesses, specialist environmental organisations, artists and other creative practitioners to promote conservation and improve access to natural wild spaces.
Andover Trees United
The One Ash project is being run by a community group called Andover Trees United based in Andover, Hampshire. Through the creation and planting of Harmony Woods, their community woodland and other projects, they engage with local children and young people and through them their families.
The idea behind the project is to educate children about a tree’s whole lifecycle and how forests are sustainably managed.
“Over the course of the last five years, it has become apparent that children who were tree planting with us were increasingly concerned at the prospect of trees being cut down, revealing a lack of understanding of the concept of ‘forestry’, a word usually associated with ‘deforestation’ when learning about rain forests at school.
“Timber is one of the most sustainable materials we have to work with and, as there are so many different industries that work with wood right here in the Test Valley, we aim to help children make that connection between the tree and the chairs they sit on, the tools they use and even the food they might eat.”
Wendy Davis, Andover Trees
The One Ash Project’s Timeline
There are 3 main parts to the project: Meeting the tree, Felling the tree and then Following the tree. To read about what each entailed click on the headings below to visit the related Andover Trees’ project journal.
October 2019 Meet the Tree – Children from the participating Andover schools met trees. They learnt what they do for us and the environment.
Feb 2020 Felling Day – The chosen Ash tree was felled, milled and transported for distribution and storage.
2022 – An exhibition of all the finished products, along with documentation of the process, will take place in Andover.
Meeting the Tree
The Ash tree selected to be used in the project was felled on a part of the Engelfield Estate, just 2 miles from my home!
It was 22 metres tall and 80 years old.
The Ash was selected for the project to highlight the problem of Ash dieback disease which it was in the early stages of.
The disease was first identified in the UK in 2012 and, according to the Woodland Trust, “will kill up to 95% of ash trees across the UK. At a cost of billions, the effects will be staggering. It will change the landscape forever and threaten many species which rely on ash.”
The One Ash project encourages the children to notice Ash trees in their local environment before they start disappearing.
Photo credit: Andover Trees United
One Ash’s Location
The Ash tree, kindly donated for the project by Engelfield Estate, grew near Oval Pond in woodland called Roundoak Piece.
Felling the Tree
Rick and Rob from Englefield Estate felled the Ash tree whilst school children from Andover look on.
Photo credit: Sophie Stocker
Following the Tree
Not long after Felling Day lockdown happened. So it wasn’t until June that the timber was distributed. My share came from the crown of the tree.
The crown of the tree is the section above the main trunk where it splits into branches. The crown has been shared between around 22 crafters and artists.
You can find out what each crafter and artist is doing with their share by visiting ATU’s One Ash Journals.
Photo credit: Alex Marshall
Exclusive Pre-Launch Virtual Event
Follow the rest of the story by reading my journal entries over the course of this month (July 2020). If you want to be among the first to see the whole collection then become a ‘heartie’ subscriber by completing the form below. This guarantees you’ll be sent an invitation to the 3 Bears Pre-Launch Virtual Event on the 30th July. Your invite will contain a password to access a secret area on my website. Here you can browse the collection and receive 20% off any 3 Bears Woodware during the 24 hours before the official launch on the 31st July.
There’s a long history of wooden dishes in Britain dating right back to the Iron Age. They only became less popular in the late 17th and early 18th centuries with the advent of inexpensive glazed pottery. Recently though wooden plates and bowls are gaining in popularity as an eco friendly tableware choice. But are they right for you? To help you with your decision I’m going to outline the benefits and drawbacks of eating off wooden dishes.
When choosing to use wooden dishes you’re obviously also making the decision not to choose another type of dinnerware, so as well as looking at wood’s beneficial characteristics and I’ll compare it to other popular tableware materials.
natural
First off, wood’s a natural material. This means it’s biodegradable and renewable. Biodegradable means it’s easily broken down and recycled by nature. It will return to the soil, adding nutrients, if left outside for a few years. Renewable means it can be replaced by growing more. Therefore, provided we replace the trees we use with the same amount then wood is a sustainable material.
calming
Handling a wood bowl or cup is a very tactile, satisfying experience. Research has shown that we have a deep connection with the natural world and respond positively to biophilic design.* Using wooden plates, bowls and dishes can strengthen this connection to nature in our daily lives. As a consequence we’ll increase our sense of well being.
*“Biophilic design is a concept used within the building industry to increase occupant connectivity to the natural environment through the use of direct nature, indirect nature, and space and place conditions.”
Wikipedia
long lasting
Another great characteristic of wood is its durability. Good quality wooden tablewares is exceptionally long lasting and ages well. If cared for woodware will retain its good looks year after year. It’s toughness also means it can withstand the rigours of daily family mealtimes. Breakages and chips are a rare occurrence.
advantages over plastic (including melamine)
eco friendly
I’ve already stated that wood’s a natural material. As such it is part of the earth’s cycle and decomposes to be naturally recycled. All forms of plastic, synthetic and biobased are not natural but created through industrial chemical processes, using non renewable resources, that generate toxic emissions. It’s widely acknowledged that plastic is a real problem for the planet and wildlife. This is because once discarded it takes 100’s of years to break down. Unfortunately even after all that time it cannot fully decompose but just breaks into smaller and smaller pieces to become micro plastics. These micro plastics are now seen as a major menace to wildlife as they are ingested and have now found their way into the human food chain. Managing plastic waste by incinerating it causes environmental problems. The small percantage that’s recycled is just using more energy and chemicals so every stage of plastics life span has a negative impact on the planet. So buying less of it’s a great way to help the planet .
