Author Archives: stevetomlin

Windsor Chair Baluster Leg

Posted on January 22, 2013 by stevetomlin

This photo shows why I was so keen to get turning beads with the skew chisel under my belt. After years of making post and rung chairs I’ve finally set my sights on making some windsor chairs so I’m investing … Continue reading →

Posted in chair making, SteveTomlinCrafts | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Anna Karenina filming photos

Posted on January 21, 2013 by stevetomlin

It may have been out for a while now but Christiane only just went to see Anna Karenina (2012) at her local cinema in Austria last week which brought back some great memories and reminded me that I’ve never posted … Continue reading →

Posted in scythe festivals & events, Scytherspace | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Oak Garden Bench

Posted on January 4, 2013 by stevetomlin

In Cumbria there’s a long tradition of harvesting oak bark for tanning leather and last spring I took part in a group day with the local Coppice Association to harvest bark from Moss & Height’s Spring Wood. The bark is … Continue reading →

Posted in chair making, SteveTomlinCrafts | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Mastering the skew chisel

Posted on December 31, 2012 by stevetomlin

Like lots of turners, whether on a pole-lathe or powered lathe, it’s the skew chisel that’s always caused me headaches. With a life of it’s own and seemingly no other intention than to mess up details at the last moment … Continue reading →

Posted in SteveTomlinCrafts, tools | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Winter break

Posted on December 29, 2012 by stevetomlin

Life is seasonal and happily so is my work schedule. While the rest of the year are full with shows, courses and scythes, the winter period especially after Christmas is a time when I can make my plans for the … Continue reading →

Posted in SteveTomlinCrafts, tools | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Buying the right size scythe

Posted on December 17, 2012 by stevetomlin

A scythe is a very personal tool and should be sized and adjusted to fit your body and mowing style for the most comfort and efficiency. This was especially true with the older English and American pattern scythes when the … Continue reading →

Posted in Scytherspace, scythes | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Yew Tree Barn Christmas Market 2012

Posted on December 4, 2012 by stevetomlin

Another chance to pick up some Cumbrian handmade crafts for the perfect present at the Yew Tree Barn Christmas Market on 8 & 9 Dec from 10-5pm at Low Newton near Grange-over-Sands in the Lake District. Directions available on their … Continue reading →

Posted in greenwood events, SteveTomlinCrafts | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Pounding ash splints

Posted on November 23, 2012 by stevetomlin

Sometimes, you just want to take the piece of wood and beat the hell out of it. Thankfully, the other week when Phil, Frank and I did just that it was for good reason and not just to release some … Continue reading →

Posted in baskets, SteveTomlinCrafts | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

Shrink Pots

Posted on November 19, 2012 by stevetomlin

As wood dries, it shrinks and often changes shape as a result. This is a major concern for most woodworkers and they go to great lengths to dry timber and keep it dry before starting work. With greenwood work I … Continue reading →

Posted in SteveTomlinCrafts | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Scything at Christmas

Posted on November 16, 2012 by stevetomlin

Normally the scythe scene is all quiet by now but in the last couple of weeks I’ve had a steady stream of enquiries from people wanting to buy Learn to Scythe courses as Christmas presents. It’s a great idea, give … Continue reading →

Posted in scythe courses, Scytherspace | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment