Home | West Makes

Welcome to West Makes

I’m Russ West. I make useable wooden art using traditional tools and locally sourced, sustainable wood in West London.

Since the beginning of 2019, I have cultivated skills focused on greenwood crafts. Guided by Scandinavian Slöjd, my work pursues functional beauty.

Beyond my own making, I also help others find enjoyment through crafts. I run courses at a woodland workshop at Horsenden Hill Farm in Perivale, and support other course leaders to do the same. I also exhibit at craft events across the UK, selling my makes and demonstrating my craft.

Have a look at my gallery to see what I do, or use the contact form for updates on new courses or to get in touch.

Gallery

Latest Articles

Gallery

A day with @carvingandturning

Today I had a blast helping Ali Asadi run a pole lathe course for a lovely group of beginner bowl turners at @horsenden . They did so well too!
Thank you to Zoe, Ruth, John, Eeva, Tom and Simon for you humour and hard work. You should be very proud of your bowls!
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Watch this space for more fantastic craft courses at our woodland workshop at Horsenden Hill Farm in Perivale.
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Together with the Friends of Horsenden team who are the heartbeat of the community at Horsenden, we are bringing lots more, sustainable and traditional hand crafts to West London.
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On the list are carving courses (spoons and bowls), more pole lathe turning, some beginner and with some fun intermediate ideas like making a tankard and having a pint in it from @perivalebrewery (a fantastic microbrewery onsite at the farm), brush making, basket making, hurdle making and much more. Maybe plate turning to enjoy a pizza on from @thehorsendenloaf the onsite bakery… time will tell, and the options are endless!
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Send me a DM to join our list to be notified of new courses as they are planned.
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I can’t wait to see this grow.

Yesterday at the Middlesex Carving Club at @horsenden
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Ever since the new woodland workshop has been built at Horsenden Hill we have been meaning to revive a club that used to run here: The Middlesex Spoon Carving Club. And it was a wonderful day for it.
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Yesterday between chatting, eating biscuits and drinking tea I even managed to finish a spoon!
Also trying a technique Ryan had been having a go at, using blackberries and elderberries to add a splash of colour. I imagine the colour will fade in time, but it’s fun to try! Thanks for the tip Ryan!
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Thank you to everyone who came along. I am expecting even more next time. We may need a bigger workshop!
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Russ

Throwback Post: Art Trail Stock.
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I did Ealing BEAT for the first time last year. Most of what you can see here went to the wonderful people who stopped by.
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This year I’m focusing on helping get more crafts going at @horsenden and will be away for much of BEAT so unfortunately won’t be taking part.
BUT I WILL be at Apple Day on the 13th September, demonstrating and chatting about what we’re doing at the newly built woodland workshop there. I will have some hand made things with me too. Come along and have a look if you fancy something hand crafted, or would like to order a commission.
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It would be great to see you.
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Check out @horsenden for more information.
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Ripples in alder… hand carved eating spoon.
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This was originally a demo spoon from teaching a few weeks back.
These often don’t get finished, as they’re just there to show techniques on (often to destruction).
But this one survived so I thought I’d try something new with it…
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I used a small @stoffercraft scorp to make the texture on the back of the bowl, which I think turned out well. (That scorp is a a stunning tool! Thank you Lee!).
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All my work is carved by hand from locally sourced wood. This one was made from alder left after tree thinning at @horsenden , less than 50 meters from the new woodland workshop. You can’t get more local than that!
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More courses coming soon!

2nd volunteer carving day @horsenden.
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Another lovely bunch of Horsenden Hill Farm volunteers created some fantastic spoons today!
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Well done Claire, Eeva, Kristen, Livio and Steve!
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Some very ambitious designs realised, which is amazing for first spoons! 👏👏👏
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More courses coming soon.

Our first course with @carvingandturning is open for booking at @horsenden
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*UPDATE: This course is now fully booked. If you are interested in trying this, send me a DM and I will add you to our growing waitlist.*

After a lot of planning and hard work,I am so happy to say WE’RE OPEN!
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Check out the @horsenden website to book a place on this day course to turn a bowl in the traditional way on the 20th September with one of the nicest people you could ever meet, Ali Asadi.
This course is suitable for beginners and anyone who has had a go but wants to improve under extra expert instruction.
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Do check out other things going on at Horsenden Farm too (Apple Day on 13th September is something you shouldn’t miss!)
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I will put the link in my bio you can use, or please send me a DM if you have any questions at all.
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Ali, is not only a tremendously skilled pole lathe turner (locking lidded bowls, drinking flasks - how does he do it?!) but is also a fantastically patient and wonderful teacher. I should know - he’s been helping me learn to turn, in spite of my lack of ability!
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Where this will take place is special too:
Horsenden Hill Farm, in Perivale, West London is a hidden woody gem easily accessible by public transport as well as having a free car park, bakery (@thehorsendenloaf ), microbrewery (@perivalebrewery ) and lots more like @horsendenfarmflowers who are running a flower crown day course soon too (16th August)! It’s a simply lovely place. We’d love to see you.
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Now we can begin to do exactly what we have been planning for some time: revive and bring more traditional crafts to our newly built outdoor workshop.
There is already a deep tradition of craft here. We’d like to share it with everyone.
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We’re starting off slowly in 2025, but will be lining up more courses later in the year and into 2026. Lots of exciting things are coming.
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Watch this space!

The Woodland Workshop is ready!
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I’ve been thinking about this for a long time as my own greenwood carving pastime and fascination has given me so much. The relaxing nature of it is something I have wanted to share with as many as I can.
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The first public course - beginner bowl turning on pole lathe, with Ali Asadi ( @carvingandturning ) - is coming on September 20th, and I will be running beginner spoon carving sessions soon too, plus helping to revive the monthly carving club here.
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Led by Richard (Tricky) Dunn, Kirk ( @yeoldepubgames ), Nick ( @nickthecraftsman ) and many volunteers at Horsenden Hill ( @horsenden ) this new outdoor workshop means many new craft courses are coming to this corner of Perivale in West London.
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This place has so much to offer.
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@horsenden @horsendenfarmflowers @perivalebrewery @thehorsendenloaf @westlondoners
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Royalty Free Music: Bensound.com/royalty-free-music
License code: NMDJKOA46VYTDAVF
Artist: : Nick Petrov

Teaching some wonderful people spoon carving at @horsenden today.
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What a lovely group of people too!
Thank you Sally, Bhavana, Jo, Martine and Justin for a great, relaxing, funny, and beautiful day - in spite of the rain!
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These are hard working volunteers at Horsenden Hill (@horsenden )who help make the place the amazing community it is.
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Looking forward to the next group on the 2nd August..
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My first @northern_bowl . Absolutely loved it.
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So, I went along to learn and got a lot more out of this wonderful event held by @matty.whittaker , @northernwoodmonkey and many more amazing people - too many to mention but thank you all.
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I took far too few pictures but managed some. It’s a shame these don’t really portray the unbelievably beautiful and communal spirit of the Northern Bowl. It’s difficult to sum up in words - you do really have to go to experience it.
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For me this event hits a sweet spot I would like to call ‘organised freedom’ interspersed with a fantastically diverse range of courses run by experts in all kinds of greenwood and traditional crafts.
I had a go at plate turning on a pole lathe. Hard work but happy with the result.
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There were lots of scheduled things going on but not so prescriptive that you miss out on catching up with old friends and making new ones. Or just sitting back and enjoying the atmosphere.
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A few highlights for me:
Catching up with @yoden_crafts , Martha, @yeoldepubgames and @nickthecraftsman who built the amazing woodland workshop at @horsenden (I still can’t thank you enough!); seeing Rise up and Carve folk - @rachel_bainton , @winezzzs , @mrs_nessie and @kfholler (who was over from the US!). Chatting with @redwoodchairs about shave horses, big bowls and music; with @geoffhannis about courses and treadles, @woodmungler about fretsaws, catching up with @stoffercraft who gave me an amazing hand made/forged froe and sorted out my aching back with a massage, the fantastic teaching and humour of @carvingandturning and bumping into @turnaleg who I met on a chair making course earlier in the year. But so much more:
The games in Toad Hall (and of course the Toad In the Hole competition - the rules are mostly a mystery still!), the band, the singing,
the food, the company. And I even lead the leader board for bagatelle for about 30 minutes until @geoffhannis came along…. Never mind. Maybe next year.
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Overall a fantastic experience. I will definitely be signing up for the next one. Thank you everyone who made it so special.

Hazel wood scoop / shovel type spoon.
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I don’t often get big enough pieces of hazel wood to carve, so this was a real treat. Nice and crisp with a lovely creamy colour. Gorgeous.
(If anyone local to me has any going spare of a good size diameter I would be a very willing recipient!)
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These days I generally don’t put too much thought into a specific design - there’s usually a vague idea of I want to carve and I go from there.
At the time the idea for this was ‘short scoop with an open end’.
I think it turned out okay.
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This approach has given me a lot more freedom to be creative, which is ultimately why I do this.
Most of the time the things I make are incidental to carving rather than the reason for it. A bit deep perhaps but I have thought about this a lot.
That’s the current thinking anyway. Maybe that will change if I ever do this full time.
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This was one of a few I began at a recent craft fair at @horsenden where I was demonstrating and chatting to people about the new woodland workshop there.*
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Have a good day!
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*We will be running all kinds of craft courses. Still lots to do to get it ready but feel free to get in touch if you’re curious or want to join the mailing list to be informed when it begins.
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Black locust potting scoop. Tough but worth the effort.
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One of a few scoop commissions, this one began life at @horsenden while the new woodland workshop was being built.
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I’m very happy with it. Collette who ordered it likes it too - which is the important thing. I’m looking forward to seeing the plants she grows. 🪴
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Cute sycamore coffee scoop ready for its first cup.
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I’ve not posted for a while, so I thought I’d remedy that with a coffee scoop.
@loubylougal found this in my drying box (it’s not as sophisticated as it sounds: a cardboard box with woodchip in…), so after a few finishing cuts here it is.
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More to follow, and classes too.
had a wonderful day at @horsenden demonstrating at a craft fair organised by @little_emmabird and lots of interest in carving.
Exciting times!
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New beginnings at @horsenden …
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I learned to carve at Horsenden Hill, in West London with @thomas_bickerdike_crafts back in February 2019. It was a present from @loubylougal and a bit of a turning point really.
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A lot has happened since then, not least a global pandemic.
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Carving greenwood using traditional hand tools started off as a hobby, then became a passion and eventually a bit of an obsession.
But, it has been good for me. Very good. It got me back in touch with my creative side, with nature and a whole community of friends all around the world. It helped me through some dark times and has put a smile on my face a great many times too.
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Now, I want to give something back.
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With the help of the amazing Tricky ( @yoden_crafts ), Kirk ( @yeoldepubgames ) and Nick ( @nickthecraftsman ) and Martha (Tricky’s ever patient and chilled pooch), this wonderful place has been built.
The Temple of the Spoon, as it has affectionately been called, stands exactly where the old shelter was. The store contains some of the timbers from the old shelter and many of the poles for the main structure came from the surrounding woodland. It’s soul is very much an extension of the place and the people: The Horsenden Hill community rallied around and helped raise the bays and @stephenhaskett has been taking pictures and filming while I’ve had to do the day job. I am immensely grateful to everyone. It has been an exciting and humbling experience.
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This has been possible with the patience of @loubylougal and the support and sponsorship of @horsenden (Jon, Emma, Elsa, Justin, Beth, Mike, Emma, Anthony and so, so, many more - including a special mention of Charlie from Emma’s forest school who helped carry a log!) and I look forward to welcoming others here, to hopefully pass on some of the magic of the place. - Maybe for a day as a bit of solace or interest, or maybe to learn a crafting obsession like I did…
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There are still lots of things to plan and make but soon the doors (gate) will be open.
We look forward to seeing you very soon.
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Watch this space.
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#greenwoodcarving #handcraft #workshop #community #builtbyhand #makersmovement #makersofinstagram #sloyd

I made a chair!
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I’d like to thank Rob Duckmanton of @redwoodchairs for a fantastic week learning to make this great chair, based on a design by Curtis Buchanan.
I’d also like to thank Tim from the @thegreenwoodguild who hosted, made a LOT of coffee (it was definitely needed), provided snacks, lunch and encouragement (as well as making his own beautiful chair!) and the other attendees, Ellen, Maryanne and Charlie, who made this so much fun.
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I’m not going to lie, it was hard work and a lot to get done to turn what was essentially a log and profiled planks into a chair. But after trusting in Rob, the process, his huge amount of knowledge, patience, humour and guitar playing, a new chair was born!
A nice one too. Just look at that beautiful spalting!
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I will definitely be making more of these.

Cute little eating spoon, carved by hand from beech wood.
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I rarely make eating spoons.
I suppose it’s because at craft fairs and markets few general public seem to want them. They are missing out, they really are!
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As of today, I’m not going to let that drive my behaviour, because I genuinely smile when I look at this. It was a pleasure to make too - if a bit hard on the hands as it was completely dry when finishing off.
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Mostly I make big spoons, scoops and bowls these days (more room for the faceted swoops I like to create…) but I learned to carve by making eating spoons like this… This hobby and sanity-saving creative outlet began with little things.
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I don’t want to lose the connection to when I first discovered this happy pastime at @horsenden back in February 2018 guided by @thomas_bickerdike_crafts . In many ways it’s going full circle now.
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*More on that soon.*
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In the meantime this will go into stock. Hopefully someone can experience the pleasure of eating with a wooden spoon for the first time with it.
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There are a few more small ones waiting in the ‘work in progress’ basket then onto some scoop commissions.
I love making scoops and as they will be for special people they are going to be even more enjoyable to create.
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Have a great day. 🙂
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A pair of simple salad servers made by hand from tulip wood.
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I rarely make salad servers, mainly because they can be considered one item, yet take twice the time to make…
That said, if a friend wants a set as a special gift for his Mum (which is the caee for these) then I’m happy to give it a go.
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@loubylougal and I recently visited @woodmungler to learn to make brushes and her Mum ( @curiouslyquirky ) kindly gave me some tulip wood. Thank you so much! It’s beautiful.
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This wood is so easy to carve. A touch on the soft side but for salad servers I think it will be fine. I carved some dry beech wood immediately after and it felt like steel in comparison!
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This pair will be getting their own personalised holder with the initials of a couple of very important people in. I’m looking forward to making that when I find the right piece of wood.
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Have a good day.
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Cute faceted kuksa, carved from apple wood by hand.
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The second of a similar size from the same locally sourced log. These hold just under 150ml (quarter of a pint) and are finished with food and allergy safe oil.
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I’m enjoying making these - even if apple wood gets very tough when it drys… A good way to test the hands and tools, that’s for sure!
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Another one for stock and will be available soon.
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Slanted teardrop bowl. Hand carved from sycamore.
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This bowl has had quite a journey.
Starting life as a kuksa, it developed a crack in the handle early on, so that had to go.
Not wanting to give up, it became a bowl. And in many ways I’m glad it did. I’ve learned a lot from making this.
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The outside is ebonised with the help of a tannin additive made from black tea and ebonising liquid made from wire wool steeped in white vinegar courtesy of @the.wood.head about 2 years ago. Thank you, Steve!
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The thin wall has allowed some of this to seep through in the end-grain, which I actually quite like. The other colours are natural.
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Now back to the commission and request list!
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A simple sycamore rice bowl.
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Like the others I’ve made recently this bowl was turned on my pole lathe then finished with my knives.
This is 16cm diameter x 5.5cm tall, with a nice thin wall (if I do say so myself! 🤣)
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I’m still not quite confident enough to keep the pole lathe turned finish (the finish I typically get looks like a ploughed field right now), but this has opened up something I tried a while back with @geoffhannis : pole lathe bowl blanks. While I practice that’s mostly what I will be making I suspect.
The next bowl is definitely less simple compared to the last two. Anyone following my stories last week may have spotted a bit of practice work…
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This has Odies oil on too, which I’m finding really good.
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Simple little conical sycamore bowl.
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Just a little bowl really. There’s not much more I can say. You could eat from it or store your trinkets in it…
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Elliptical on top (14cm x 12cm), about 5cm tall with a circular foot underneath.
This has been waiting as work-in-progress for a while, so it’s nice to get out of the way and into stock before getting back to commissions.
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Turned on a pole lathe then knife finished, and sealed with @odiesoil.uk
(Note. There is no commercial benefit for mentioning that - but their products really are good!)
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No 2 for 2025: Sycamore tucker kuksa…
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It started off life as a commission for a regular kuksa, but I just couldn’t bring myself to make it any smaller... I may need to make another kuksa for that customer if it’s too big. Which it probably will be really.
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This is closer to a tucker bowl in size, but in the shape of a kuksa… with a few big old facets on - I can’t resist doing those.
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Maybe it’s a kukster, tucksa? Any ideas? 🤷‍♂️
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I don’t know if I will make any more of these, but it has been fun to carve all the same.
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Sycamore wood kindly donated by @carvingandturning . Thanks Ali!
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The rest of the log will be turned on the pole lathe Ali and I built. I called it Ashley due to it being constructed mostly from Ash… imaginatively named, I think you will agree.
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First up for 2025: Hawthorn serving spoon.
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I think the morning sun has picked up the colours really well.
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The wood for this came from Horsenden Hill Farm. If you don’t know it check out @horsenden - it’s a fantastic place!
Jon the Ranger (quite possibly the best job title ever) was busy clearing, and the beautiful piece this came from was hidden amongst the detritus. Quite a result I think. Thanks Jon!
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This is a replacement for a previously carved spoon which unfortunately cracked, and I am very happy with how this has turned out.
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Let’s hope this is a sign for how 2025 carves go! 🤞
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Have a good day.
Russ

Last one for 2024: A big cherry serving spoon.
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This year has been like a rollercoaster to be honest: lots of ups and downs. Some exciting, some downright scary.
Trying to get a big project off the ground has been somewhat frustrating, but was reminded today that this is a great time of year for new beginnings. I’m glad for the reminder. Great advice too. Thank you.
So, watch this space for something new and exciting in 2025!
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Before that, here’s the last of 2024 - a big serving spoon made from a cherry wood crook kindly given to me by @stoffercraft a while back.
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This shouldn’t have worked.
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As a rule, carving across the pith is a bad idea. I’m delighted it did though, and I’m taking this as a lesson that sometimes you have to try something new - even if the common practice is another way. It’s a risk, but try it anyway! Either way, you’re going to learn something.
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I hope you have had a good 2024, and wish you all the very best for 2025.
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Russ

Big ash scoop. Good for potting or dry goods (flour etc.)
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Scoops are fun, and a nice challenge to make. A sort of open-ended kuksa really.
When carving, they carry similar risks, so when these go well it’s very satisfying.
I’ve made lots of these now, so most do work out thankfully.
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*Note.* If you’re going to try one of these for the first time, my advice is to keep the wall thickness consistent and thin (I aim for about 5mm before finishing cuts) as then the wood can move, and in my experience you get fewer cracks.
I’ve also found using a more mellow wood (vs very fresh green) means less movement and fewer cracking problems too…
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This particular scoop was a commission. This is destined to be gifted to someone who likes gardening, for potting. That makes me really happy as I know it’s going to get used.
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Ash does get quite tough as it dries, so my hands are very relieved this is done now too!
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#spooncarver #spooncarving #madebyhand #makersmovement #handmade #handtoolsonly #madewithlove #woodenscoop

Little apple kuksa finished and oiled.
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In general, apple can get pretty tough to carve as it dries, and often has some quite interesting inclusions too.
This one didn’t disappoint: it was really hard and has an inclusion that looks just like a crack… (if you look carefully you can see it on the inside back).
This gave me a moment’s panic when I first saw it. Thankfully it’s just aesthetic.
I like to think/hope it gives this cute cup a bit of character.
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I’m working my way through some commissions at the moment and the next one is also a kuksa… but about twice the size of this one.
So perfect for food as well as drinks.
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@jack_labanowski suggested maybe a kuksa could be turned on a pole lathe when I met him earlier in the week.
Interesting idea.
Maybe if made from a very green half log, and allowed to warp to a nice oval. 🤔
Worth a try, but that is definitely above my level of skill just now… Maybe someone can try. @carvingandturning , @geoffhannis ?
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#spooncarver #spooncarving #madebyhand #makersmovement #handmade #handtoolsonly #madewithlove #kuksa

Cherry server/ladle with a new kind of handle…
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This idea has been in my head for a while:
A hook to stop the spoon falling into the pot, and a hole to hang it up… in one. I seems to have worked out well. ✅
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This is the first of a new range and will come with a stand (once I’ve carved it…).
After all, if you’ve got a stand-out spoon, why not add a stand?
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As with everything I make, this is evolving. But after a successful Ealing BEAT a few weeks back I’m beginning to feel like I have more direction now.
It’s only taken me 6 and a half years! 🤣
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Next up: the biggest ladle I’ve ever made.
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Testing out a Spoon Plane…
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Point 1:
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I didn’t show the test on greenwood. It didn’t go well and forgot to press ‘record’! 🤦‍♂️
I don’t think this tool is ideal for it though. The plane became clogged and there are better tools for it in my opinion. Having said that, it could be down to the edge geometry of the blade, which I’m sure could be resolved.
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Point 2.
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As with everything, with practice use will be easier and results better. This is the first time I have tried this, and it probably shows! 🤣
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Overall, I quite like my spoon plane and will definitely use it more. 7 out of 10.
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I hope this review is useful if anyone else is considering getting one.
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Russ

New tool to try!
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Yes, I have too many tools. It’s something I’m aware of. But when researching Japanese Planes I saw this and resistance was futile.
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Fortunately for me I found someone in the UK who had one…
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The handle is coated bronze so has a nice weight to it, and the blade is supposed to be good quality high carbon. 🤞
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It definitely needs honing but it could possibly be useful for the bigger carved bowls I’m making, after they’re dry and want to get hard-to-remove ridges out.
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Let’s see…
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A couple of recently completed pieces.
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After nearly selling out at Ealing BEAT I have a lot of stock to replace.
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The first one was a commission made from mellow beech for a local artist, @valeriesmithart (her work is beautiful - do take a look!).
Technically not for stock, but was nice to do as it’s for one of the Hanwell Arts and Craft Hub members and such a nice person too.
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The second was a spoon that’s been sitting for months in my ‘not quite done’ pile. I suppose it’s because: a) the wood is hard (very hard - dry laburnum heart wood)… and b) I just don’t carve eating spoons very often! Anyway, it’s done and I feel better about getting on with other work.
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More in the pipeline.
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How to get a hand carved spoon.
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Hi, I’m at @ealingbeat all day today.
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There are four ways to get your own hand carved spoon from me:
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1. Choose one of my finished ones,
2. Select one I am finishing*
3. Pick a design (or designs) and commission one*, or
4. Put your name down for a beginner day course and carve your own.
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* Once done you can collect it, or I can post it to you.
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Also, if you have time, why not try a mini-trail around Hanwell on @ealingbeat? I am a member of Hanwell Arts & Craft Hub, set up for exactly that.
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Participating artists are:
Venue 15: Brenda Gabriels @brendaghanwell
Venue 16: Russ West @russelljwest
Venue 17: Agata Henderson @polkadotcowdesigns
Venue 18: Daniel Haskett @haskettprints
Venue 19: Gabrielle Deveney @gabrielledvn
Venue 20: Gina Rivellini Jewellery @ginarjewel
Venue 20: Susie Heyes @susieheyesart
Venue 22: Valerie Smith @valeriesmithart
Venue 23+: Mary King @murielsmagpie and Mardi Smith @sunny_girl_art_and_craft
Venue 24: Vicky Goldsobel @vickygoldsobel
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See you soon!

Carving demo’s on @ealingbeat
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At Venue 16 on St Margarets Road you will find me demonstrating spoon carving all day Saturday.
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I will use traditional hand tools and techniques and starting from a log will go through each step, explaining as I carve.
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Feel free to drop by between 11:00am and 6pm and take a look.
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Design catalogue for @ealingbeat
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At Venue 16, the 14th and 15th was far more successful than I could have hoped for.
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This meant I have nearly sold out. (I’m definitely not complaining though!).
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So, to avoid turning anyone away I have made up a catalogue of some of my designs.
I will also be demonstrating so do come down if you’re curious about carving anyway!
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If you want a unique item find me at Venue 16 on St Margarets Road in Hanwell on the 21st between 11am and 6pm.
Take a look at the designs and pick one (maybe a combination) or bring a design of your own, and I can make you something special for delivery soon.
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Or put your name down for a beginners carving day so you can make your own!
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I’m also part of Hanwell Arts and Craft Hub. Please check out these amazing artists too:
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Venue 15: Brenda Gabriels @brendaghanwell
Venue 17: Agata Henderson @polkadotcowdesigns
Venue 18: Daniel Haskett @haskettprints
Venue 19: Gabrielle Deveney @gabrielledvn
Venue 20: Gina Rivellini Jewellery @ginarjewel
Venue 20: Susie Heyes @susieheyesart
Venue 22: Valerie Smith @valeriesmithart
Venue 23+: Mary King @murielsmagpie and Mardi Smith @sunny_girl_art_and_craft
Venue 24: Vicky Goldsobel @vickygoldsobel
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See you there!

Day two of @ealingbeat and welcome to Venue 16 on St Margarets Road in Hanwell. Open 11am to 6pm.
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Hi, I’m Russ and I carve greenwood (that is, unseasoned wood).
I will be displaying my work, selling some and demonstrating how I carve throughout the day.
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I’m also making up a waitlist for anyone interested in having a go themselves. I run beginner day-courses and I’m planning 2025 events.
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I hope to see you soon.
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Russ.

