Author Archives: stevetomlin

Learn to Scythe courses 2021

Posted on March 16, 2021 by stevetomlin

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

Posted on February 7, 2021 by stevetomlin

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 →

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First ash splint packbasket of 2021

Posted on February 3, 2021 by stevetomlin

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 →

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Wildflower meadows in the Guardian

Posted on January 30, 2021 by stevetomlin

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 →

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Weaving ash splint pack baskets

Posted on January 28, 2021 by stevetomlin

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 →

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Bending bonds and handles for Devon stave baskets

Posted on December 29, 2020 by stevetomlin

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 →

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Bodkins for ash splint basket making

Posted on November 28, 2020 by stevetomlin

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 →

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Ash splint basket making booklet

Posted on November 19, 2020 by stevetomlin

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 →

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Fan bird carving workshop 2020

Posted on October 26, 2020 by stevetomlin

This course actually took place earlier in the summer but at the time I was too busy to post the photos so here they are at last. Among the group was Eddie Glew, a fantastic willow basket maker, who came … Continue reading →

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Ash splint basket workshop 2020

Posted on October 23, 2020 by stevetomlin

My final workshop for 2020 was an ash splint basket making course at Greenwood Days near Derby, UK. This was postponed from earlier in the year when running courses wasn’t possible so I was very pleased to be able to … Continue reading →

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