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Author Archives: stevetomlin
Scythe peening 2021
This Sunday was International Peening Day 2021 so I spent a little time in the sunshine peening a scythe blade ready for the mowing season. I started with the peening jig to do most of the work and finished off … Continue reading
Lawn vs meadow article
Fantastic to see so many organisations getting on board with the idea of converting lawns to wildlife-friendly wildflower meadows and this getting coverage in the Guardian. The RHS, some National Trust estates and King’s College, Cambridge are among those quoted … Continue reading
Learn to Scythe courses 2021
My Learn to Scythe course dates 2021 are now set and already starting to fill up. The weather is warming up and this weekend sees the Vernal Equinox and official start of Spring so it’s the perfect time to be … Continue reading
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Belbroughton scythe history talk 2021
For those of you interested in the English scythe and it’s history, you won’t want to miss this talk on 11 Feb 2021 about the Belbroughton scythe making industry. Book your tickets via Eventbrite The Rise and Fall of Belbroughton’s … Continue reading
First ash splint packbasket of 2021
Here’s the first of a few packbaskets that I’m currently working on. They are 18″ high to the rim and 14″ approx wide at the belly. Fitted with veg tan leather straps and solid brass buckles. If you are interested … Continue reading
Wildflower meadows in the Guardian
Lovely article in the Guardian this week about the value of wildflower meadows, the work being done to preserve them and how you can create a meadow on even just a small patch of land. Of course, once you’ve established … Continue reading
Weaving ash splint pack baskets
Winter is typically the time when I make more items for sale and makes a nice counterpoint to the summer of teaching craft courses. This summer I’m enjoying weaving some ash splint packbasket commissions using the beautiful ash splint from … Continue reading
Bending bonds and handles for Devon stave baskets
The handle, rim and bottom bond for the Devon stave basket are made from freshly cut ash coppice. I use small diameter poles which are cleft into four pieces and then shaped with a drawknife while clamped in the shavehorse. … Continue reading
Bodkins for ash splint basket making
One of the lovely things about basket making is how few tools are needed. When I’m making ash splint baskets, I use just a knife, scissors, small spring clamps and a bodkin. The bodkin aids with packing down the weavers, … Continue reading
Ash splint basket making booklet
I’ve been making ash splint baskets and teaching workshops for several years now and it’s been fantastic to share the skills and knowledge with so many people. I am always aware though, that there are lots of people who can’t … Continue reading