Nobody Wants Holes in Their Bowls, Dad.

He's got a point, I guess, but sometimes there is a real beauty in the "not quite right" nature of my work. If you follow my creations, you might pick up on the two main approaches I take to woodworking:

The Two Faces of My Woodworking

1. Seeking Perfection: This is the approach where I strive for perfect joints and a faultless, flawless sanded finish. The kind of piece that achieves a flawless standard, reflecting timeless quality and flowing lines.

2. Embracing Imperfection: This is where I love to create pieces that have elements of perfect finish alongside the raw character and imperfections of the special timber itself.

Not everything in life needs to be purely practical, but I do believe all things should seek to reflect beauty. William Morris says it well.

So, here is my latest bowl. Yes, it has a hole in it. I think it’s beautiful. Just don’t try and put your porridge in it. It won't go well! 😉

Next time you look at my work, see if you can spot these two approaches playing out alongside each other.

Christmas is Coming: Gifts of Craft & Character!

Christmas is fast approaching, and I'm working hard to get fresh stock ready for everyone’s gifts.

My handcrafted items make lovely, unique gifts for the people in your life who:

• Love to create meals in the kitchen.

• Savor their coffee ritual in the morning.

• Love plants and dry flowers.

• Enjoy presenting food on a beautiful platter.

Check out the work below! As a way of saying thanks for signing up to this newsletter, I've put a little 10% Christmas discount code here just for you: Use code: ITSCHRISTMAS at checkout! and follow this link to purchase

If you don't see something on the site that you're hoping for, please reply here, and I'll see what I can get making for you.

Don't wait too long, though. I'm already getting busy, and custom slots and popular items are selling quickly at this time.

Inspiration from the Himalayas

I just spent a few days visiting a Tibetan village. Many years ago, my wife and I were fortunate enough to work in a similar area for about 10 years, so it was wonderful to be back in that context.

I was immediately struck again by the lovely building details on the traditional structures. Their carvings are often roughly finished and quickly created, yet they look absolutely amazing from the ground. I was also deeply impressed by the traditional wood joinery holding these massive structures together.

It reminded me of the lack of craft skill and detail we often settle for in our modern homes here in NZ, especially compared to the lengths that indigenous cultures go to create beauty in their shared meeting areas.

Do you think we are worse off having moved to a more pragmatic, cost-driven approach to architecture in our modern lives? Maybe it's the only way forward now that labor costs have increased, but it's certainly food for thought!

Finally: A Fierce Call for Peace

I can't finish without mentioning a book I've been listening to. A friend suggested the book HOPE by Pope Francis.

In his autobiography, Hope, Pope Francis delivers a powerful reflection on his life and the urgent need for global change. Drawing on the suffering of his own family, he repeatedly condemns global conflicts. He is blunt in his assessment of conflict as a defeat driven by political greed, not necessity.

His signature phrase is unforgettable: "War is stupid."

A compelling read on active hope and the search for lasting peace. We all could probably do with reading this one.

At this time of Christmas, we remember the Hope that comes in the Christmas story. May we be active peace makers in our world, our neighborhoods, and our families.

Merry Christmas.