All set up at Venue 16 for @ealingbeat
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I’m here 11-6 on the 14th, 15th and 21st.
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I will be displaying my work and demonstrating carving. The day is looking beautiful so why not take a walk, get some fresh air and have a look. I’m building a waitlist for beginner carving lessons too.
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I’m also part of the Hanwell Arts and Craft Hub. Check out the others in our little group below:
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Venue 15: Brenda Gabriels @brendaghanwell
Venue 16: Russ West @russelljwest
Venue 17: Agata Henderson @polkadotcowdesigns
Venue 18: Daniel Haskett @haskettprints
Venue 19: Gabrielle Deveney @gabrielledvn
Venue 20: Gina Rivellini Jewellery @ginarjewel
Venue 20: Susie Heyes @susieheyesart
Venue 22: Valerie Smith @valeriesmithart
Venue 23+: Mary King @murielsmagpie and Mardi Smith @sunny_girl_art_and_craft
Venue 24: Vicky Goldsobel @vickygoldsobel
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Back after a few months at an exhibition.
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I made this big thing a while back, but it’s been in a spoon exhibition for a while.
Sadly it has a small bit of damage I need to repair on the neck, but will be fine. A lesson learned to be careful who to trust with my work…
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It’s really interesting to look back on old makes, and in this case pick it back up again.
I’d honestly forgotten how it feels to hold and as the colour has mellowed it feels almost as if it’s grown up without me.
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I will be taking lots of pictures as even though I often make things up as I go (this being unusual as it was inspired by Gaudi’s amazing work) I’d like to do another with a similar bowl. Maybe without a handle next time…
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This will very soon be going on a trip. I will miss it as I think it’s the best thing I’ve ever carved. But, it deserves a new home.
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#carversofinstagram #carvedbyhand #handtoolsonly #makersmovement #spooncarving #somethingdiffrent #sloyd #slojd #sløjd #slöjd #madebyhand #greenwoodworking

A couple of spoons I’d forgotten to post here.
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The scoop was inspired by those made by the world renowned Martin Hazel ( @mr_the_creature ). Although I’m yet to inlay anything into the handle. (One has to walk before running after all!)
I believe the wood to be spalted sycamore but I’m not 100% sure… let’s call it mystery wood.
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The spoon is an experiment. I’ve made a few like this. The dimple in the handle is actually quite comfortable to hold. That’s definitely cherry wood.
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These are both going to be available at Ealing BEAT along with lots of others. All your spoon needs are covered. 👍
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I intend to try a Live (or whatever they’re called). Let’s see how things go. If I’m busy with in-person stuff then I may not be able to… but if anyone has done those and can give me any advice I’d appreciate it.
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Russ

It’s nearly here! Don’t miss out!
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The first weekend of @ealingbeat is just around the corner and I am delighted to be involved along with 69 other studios (and a huge amount of artists - over 200!).
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You will gain free entry over two weekends to studios showing what the artists do and where they create. You can chat about ideas directly with the artists, commission a piece or purchase a gift, a greeting card, a print, or get something hand made, and more.
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I am also really happy to be part of the Hanwell Art and Crafts Hub too:
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We are 11 creators located across 9 venues, very near to each other in the Hanwell area.
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Participating artists local to our open studio are:
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Venue 15: Brenda Gabriels @brendaghanwell
Venue 16: Russ West - Me!
Venue 17: Agata Henderson @polkadotcowdesigns
Venue 18: Daniel Haskett @haskettprints
Venue 19: Gabrielle Deveney @gabrielledvn
Venue 20: Gina Rivellini Jewellery @ginarjewel
Venue 20: Susie Heyes @susieheyesart
Venue 22: Valerie Smith @valeriesmithart
Venue 23+: Mary King @murielsmagpie and Mardi Smith @sunny_girl_art_and_craft
Venue 24: Vicky Goldsobel @vickygoldsobel
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Why not make a day of it and go for a walk: take in some art and a bit of craft too.
It’s just under a mile between the furthest of us. Why not end at a nice pub (the @thefoxinnhanwell is just down the road from me…).
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You can visit between 11 - 6pm on the days each studio is open, (details can be found in the online digital brochure). I’m open on the 14th, 15th and 21st at my venue on St Margarets Road.
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I look forward to welcoming you!
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Russ
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Music:

Section 1 Music: Positive Folk Guitar
Musician: NyLon
Music Section 2: Remembering Lost Love
Musician: Maike Watson

Throwback post: Stock take time.
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This is the most stock I think I’ve ever had:
27 spoons / scoops
12 bowls/kuksas/shrink pots (other stuff).
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This represents a LOT of work over 5 months part time.
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These days I so few craft fairs , but will be at Apple Day at @horsenden on the 13th September. Mostly demonstrating and chatting about this craft, but will have a few things with me too.
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I hope to see you there.
Russ.
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#makersmovement #sloyd #madebyhand #woodcarving #spooncarving #handtoolsonly #arttrail #makersofinstagram #slöjd #sløjd #hanwell #bowlcarving

Beech wood citrus reamer - this one is a present.
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I caught up with @stoffercraft recently at his woodland carving spot, and he kindly gave me a nice piece of mellow beech wood (and a lot of cherry!). And, wow, it’s been a real delight to carve. This emerged from some of that.
Thanks Lee!
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@loubylougal has been waiting patiently for one of these. Just needs to dry for a bit longer, have a coating of oil and it’s all yours!
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I usually turn blanks for these on my pole lathe, but as that needs a bit of TLC this one was by eye and axe. It’s not perfect but I like it.
It definitely needed a bit of a spiral in the flutes. Naturally.
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More of these in the future for sure.
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#handcarved #woodcarving #madebyhand #handroolsonly #madewithlove #makersmovement #makersgonnamake #butisitart #sloyd #slojd #slöjd #sløjd #mindfulpasstime