In contrast, the production and processing of wood uses far, far less energy than that of plastics, giving wooden products a significantly lower carbon footprint.
clean
It’s a misconception that wooden surfaces are dirtier or somehow not as clean as plastic. Dr Dean Cliver, Professor of Food Safety at the University of California, undertook research comparing bacteria levels on wooden and plastic chopping boards. His full report on food safety and woodware can be read here. This andother studies*, found that wood actually retains less bacteria than plastic. It has also been proved that wood is naturally antibacterial.
“our early experiments showed that wood generally yielded fewer
bacteria than did plastic after contamination.”
Dr D. O. Cliver
healthy
The negative impact of plastic on human health is becoming increasingly alarming. At every stage of its life plastic is damaging to our health. During its extraction and manufacture it releases emissions that include Benzene, PAH’s, VOC’s and 170+ toxic chemicals. While using plastic products there are risks of ingestion and/or inhalation of microplastic particles and hundreds of toxic substances. This exposure can lead to inflammation, genotoxicity, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and necrosis that are linked to negative health outcomes ranging from cardiovascular disease to cancer and autoimmune conditions. Plastic waste management like incineration releases toxic substances including heavy metals such as lead and mercury, acid gases and particulate matter, which can enter air, water, and soil causing both direct and indirect health risks for workers and nearby communities.
In stark contrast to plastic wood has no negative impact on health. In fact it has been show to have a positive impact as we find wood a calming material which reduces symptoms of stress and improves mental well being.*
advantages over china/pottery
durable
The obvious advantage wood has over china is it’s toughness. Drop a piece of china and it’s likely to shatter into lots of little fragments. China also chips easily which is very annoying on an otherwise perfectly usable plate, cup or bowl. Wood on the other hand, is very durable and copes well with rough handling. Drop it and watch it bounce.
quiet
An often over looked quality of wood is how peaceful it is to eat from. There isn’t the clinking and scraping of china or glass. This makes for a subtle difference in the quality of the dining experience.
the downsides of wooden tableware
Now before you make up your mind if wooden tableware’s for you there’s a few downsides to consider. Thinking about these points should help you to decide if its right for you and your family.
not microwavable
Sadly wood isn’t microwavable. Although wood won’t spark dramatically like metal in a microwave, it does have a small water content and this will cause the item to warm up. Eventually it will crack and warp as it dries out. There are work arounds to this however, like using a different container for reheating food.
not dishwashable
Wooden plates and bowls are also not dishwasher friendly. So will you or someone in the family be happy to wash them up in the sink? It’s not recommended that wooden items are left to soak so it’s best to wash them up soon after use. Dunk them in a bowl of hot soapy water and use a bristle brush. Then simply leave them to dry on the drainer.
stains
Wood can stain and absorb smells, especially when it comes into contact with strongly coloured foods like beetroot, pasta sauce or drinks like tea. However, acidic foods like tomato based sauces or greasy foods will not damage the wood or weaken it. Over time stains will dull down and become part of the wood’s patina. This is part of wood’s graceful ageing process. To address the smell issue you might consider using a dedicated cup for tea/coffee or having separate bowls for breakfast and dinner.
needs care
Wood isn’t maintenance free. Woodware needs a bit of looking after as it becomes dull with use. Luckily, all you need to do is rub your plates and bowls with some food safe oil every 5-6 months or when they’re looking drab. It’s amazing how the oil revives them and buffs to a lovely soft sheen.
not cheap
Good quality woodenware is not cheap. However, it is very good value when you consider how long lasting it is. So if you choose to buy wooden dishes consider it an investment which will save money in the long run. Buying one or two pieces initially is a good way to try out woodware and see if it’s for you. Then if you decide it is you can add more items to your collection over time, or as your family grows, until you have your perfect dining set.
summary
In conclusion there’s lots of benefits to choosing wooden dishes. They’re natural, calming, eco friendly, clean, healthy and durable. Moreover, if properly cared for they’ll last for generations. But above all, they’re wonderful to eat from creating a tactile, quiet and somehow warm eating experience.
A lovely piece by Lauren Dahl on her Living Home blog about why she switched to wooden dishes, and continues to love eating from them, here
exclusive pre-launch virtual event
Follow the rest of the story by reading my journal entries over the course of this month (July 2020). If you want to be among the first to see the whole collection then become a ‘heartie’ subscriber by completing the form below. This guarantees you’ll be sent an invitation to the 3 Bears Pre-Launch Virtual Event on the 30th July. Your invite will contain a password to access a secret area on my website. Here you can browse the collection and receive 20% off any 3 Bears Woodware during the 24 hours before the official launch on the 31st July.
This website uses cookies so that I can provide a better and personalised web experience to you. By using my site you accept the use of cookies. If you'd like to find out more, please read my Privacy Policy.AcceptNoPrivacy policy
