Welcome to the world of Green Woodwork & Leatherwork, two crafts which I trust will inspire and delight you!
Over the past 5 years I have enjoyed the peace and beauty of our great British woodlands which have much to offer throughout the seasons. My historic interest in woodwork led me to taking up green woodwork as a serious hobby which I enjoy throughout the year but mainly from March to October when there is sufficient light and warmth to work outside.
Wanting to have a winter hobby which I could undertake in my small flat I decided to teach myself leatherwork as way of making covers for my tools and bags to carry them in. This has become just as absorbing as the woodwork so between them I am busy all year. More than expected! now including teaching as well as participating.
I have always been a keen photographer so have many thousands of snaps recording the projects I have been involved with over these years. Some have been a practical record to aid memory and inform, whilst others maybe a delight to the eye, just because of their beauty.
My wish here is to share some of the experiences and the photos, hopefully encouraging you to try these hobbies.
My great inspirations have been two men, Tim Gatfield of The Cherrywood Project, www.cherrywoodproject.co.uk and John Hagger of Tanner bates, www.tannerbates.co.uk both of whom are talented craftsmen, passionate about what the do and give generously of their skills and wisdom.
Over the past few years I have been a contributing writer to a magazine called ‘Living Woods’ which is a varied and thoroughly enjoyable read about everything woody. It is enthusiastically edited and published by Nick Gibbs who accepts subscriptions from www.living-woods.com Some of my stories on this site were first published in Living Woods.
There are to many to mention who have played a part in my fun and education in the woods but I thank Alison, Gabriel, Tom, Ben, Ollie, Lilly, Debs,Tay,Willow, Steve and Louis for their companionship. But most of all I thank Ben Orford for getting me started by helping me make my own draw knife.
Ben is a great Woodsman and Tool Maker www.benorford.com
I hope you enjoy the website.
Rob Exton
PS:- My efforts here were supported by some very wonderful people at Print by Design in Cheltenham. www.printbydesign729.co.uk if you need some great design, quality printing or a web site like this they are the people to go to!
PPS:- I am a little biased being the MD but you may as well advertise everywhere.