Introducing the Hanwell Arts & Craft Hub. 11 artists, 9 venues within 1 mile.
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Those who follow me will have seen a few posts on the Borough of Ealing Art Trail (BEAT for short).
This is taking place during 14th, 15th, 21st and 22nd September - although I personally won’t be open on the 22nd.
There are over 200 artists across 69 venues - some are opening up their studios and workshops, others in shared locations. It’s a huge event and one I’d definitely recommend taking a look at.
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Hanwell Arts & Craft Hub is a group of 11 artists across 9 venues, all within a mile of each other. We have grouped up to encourage people to visit our lovely corner of Ealing Borough in Hanwell. We hope you can visit.
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This little video introduces us:
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Venue 15: Brenda Gabriel - @brendaghanwell
Venue 16: Russ West - @russelljwest
Venue 17: Agata Henderson - @polkadotcowdesigns
Venue 18: Daniel Haskett - @haskettprints
Venue 19: Gabrielle Deveney - @gabrielledvn
Venue 20: Gina Rivellini Jewellery - @ginarjewel
Venue 20: Susie Heyes - @susieheyesart
Venue 22: Valerie Smith - @valeriesmithart
Venue 23: Muriel’s Magpie (Mary King and Mardi Smith) - @murielsmagpie
Venue 24: Vicky Goldsobel - @vickygoldsobel
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Also check out @ealingbeat where you can see more information on the while event, and access a digital brochure too.
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@stephenhaskett #ealingbeat #arttrail #artistsoninstagram #makersmovement #spooncarving #makersofinstagram #woodcarving #bowlcarving #artlover #craft
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Octagonal alder wood bowl - something different.
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I started this back in July on a course run by Adam Hawker ( @adamhawker1 ) at Spoontown. Now oiled and ready to be used.
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Something of a departure from my usual curves and decided to leave the tool marks in the inside.
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What do you think? I’m not sure… but perhaps I need to try new designs, for a change! 🤣
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This will be available at #ealingbeat
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#arttrail #woodcarving #bowlcarving #madebyhand #handtoolsonly #makersmovement #mindful #carvingwood #hanwell #ealing #sloyd

A couple more drying for #ealingbeat. Plum and loquat wood.
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@mulholland_diane gave me the plum wood at a recent carve at @plotandponder ‘s place. It’s been waiting to be finished for a few weeks. I’m happy with how it turned out. Thanks Diane!
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The loquat was from a log @rachel_bainton and I split at Spoontown, (after a LOT of effort!). Honestly, it’s possibly the hardest wood I’ve carved! Takes a nice finish though, I think. Thank you for persuading me not to give up on splitting that log Rachel!
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These will be available at Ealing BEAT.
I will be at venue 16 on the 14th, 15th and 21st September.
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@ealingbeat #arttrail #ealing #hanwell #woodcarving #spooncarving #madebyhand #handroolsonly #makersmovement #makersgonnamake #makersofinstagram #sloyd

Some new little things enjoying the sun. Hopefully ready for #ealingbeat
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I will be open from 11am to 6pm on the 14th, 15th and 21st Sept (2024, if you’re reading this after the event!) at the Borough of Ealing Art Trail (BEAT).
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You will find me under a gazebo at Venue 16. That sounds very posh doesn’t it?!
Basically, I’m moving my workshop to the front yard of the house so it’s nicely accessible. If it rains there is room to stand and chat.
I will be demonstrating my craft too, so long as it’s safe to do so (i.e it’s not raining and people can stand back).
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If you’re curious about carving pop along. I’m also kicking off a waitlist for beginner day-courses.
(Yes, I know, I’ve already mentioned that but, you know, repetition is a good thing!)
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@ealingbeat #arttrail #artsandcrafts #carving #handcarved #madebyhand #isitart #handtoolsonly #makersmovement #makersgonnamake #makersofinstagram #mindful #getyourstepsin #sloyd #hanwell #ealing

At #ealingbeat I’m starting a carving day waitlist.
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Craft is proven to be good for you.
There are many articles and publications on it, and I have personally benefited from it too.
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It is no secret that I enjoy my craft of carving, especially as the result is creative as well as useful. During the Covid lockdowns it was a real tonic.
But I want to share this with more people.
And by sharing I don’t just mean the pictures and videos I post about it - I mean actually having a go in a safe and relaxing atmosphere.
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In the past I have run beginner day courses. Some at my home workshop in Hanwell, others at a nice woodland location with my friends at @horsenden in Perivale.
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I am at Venue 16 on the 14th, 15th and 21st September @ealingbeat and will be starting a waitlist.
For the most popular dates I will run more day-courses.
These will be groups of up to 5, over 18 y/o (or 16 if accompanied by an adult and are mature enough).
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For visitors on the #ealingbeat days, I will be offering 10% discount if you put your name down.
If you are employed by the NHS, any of the emergency services, Forces or a school then I will increase that to 20%. I will just need to see a pass or a @bluelightcard if you have one.
If you can’t make it to the BEAT and are still interested just send me a DM here.
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I hope to see you.
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#craftcourses #handmade #mindful #reducestress #carvingwood #handtoolsonly #trysomethingdifferent #spooncarving #woodenspooncarving #sloyd #slojd #sløjd #slöjd

I’m excited to be joining Ealing BEAT 2024 in September.
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Steve Haskett ( @stephenhaskett ) kindly took some video this weekend and I’ve used some of it here.
He may be retired from his cameraman job but he even managed to make me look good! Thank you Steve!
His son, Daniel ( @haskettprints ) will also be taking part along with about 200 artists over 69 venues around Ealing and Hanwell where I live.
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We have formed a small local group of 10 or so artists as an informal Hanwell Arts & Crafts Hub.
We are all within about a mile of each other so if you’re visiting me, they are in short walking distance and have some beautiful work on show.
More information on that soon.
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Ealing BEAT kicks off at 11am on the 14th September and runs across 2 weekends.
For more details on the while event, check out @ealingbeat or have a look at ealingbeat.org.uk.
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I hope to see you there.
For those who can’t make it in person I am going to attempt a ‘Live’ if signal/technology allows.
Russ
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#ealingbeat #sloyd #makersmovement #handtoolsonly #makersofinstagram #spooncarving #woodcarving #spooncarver #arttrail #ealing #hanwell #westlondon

Silky oak curvy kuksa, now needing sealing.
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This is my first kuksa, and it has a bit of a story…
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Two cracks developed during carving, so I left it while deciding what to do, thinking I’d probably bin it.
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Not long after that I joined the Kuksa King, @paul_woodlandcraft , at @spoon.town Pretown and learned how I should have *actually* done it…
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As the wood is so beautiful I couldn’t bring myself to throw it away.
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This final design was a reaction to the mistakes I made. You can probably guess where the cracks were!
I think there’s a lesson in there somewhere…
Lots of careful oiling and drying coming up now as this wood is porous.
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This piece and a lot more will be out for view (and purchase if you fancy it) at @ealingbeat along with a lot of talented artists and makers here in Ealing borough, West London.
I will be moving my workshop to my front garden, and demonstrating and exhibiting my carving on the 14th, 15th and 21st September. It would be great to see you.
Please check out my previous post on that. 👍
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#kuksa #kuksacarving #woodcarving #handtoolsonly #madebyhand #ealingbeat #spooncarving #spooncarver #makersmovement #makersofinstagram #sloyd #slöjd #sløjd

This year I am excited to be taking part in the #ealingbeat
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Organised by @ealingbeat across 69 locations, hundreds of artists are opening their studios and workshops to the public to show what they do. You can buy some art too if you like.
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I will be doing the same on the 14th, 15th and 21st of September.
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I have walked the trail in the past, but in 2024 I’m giving it a go, and bringing my workshop to my front garden (well, it’s a yard really but sounds so much better if I call it a garden…). I will be carving and demonstrating my own craft and will have items for sale if that takes your fancy.
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As a bit of an incentive Ealing BEAT is organising a draw to win £150 to spend on any of the artists work.
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So get some fresh air, some steps in, see what the local artists are up to and maybe take some art home.
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I hope to see you there and for those who can’t visit in person I may try a ‘Live’. Let’s see!
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#ealing #arttrail #handmade #madebyhand #hanwell #handcarved #handtoolsonly #makersmovement #makersofinstagram #spooncarving #bowlcarving #sloyd #slöjd #sløjd

Creatives Creating No.2: Naama lila - the master of detail carving a spoon.
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I’ve always enjoyed sketching, and this is the second in a series I’m working on (very slowly), illustrating creative people doing what they love: creating.
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I hope to get more of these done soon. Watch this space.
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Thank you to @naama.lila for trusting me and agreeing to be a subject.
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This was drawn on an iPad using really high resolution (8000 x 8000), so Naama can print this out if she wants to.
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I don’t intend for this to be a commercial thing. The pleasure is in the drawing for me. Maybe an exhibition one day… who knows.
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#sketch #ipadart #makers #artistsoninstagram #sloyd #slojd #slöjd #sløjd #madebyhand

Trying out this tool made by @carvedbytrev, and I love it!
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I’ve been off carving for a few weeks while a sore wrist heals. I tried a bit of carving at the beginning of the week and the twinge was still there. Today was much better. So with trepidation I’m carefully getting back into it.
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I’ve been testing out a marvellous new tool Trevor sent me.
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It’s based on what the native americans call a paddle or totem carving knife… also looks a bit like a Japanese Yari Ganna to my eyes. Either way it’s quite different to anything I’ve used before.
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Here are some thoughts and feedback:
I love it.
The bevel is on the opposite side to what you’d usually expect, plus it’s on both edges.
This means you can’t push with your thumb, but actually that’s fine as this tool is designed to be used in a different way.
It can catch in the work if you use it like a tool with a bevel you’d have against the work, but with a bit of practice you’re soon not having that problem.
The handle is nice and long and the curve means you can rest it against your arm which gives you more leverage.
You do need to be more aware of how the blade addresses the work but i’m finding that is fine once you get used to it: pushing the flat underside onto the work and pulling back produces nice curls, clean cuts, and manages easily along and across the grain.
Using a chest-lever-type technique works really well too.
Plus, as there is a flat as well as a curved part to this, it works well on flat as well as dished surfaces.
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Overall I’d say this is possibly best for shallower cuts, finishing is where I may use this most.
Having said that I’m just getting started, so will share more pictures and hopefully a few videos on this in the coming days.
Great work Trev. Loving this tool!
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#newtools #somethingnew #handtools #shrinkpot #handcarved #woodcarving #madebyhand #makersmovement #spooncarver

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Sustainable Woodworking: Crafting Functional Art from Nature

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